Team

Global Science adventurers

Discover our expeditions

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Paola Catapano

Project leader & science communicator

Paola Catapano is a science communicator at CERN, science journalist, arctic and antarctic reporter, Polarquest project manager and much more.

Mike Struik

Technical Coordinator & Aerial photographer

Mike Struik is an aeronautical engineer, adventure photographer, arctic reporter, delta and drone pilot.

Kevin Monneron

Engineer and Diver

Kevin Monneron is an engineer, free diver and a scientific and technical support with a passion for adventure.

Gianluca Casagrande

Scientific Drone Pilot

Gianluca Casagrande is an Associate Professor and the Scientific Director of Geographic Research and Application Laboratory (European University of Rome).

Giovanni Acquarone

Skipper - Best Explorer

Giovanni (“Nanni”) Acquarone is an extremely experienced arctic skipper and sailor.

Nicoletta Martini

Sailor - Best Explorer

Nicoletta Martini is a chemical engineer and expert arctic sailor.

Aleksandra Kruss

Oceanographer

A Svalbard veteran working for NORBIT_SUBSEA and CNR ISMAR, Venice, Aleksandra is a an oceanographer and underwater acoustic expert.

Katarina Anthony

Science communicator

Katarina Anthony is a science communicator at CERN, arctic journalist and website developer.

Cristina Agrigoroae

Science writer

Cristina is a science writer working at CERN and photo-journalist with Arctic experience.

Safiria Buono

Microplastic Mantanet operator

Safiria performed the microplastic sampling during Polarquest2018. She became an experienced sailor and now supports our activities with expeditions on her own boat, now in the Mediterranean.

Stefano Aliani

Microplastic scientist

Stefano Aliani is the scientific leader of the Microplastic project, as well as a marine biologist, Microplastic international expert, and member of POLARNET.

Ombretta Pinazza

Cosmic Ray Scientist

Ombretta is a researcher at INFN Bologna and working at CERN as an expert in detector control systems. She is also an expert mountaineer and amateur sailor.

Our Talks & Educational programmes

Our team of science adventurers love sharing their experiences and knowledge with people 9 to 90! Through partnered public talks, classroom sessions or science events, the team has a wide range of experience sharing their enthusiasm.

Interested in having a Polarquest adventurer at your next event? Get in touch!