Live in the moment.

Julie (she/her) began her journey with Semester at Sea as an undergraduate student on the Summer 2010 voyage. After earning her master’s degree, she started her career with ISE in August 2016 as Regional Director of Enrollment and University Relations. She then worked in independent school philanthropy for five years before her return to ISE in 2024 as Associate Director of Advancement.

Julie grew up in the United States and France, and has also lived in Thailand (and on the MV Explorer!). In her free time, Julie enjoys spending time with her family and two rescue dogs, going to concerts, meeting new people, cooking, skiing, traveling, and reading.

Austin sailed as a student on the Fall 2014 voyage while attending the University of San Diego. Austin earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Finance with a minor in Non-Profit Leadership Studies from USD. Austin started at Bailard Wealth Management in 2016, working with individuals, families, and non-profits to help guide them along their financial journey and be a responsible steward of their capital. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and Enrolled Agent, helping clients navigate a variety of financial situations. He previously served on the SAS Young Alumni Council and Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Mike is an audit partner in KPMG’s Orange County office with more than 25 years of experience providing financial statement audit and audit of internal control services, focusing on mid- to large-size SEC engagements, large private companies, venture-backed and private equity portfolio companies. Mike’s. Mike has travelled extensively including living and working in Bangkok, Thailand. Mike and his wife, Jamie, live in Newport Beach and have busy and active lives raising their 4 children. Mike graduated from the University of San Diego and is also a licensed CPA.

Soak in every moment on the ship, and never take any of it for granted. Whether it be studying alone, eating meals with friends, spending late nights watching movies or playing games, or even attending classes in a makeshift classroom, every single moment is invaluable.

Go outside your comfort zone.

You want to change in a way that the version of you at the start of the voyage would be proud of, keep an open heart and open mind as those are the keys to a memorable voyage. A new you is possible every day.

Admissions Region: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia

Amanda Lockett joined the ISE team in the fall of 2024. An avid runner, Amanda has completed nine half marathons and is training for her tenth. When she’s not recruiting students for Semester at Sea or running, she’s catching live concerts—she’s especially excited to see Oasis back together!

Stay open minded in creating friendships and connections on the ship as well as when you step into new countries and cultures. The world is your campus.

Take advantage of every opportunity you are given while abroad. Prioritize making intentional, meaningful relationships with other voyagers and people you meet while in country.

Journal, Journal, Journal. Research activities to do in each country as much as possible before boarding in order to be present during your limited time on SAS as well as avoid any Wi-Fi struggles on the boat.

In the beginning, it can feel really overwhelming and scary but everything will fall into place and you will meet your people. Embrace the uncertainty.

Say yes to everything and take in every moment! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity so be sure to make the most of it!

Always be open to new things, do things that scare you, do things outside of your comfort zone. Take every opportunity you possibly can!

If you have the opportunity to spend time with new people in every country do it because every new group you form, you find different qualities and interests that create a bond for life. Listen in countries more than you speak!

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Get involved and make as many friends as you can.

I would tell future voyagers to take in every small moment. The voyage goes by so fast and you want to make sure to enjoy every little moment!

Take risks and go outside your comfort zone.

Be yourself! You will naturally make extraordinary global connections and find lifelong friends!

It is better to go in not knowing anyone, as it will force you outside of your comfort zone. And growth happens outside of your comfort zone.

Be present and push yourself out of your comfort zone always!

Be open and willing to learn and explore everything. Take risks and go out of your comfort zone, never be afraid to meet new people.

Talk to as many people as you can, and venture out to the small towns to meet local people and have unique experiences!

Do things that scare you! Your voyage really is what you make it and slightly pushing outside of your comfort zone, both in port and on the ship, can transform your time from great to outstanding.

Never say no! This once in a lifetime opportunity is what you make of it so try everything at least once!

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and meet new people!

Keep your mind and heart open to new opportunities, and the trip will be life changing!!

Take every opportunity you get, even if it means getting out of your comfort zone!

Say yes to everything, and make the most of your experience (it goes by way too fast).

Time flies quickly on the voyage. Make the most of each experience while you can, say yes to everything and savor every moment.

Everyone is scared when they first go abroad; don’t be discouraged. You will meet people and you will have fun.

Take in every moment and cherish the connections and relationships you make throughout the voyage because before you know it will be over. SAS is truly life-changing and an experience you’ll never forget!

Find a good balance. Do all the fun things, but make sure to experience historical or educational aspects as well! Those are what really stick with you for life.

Do not let FOMO get in the way of your trip! Everyone on the ship will be doing so many awesome things and so will you— just take it all in and live in the moment!

Say yes to everything! Take advantage of every opportunity, and soak up every moment with every person that you meet.

Keep an open-mind throughout the entire experience and choose to be a part of every community you can be. Be excited for how your perspective will shift throughout the semester.

Live in the moment and take advantage of every interaction and experience in port and on the ship. Have no regrets and enjoy the ride!

Take every opportunity to meet new people, make friends, and join that experience you are afraid of. You can rest when you get back home.

Say “yes” to all of the amazing opportunities that you encounter abroad. You never know who you may meet or what you will experience.

Bernie McCabe embarked on his journey as a global citizen during his Spring 2010 Voyage aboard the MV Explorer as a student. This transformative experience set him on a lifelong path of learning and cultural exploration. Bernie furthered his personal and professional growth with a year in Beijing and two years in Prague, immersing himself in diverse environments. Bernie, who joined ISE in 2013 within the Advancement department, is eager to reunite with the SAS Advancement team after more than ten years. He is excited to reconnect with the SAS community and contribute to its continued success. Outside of work, Bernie indulges his passions for art and literature, always engrossed in multiple books and working on new painting projects.

Mara Karlin, PhD sailed on Semester at Sea three times, including as a student in fall 1999 and as faculty in spring 2017 and spring 2024. She served in national security roles for 6 secretaries of defense across three administrations. As Asst. Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities, she led the 2022 National Defense Strategy and advised the Secretary of Defense on forces, plans, posture, emerging capabilities, and security cooperation. She was Acting Asst. Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, leading DoD relations with nearly 150 countries. In the Obama and Bush administrations, she focused on strategic planning, defense policy and budgeting, future conflicts, and Middle East and Asian affairs. She was the Strategic Studies Director and an Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University-SAIS, and a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings  Institution. She is the author of two books on military history and defense policy. She earned an undergraduate degree from Tulane University and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in Strategic Studies from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies.

Tracey, is an international policy practitioner vastly experienced in multiparty democratic systems strengthening and meaningful governance. She has a BA (Magna cum laude) in International Relations, Security Studies, Peace & Conflict Transformation from Daystar University and an MPPA (Summa cum laude) in International Policy and Management from Colorado State University. The aspiring pracademic is passionate about community development and strongly believes in paying forward, exemplified in her community service track record including being the brains behind Sosiani Wasome, her brainchild project which equipped a public primary school in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley with a fully equipped modern library.

Terrie is currently serving as the Past President of the Semester at Sea Alumni Association. Terrie sailed in Spring 2012 as a Resident Director and has remained involved in SAS ever since her voyage and job of a lifetime. On land, Terrie is the Director of Residential Student Life at UC Santa Barbara. Terrie’s passions lie in coaching staff, students and clients in using their strengths and values to get unstuck and to design the life they want. Terrie has a wellness coaching practice serving teenagers and women. Terrie is a Mental Health First Aid instructor and certifies MHFAiders in the Santa Barbara County and at UCSB. Terrie enjoys traveling, good food, live music, and the serene beach life in Carpinteria with her husband and their Jindo doggy Prince.

Jay and his wife Christy live in Boulder and are recent empty nesters with two sons in college. In his spare time, he is usually traveling, playing golf, or engaged in other athletic pursuits.

Jay and Christy founded Peak to Peak Leadership, which brings values-based leadership programs to students. He has served on boards or committees at Lead Colorado, Alexander Dawson School, Boulder Country Club, YMCA of Northern Colorado, Boulder Country Day School and SAS’s Alumni Association.

His career focused on brand management and acquisitions at companies including WhiteWave Foods, Horizon Organic, and General Mills. He earned an MBA from the Tuck School (Dartmouth College) and a BA in Biochem and Econ from Queen’s University. Jay grew up in Canada and worked in Japan before going to Tuck.

Kelly joined the team at Semester at Sea in April 2024. She began her career working in international education at Texas A&M University, then spent five years at the University of Florida’s business school. During her tenure at UF, Kelly oversaw the core Europe programs, exchange programs, two student organizations, and she directed on-site activities in London in the summer of 2022.

As a dual U.S./U.K. citizen, Kelly’s love for all things international has been lifelong. She studied abroad in Spain and later interned there with the State Department. She also taught English in Italy and was part of a research group program to Tanzania. In her spare time, Kelly is a group fitness enthusiast! She enjoys outdoor activities, dogs, crafting, reading, breweries, friends, and watching British TV and RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Provost and Executive Vice President Marion K. Underwood is Colorado State University’s Chief Academic Officer and second in command within the University’s administration under President Amy Parsons. In addition to the Office of the Provost’s broad scope of vice provost reporting areas and key student and faculty success initiatives, Dr. Underwood oversees the deans of all eight academic colleges, the Libraries, and Graduate School; the offices of the Vice President for Research and the Vice President for Student Affairs; and the Office of the Chair of the Faculty Council.

Never close yourself off from making new friends on the ship. Treat every day as if it’s your first day on the ship because there is always a new face that could become your lifelong friend.

My biggest piece of advice is to go in with an open mindset and to really trust in the process. Push yourself out of your comfort zone when it comes to meeting new people, eating new foods, going new places, and exploring new cultures.

For future voyagers, it is crucial to embrace adaptability and the ever-changing nature of travel. Additionally, it’s important to live fully in the present moment, absorbing and learning from the unique experiences that each new place and culture offers.

Say yes to everything and become friends with everyone. Soak in every moment and watch every sunset!

Enjoy every moment of this unique experience, take a lot of pictures, and always say yes to new adventures!

Definitely go in with an open mind. Don’t be hesitant to meet/ travel with new people even towards the end – you never know who you’ll meet!

When in country, try to get out of your comfort zone to have new experiences that you wouldn’t have when you are at home. Travel with different people in each of the countries to have unique memories and different experiences.

Embrace the unexpected, no matter how many challenges you face there is always something amazing to be gained. Today is your day, and oh the places you’ll go!

Don’t waste another second traveling with the wonders sixty seconds can hold.

Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone, take the risk and don’t have any regrets.

Get involved and branch out on the ship. I met some of my best friends within the last month, so never close yourself off to new experiences and opportunities.

Travel with as many people as you can while on the voyage.

I would tell them to say yes to every opportunity! I would also tell them to be flexible some unforeseen changes end up creating the best memories!!

Embrace the opportunity to learn not only from textbooks but from the diverse cultures you’ll encounter during Semester at Sea, fostering a global perspective that extends beyond the classroom.

Get ready to expand your horizons academically and personally as you navigate the world. Take advantage of every moment and opportunity that comes to you.

Make the voyages yours and try to create as many memories as you can. Sign up for clubs, have meals with different people but most importantly: enjoy your time on the ship!

Enjoy every second on and off the ship it goes by so fast! Try everything you won’t regret it.

Take every opportunity to experience absolutely everything you can, even if it’s scary.

Make the most of every experience as early as you can! Time really flies on the voyage, so if you want to try anything, don’t hesitate, and have fun!

Enjoy the unexpected parts of the journey! They might end up being you’re favorite part.

Try to really put yourself out there. You don’t know until you try! I was worried about not finding my people and I found them. You will find your people, I promise!

Make sure to journal because every second of your experience goes by too quick!

While on Semester at Sea, don’t limit yourself to one travel group. You’ll make more meaningful memories just by saying yes to that random friend you have class with.

One day all of these moments will be memories, so enjoy every single second!!

Take pictures and videos!! No matter the situation, you’ll want to look back on those memories after your voyage is over.

Cherish every moment of the voyage and journal everything about the voyage, it is a souvenir that you can’t buy.

Live in the moment and enjoy every second. Even if you don’t go somewhere you were supposed to it will end up being so worth it.

Be open to as many new experiences and relationships as possible.

Don’t take any moment for granted, both on the ship and in port! Go to every yoga, every snack night and every fun thing with your friends!

Build a community and learn from each other and the experience!

Enjoy every second and don’t be afraid to try new things! The best parts of Semester at Sea come from keeping an open mind!

It’s ok to be nervous however how can you fully go into this experience without some nerves. Everyone is nervous just be yourself and you will find your people

Allow an open mind and heart to lead you through the unknown and you will reveal a new version of yourself you never knew you had… the only way to find what is possible is to say yes and take the leap!

Say yes to things! You’ll know if you like something if you try it! Just smile and be yourself and you’ll have an amazing time!

Become comfortable with the uncomfortable! Embrace changes!

Try to push yourself out of your comfort zone to try every possible experience, meet as many people as you can, and soak in all the days on the ship. Live in the moment and focus on the life changing adventure in front of you, you won’t regret it!

Before joining ISE, Blair spent eight years working in higher education philanthropy at the University of Houston, and more recently at South Texas College of Law Houston. Prior to her time in higher education, Blair worked for the Houston Golf Association, utilizing her golf background as she was a member of the women’s golf team at the University of Oregon. In her free time, Blair and her husband enjoy traveling, hiking, skiing, playing golf, wine tasting and eating all the delicious food Texas has to offer.

Sydney McKim (she/her) joined ISE in November of 2023. Over the past few years, Sydney has worked for various nonprofits, contributing both to fundraising initiatives and working directly with clients in need. Sydney is thrilled to direct her passion for positive change toward higher education. Drawing inspiration from her own transformative experience studying abroad in Denmark, she is dedicated to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to study abroad. Sydney holds certificates in Fundraising Copywriting and Digital Fundraising from the Institute of Sustainable Philanthropy. Outside of work, Sydney finds joy in exploration—whether discovering new places, hiking scenic trails with her two dogs, or kayaking in the great outdoors.

Mia Čančarević is originally from Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Prior to joining the ISE team in 2023, she worked at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida. In her most recent role, Mia served as the Director of International Student Recruitment where she was responsible for international student recruitment, marketing, and communication. She also served on the board of the Study Florida state consortium. Mia is skilled in linguistics and is fluent in several languages. In her spare time she is engaged in the archaeology field; she has excavated on seven separate missions in N. Macedonia, Italy, Greece, Egypt, and Belize. Mia loves to travel; she has travelled to over 25 countries.

Jim is currently an Investor and an Independent Director of Ingram Industries and FTAI Infrastructure. Jim retired in 2020 as Global Head of Transportation Investment Banking for JP Morgan after a 34-year career on Wall Street leading high-performing Global Transportation Investment Banking teams covering clients in the Shipping, Cruise Line, Transportation, Aviation and Logistics sectors. Before heading to Wall St, Jim sailed on deep sea coastwise and foreign trades as a Deck Officer with Gulf Oil Corporation, raising his license to Chief Mate. Jim was also a LTCDR in the US Naval Reserve. Prior to this, Jim received a B.S. from the US Merchant Marine Academy and an MBA from NYU Graduate School of Business. Jim and his wife Debra live on the Southern Outer Banks in North Carolina.

Admissions Region: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska,  New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas,  Wisconsin, Wyoming, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota
*EUROPE, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, PACIFIC ISLANDS

TJ embarked on his journey with SAS in 2017, sailing on the Fall 2017 voyage as a student. Having had a truly memorable experience on the ship, he returned to ISE in 2023 to join the Enrollment team. Having embarked on various international adventures and experiential learning, TJ is passionate about building strong relationships with institutional partners and supporting students in their study abroad journey. In his free time TJ enjoys working out, playing video games, watching football (Go Chargers!), working on his travel blog, and spending quality time with his family and friends.

Admissions Region: Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, 
* AFRICA, MIDDLE EAST, ASIA

Christine began her career at Semester at Sea | ISE in the fall of 2023. After spending a semester abroad in Meknes, Morocco she knew that she wanted to help students go on these life-changing experiences. Previous to joining SAS, she was Assistant Director of Education Abroad at Temple University, responsible for overseeing an inclusive and holistic approach to pre-departure advising. She has spent the last 8 years in a variety of positions at both providers and universities helping to prepare students for their study abroad experiences. Christine will be based in the northeast region engaging with university partners and students to share the incredible journey that is Semester at SEA.

Admissions Region: Alaska, Arizona, **California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada,  Oregon,  Utah,  Washington
*CANADA, LATIN AMERICA  **except: San Diego and San Luis Obispo

Marin (she/her) first learned about SAS while completing her degree at Colorado State University and was immediately intrigued. While she was unable to sail as a student, she did complete a study abroad program in New Zealand and experienced firsthand (though on a smaller scale) the value of immersive international study. She has been with ISE since 2023, but prior to ISE, Marin worked in International Admissions for a local Florida college. She has worked a handful of other unique jobs including working at both Disney World and Universal Studios, working on a dude ranch in Colorado, and guiding wine tours in Washington State. In her free time, Marin enjoys visiting her family in the Seattle area, eating her way through Central Florida with her husband, and loves spending time with their two rescue cats!

Chief Rumen was born in 1972 in Dobrich, a small town near the Black Sea Coast.His parents had a very nice small summer house on the coast, where they would spend sunny weekends. It was at this house that Rumen would watch big ships pass by and had one question in his mind, “How [does that] big thing move without sails?” Rumen and his older brother would race around the coast on boats. In 2005 Rumen joined the MV Explorer and SAS program as Second Engineer. In 2012 Rumen took over the Chief Engineer position and continues work on Semester at Sea’s current ship, the World Odyssey.

Chief Rumen enjoys traveling, photography, playing football with his son, and sometimes gardening. When at home, he spends time with friends and colleagues, and discusses political events and local issues.

Chief Panos was born and raised in Piraeus, Greece. Coming from a seafaring family, it’s no surprise that he chose the same path. His first sea voyage came at 17 years of age, and on a summer break from school he worked as an engine wiper in a cargo ship for three months. He is a self-confessed mechanical junkie and the smell & sound of the ship’s engines after this trip hit him hard.

Chief Panos joined the Semester at Sea in October 2019 to fulfill his dream to circumnavigate the globe in a single voyage. When not at sea, Chief Panos lives with his wife, two children and their dog in the suburbs of Athens, Greece. Chief Panos loves traveling around Greece and is an avid motorcycle enthusiast. He is often found at the beach riding the Aegean waves on his favorite Stand Up Paddle.

Alican Öncül is an adventurous, highly motivated, seasoned Master Mariner with 15 years of sea experience, renowned for exceptional performance under pressure. Adept at dynamic leadership, quick decision-making, and strict adherence to regulations. He specializes in passenger ship safety, navigating polar regions, and compliance with ISM, SOLAS, and ISPS standards. Collaborative experience with Flag State, Classification Societies, US Coast Guard, and Port State Control. Versatile background includes bulk cargo, cruise, luxury mega yachts, expedition, and luxury cruise ships. Alican is eager to contribute leadership and excellence in a company that values continuous improvement.

Jan Christiansen is a Captain and Mariner Pilot with 10+ years’ experience  in the shipping industry, renowned for exemplary leadership, team management, and communication skills. Holding an impressive array of maritime qualifications, including STCW Master Unlimited and ISM Auditor, this seasoned professional has navigated diverse roles, from commanding containerships worldwide to piloting vessels through challenging waters like the Kiel Canal. With a foundation in Electrical Engineering, his dedication extends beyond the sea. Christiansen’s commitment to maritime excellence is reflected in his continual learning and dedication to safety. In his free time, Christiansen likes to keep active by traveling, taking part in water sports like sailing and waterskiing.

Heather Wisniewski is an advancement professional with more than 20 years of experience supporting two prominent nonprofits. She joins ISE after 16 years at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and almost nine years at The Nature Conservancy (TNC). At NOLS, she most recently served as the Chief Advancement Officer, while at TNC, she held various leadership positions in fundraising, including Director of Philanthropy for Global Priorities.

Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try new things; being bold with new experiences is a great way to create meaningful connections with others and learn more about yourself too!

Don’t feel pressured to do or be someone you’re not. This is your voyage and you should always do what you truly want to do!

This experience can completely transform you, but you have to be open to change. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and see the world!

Try not to focus so hard on capturing every moment through photos or videos, even though those are fun to have, but make sure you are living each moment as well. The time on and off the ship is truly special and one of a kind, so don’t forget to embrace each moment and make all the memories you can.

Don’t be afraid to reach out and expand your horizons! The best experiences and memories come from the people and places you least expect.

Don’t be afraid to not have a plan! Sometimes the best experiences are when you happen do things spontaneously!

Get involved in local activities as much as you can, it can be a great time!

If you weren’t ready, the opportunity wouldn’t be given to you. Don’t be afraid to live life outside of your comfort zone!

Anthony manages investment operations for his Family Office, Armo Corporation, which invests in reliable income producing assets that align with its ultra-conservative investment criteria. Anthony holds a background in Finance and is working toward becoming a CFA charterholder. He graduated from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder in May 2016.

Anthony holds past experience as an Account Executive, Season Ticket Sales for both the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche, and enjoys travel and recreation activities while spending time with loved ones. Anthony joined as a board member in May 2024 as part of the Finance Committee and Investment Committee. Anthony is determined to help grow and spread the word about this life changing program, Semester At Sea!

Spend as much time outside of your room as possible! Cherish every sunset and sunrise.

To go into your voyage with open eyes and to not be afraid to meet new people and try new things!

My advice is to soak in every experience you have while on SAS and make sure to do the things you want to do in each country even if it’s not what your friends are doing.

If you have the opportunity to see the world on the MV World Odyssey, don’t take anything for granted. Make sure that you open yourself to meet new people, experience new things, and give yourself a chance to find yourself along the way.

Do everything! No regrets!

Let the voyage be a voyage into your new life, one filled with endless possibilities.

I would tell future voyagers to enjoy every second they are on Semester at Sea. It flies by so fast and you can get so wrapped up in everything, so take time to slow down and enjoy every little moment.

My advice is to research the ports you are going to and the excursions available, but leave room open because you will meet some awesome people who will also have great ideas.

“Faces shape places.” Human connections shape our world. Be open minded and listen to others, genuinely listen to others. Through that, you will learn so much about others, the world, and yourself.

This voyage can come with discomfort and fear, but those two things can make the best friendships and memories. Step outside your bubble and never go back inside.

Do it all!! Even if something seems scary, I promise, the memories will far outweigh the fear!

Travel with different people as often as you can!

Keep an open mind and live in the moment every second of the voyage!!

You should not be afraid to do new things, but equally you should not be afraid to turn people down… You may learn much more by following your intuition than by trying to preempt your peers.

Always have an open mind to think differently than what you were accustomed to. This experience will expand your perspective in so many different ways, so welcoming that is a good thing!

Amanda (she/ella) began working for ISE in 2023. Amanda is responsible for working collaboratively with the Vice President of Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and operations to plan and execute Semester at Sea’s co-curricular program. Amanda supports the voyage on-ship team to enhance the residential and co-curricular experience while coordinating the selection, orientation, and training of future voyage teams, including overseeing community standards for each voyage. Amanda sailed in Spring 2022 as a Resident Director. Prior to her involvement with Semester at Sea, Amanda worked as an Administrator at California State University, Fullerton. Amanda and her partner, Henoc, love to travel the world, kayak on the Mississippi River in their backyard, and watch too much of “The Real Housewives.”

Chanel Watson is a Brand and Program Marketing Manager at Showtime Networks specializing in consumer marketing and brand strategy tactics to promote Showtime’s original programming. Her previous experience in the media industry includes roles at Complex Networks and BET. Currently serving as an Advisory Committe Member among the Marketing and Recruiting Committee, she hopes to help bring more awareness of the Semester at Sea program to HBCUs, and provide opportunities for BIPOC students to take advantage of the voyage she claims is “An experience of a lifetime.”

Chanel was born in Washington D.C. and raised in Maryland until leaving home to attend Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications with a focus on Strategic Communications and a minor in Entrepreneurship. After moving to begin her career in New York City, Chanel attended The New School to receive her Master of Science in Media Management. In the meantime, she enjoys continuing to travel with her old Semester at Sea friends, creating music playlist, and kickboxing!

Kirk loves sports, family time, and learning. Kirk still regularly plays basketball (often at San Quentin State Penitentiary) and enjoys time with his wife and twin boys.

He received a BA in Science, Technology, and Society. Technical Depth – Management Science and Engineering Stanford Unversity, 2010

Paige Ensor is a five-year alumnus of the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Spring 2017 Semester at Sea voyager. Upon graduation, she moved to New York City to work for IBM, where she is currently employed as a Corporate Strategist. In addition to her corporate experience, Paige is also the Founder & CEO of MarqUP Brands, a small but mighty marketing services and consulting firm with expertise in non-profit and new business development. Paige joined the ISE/Semester at Sea Board of Trustees as an advisor in January 2023 and is a passionate contributor to the overall ISE/SAS mission.

Shaun N. Crisler (He/Him/His) has been committed to higher education and student success as a professional for 15 years and currently serves as the Associate Provost for Student Development at Le Moyne College. Shaun has spent much of his career in housing and residence life working in areas of communication, human resources, staff selection, training and development, and occupancy.

Shaun actively writes and presents on topics such as professional development, career planning, intercultural competence, assessment, and professional recruitment/selection. He also serves as an external reviewer in the ACUHO-I Standards and Middle States Accreditation process.

Shaun holds a B.S. in Biology, a M.Ed. in Adult Education from Northern Illinois University (NIU), and a MIRHR in Labor Relations and Human Resources from The Ohio State University (OSU). Shaun is a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM – SCP).

Janice Nerger serves as the Provost and VP of Academic Affairs at Colorado State University. She received her Ph.D. from UC San Diego and joined the faculty at Colorado State University after a two-year postdoc position at NASA/Ames Research Center and SRI International. She is internationally recognized for her research on human color perception which has resulted in numerous publications and presentations and recognition from the Rank Prize Foundation, the National Research Council, and the National Science Foundation. Dr. Nerger is passionate about student and employee success and is known across campus for her high standards, ethical leadership, and integrity. She has not yet sailed on a Semester at Sea voyage but hopes to do so soon!

Jill has been involved with SAS for over 40 years, having sailed 6 times in staff positions. Her family sailed four of those times, something for which she is grateful. Her career in student affairs/housing at U.C. Santa Barbara ran parallel to her involvement with SAS. She recently retired from UCSB and picked up her involvement with the SAS Alumni Association once again. She currently serves as the past-president of the Alumni Association, and is interested in bridging the Alumni Association, home office and the Board of Trustees to build an even stronger overall program.

Dr. Blanche Hughes received her Bachelor’s degree from Earlham College, a Master’s of Education degree in Student Affairs and Doctorate degree in Sociology from Colorado State University. She is currently in her 17th year as the Vice President for Student Affairs at Colorado State University. In this role, she works with a Division that includes 15 departments that collaborate with other units in the University community providing support for our students and staff. Dr. Hughes teaches and advises in the Student Affairs in Higher Education graduate program.

Blanche is married to Wayne Hughes and they have four children (two are alums of CSU) and five grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, attending athletic events, and teaching.

Dr. Tymitz served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Shipboard Education until February 2007. He served as a faculty member for Chapman College’s World Campus Afloat in 1972 and as the Associate Director of Operations from 1973-75.

In 1976 he was the co-founder of the Institute for Shipboard Education, serving as the Director of Administrative Affairs until 1984. In 1984 he was appointed Executive Director; in 1997 the Board of Directors changed his title to Chief Executive Officer.

His teaching experience includes serving as an Assistant Professor of History at the University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. He has his B.A. and M.A. from Southern Illinois University and received his Ph.D. in 1973 from Oklahoma State University.

R. Foster Hillis (he/him) is a recent graduate with Academic Distinction from The University of Oklahoma where he studied Elections and Campaign Management, accompanied by a General Business Management minor.

He now is an Account Representative at MissionWired, helping connect large international progressive campaigns, committees, and causes to voters and donors across North America.

Before college, Foster was an International Trustee for Key Club International, the high school service organization of Kiwanis International.

Foster enjoys traveling, recreational running, and reading. He has traveled to over 45 countries and over half of the United States.

Marjorie is a former high risk labor and delivery nurse with volunteer experience in HIV/AIDS in Zambia, Kenya and Rwanda. She has worked with and supported the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative as well as several other international NGO’s and philanthropies. Marjorie was one of the founding donors of the Women’s Foundation of Colorado and has served as president of her family’s foundation which focuses on social justice issues and the needs of the underserved. She is a former co-owner of The Shreveport Journal and is currently an investor in commercial real estate and alternative assets. Received two undergraduate degrees including a BSN and a Master’s Degree in Health Administration and Policy

Emily leads marketing for LinkedIn’s Learning business, focused on connecting consumers and organizations with digital learning to develop skills needed in an evolving world of work. Emily has over 15 years of experience across marketing and product management at companies including Accenture, American Express, and Yahoo!. She joined LinkedIn in 2013 and led the Consumer Marketing function until joining the LinkedIn Learning in 2016. Emily graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in International Relations and studied abroad in Paris, France through the Sweet Briar program. She holds an MBA from the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley.

Jenny Lewis is the Chief Marketing Officer and President at The Knot Worldwide. In her role, Jenny leads all Marketing initiatives for the company and its 19 global brands. With expertise in growing and advancing well-known brands, Jenny was the Head of US and Canada Marketing for Uber and UberEats prior to joining TKWW. As one of Uber’s earliest marketing hires, she helped transform the start-up into an iconic household name, and was the driving force behind a number of product and brand-defining initiatives.

She is a graduate of George Washington University, Semester at Sea alumna, and currently resides in Boston with her husband, Ryan, and 2 year old son, Jack.

Marisa is passionate about maritime law, which she has practiced since 2007. She handles a variety of maritime matters including cases involving yachts, ship repairs, maritime personal injury, maritime products liability, general average, and bunker fuel disputes. Her practice also includes marine insurance coverage, liability defense, bad faith defense, and commercial maritime transactional matters.

Marisa’s Education includes: Santa Clara University School of Law, J.D. (2007), Law of the Sea Studies at Oxford University, University of San Diego, B.A. International Relations (2001)

Conrad joined Franklin Templeton in 1988, holding various leadership roles as well as serving as lead portfolio manager of the Franklin California Growth Fund (later renamed the Franklin Flex Cap Growth Fund) from 1993 until 2016. During his 23-year tenure of this traditional long-only mutual fund, it was a top performing fund, outpacing his peers and relevant benchmarks, producing over 16% average annual returns. Prior to this, Conrad received his undergraduate degree from Brown University, and his MBA from Harvard. Conrad has two grown children, Christine and Alex, and married Julia Petitt Herrmann in 2020 after reconnecting with her at their 40th HS reunion. They mainly split their time now between CT and FL, in addition to traveling the globe.

Dennis Gertmenian is the CEO of Foxdale Properties and Founder of Ready Pac Foods®, where he served as CEO for 40 years. During his career, Dennis has completed over 60 mergers and acquisitions mostly related to the food and real estate industries. Dennis received an AA from Pasadena City College, a BS from the University of Southern California, and a MBA from Pepperdine University. Community service is very important to Dennis and his wife Susi, where they devote a great deal of time and resources. He is a lifetime resident of Pasadena where he and Susi raised 5 children. Dennis and Susi spend their summers at Grouse Creek Reserve- their ranch in the Tetons, where they enjoy multiple outdoor activities.

Dan Garvey will be sailing on his seventh Semester at Sea Voyage as Executive Dean. He will be teaching SOC 362 Social Change on this voyage. This course is a student-directed experience that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and initiate action toward social justice. He is President Emeritus of Prescott College, serving as President from 2000-2010, and also a professor and founding Fellow of the Institute for Sustainable Social Change at Prescott College. Dan has been a faculty member and administrator at six colleges and universities and has strong ties to the mountaineering and experiential education communities and was a Trustee of The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and Project Adventure and a supporter of the United World Colleges.

Moonbeam Investment Corporation invests in and acquires distressed assets of which the underlying security interest is real estate. Such assets include, commercial and consumer debt, tax liens, large land tracts and commercial real estate. Christopher graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 1988 with a degree in Economics. Sailed Spring 86 as a Sophomore as well as Lifelong Learners with my wife and two children Spring 2014.

Cedric Dark, MD, MPH, FACEP is an Associate Professor in the Henry J. N. Taub Department of Emergency Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine where he trains the next generation of America’s emergency physicians while caring for patients in one of Houston’s major trauma centers.

Dr. Dark has received the Texas Medical Association’s C. Frank Webber Award, the Emergency Medicine Residents’ Association Joseph F. Waeckerle Alumni of the Year Award, and was named to Elemental’s List of 50 Experts to Trust in a Pandemic.

He has expansive media experience including print, radio, podcast, and television – including outlets such as NPR, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and BBC World News.

A graduate of Morehouse College, Dr. Dark earned his medical degree from NYU and a master’s degree from Columbia.

Kristina previously worked for the Microsoft Corporation in Recruiting for nearly 12 years. Her last position there was Director of University and MBA Recruiting which also included responsibility for the company’s internship and scholarship programs. Kristina is a long-time member of the Board of Trustees for Rainier Scholars, an educational non-profit in the Seattle area which opens doors to education for hardworking, disadvantaged children of color, providing a pathway to college graduation and creating future community leaders. She also currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Seattle Country Day School, a private K-8 school in Seattle. Stanford University, Bachelors of Arts and Science degree in Economics and Biology.

Kayla began working with ISE/Semester at Sea in April 2023 and is thrilled to have joined such a life-changing organization. She’s incredibly passionate about international education and cultural exchange and couldn’t be happier helping students from across the globe embark on this transformative journey. Although Kayla has yet to be on the ship, she studied abroad in Antibes, France as well as lived and worked as an English Teaching Assistant in Metz, France. She is eager to travel to as many countries as possible and is honored to help make this dream a reality for voyagers too! In her free time Kayla enjoys all the outdoor adventures Colorado has to offer, singing, playing the piano, doing yoga, and snuggling with her cat and dog.

Maria (she/her) has been fascinated by Semester at Sea since several of her former colleagues participated in the Spring 2022 Voyage. She has held various roles throughout her career in higher education, most notably in international enrollment management. Maria is passionate about using technology to guide and support students in their study abroad journey. She currently serves as the Upstate New York Representative in her local NAFSA region, and was selected as the NAFSA Region X Rising Professional in 2021. In her personal life, Maria is a dog-mom, a language nerd, and an avid traveler.

Hannah’s first experience with ISE was sailing as the Faculty-led Programs Coordinator on the spring and fall 2019 voyages. She specializes in experiential science education and feels forever inspired by the learning opportunities and communities the Semester at Sea program creates. Hannah is originally from Millbrook, New York, and now lives with her husband and cat in Central Florida. She has worked previously in curriculum development, education, and community engagement with The Nature Conservancy and Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment Department. Hannah was thrilled to re-join the ISE Academic Team part-time in 2022, and then full-time as Academic Programs Coordinator in 2023.

Alex Ryan ( He/Him/His) served as Treasurer for Colorado State University’s chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery his senior year. He also helped his team make it to the national semi-finals in the Winward Artificial Intelligence competition the same year. After graduating from CSU in 2016, Alex dabbled in various tech and alternative energy roles. Alex started his career at ISE in the summer of 2022 and is excited to be working in higher education. He maintains multiple side projects for free Computer Science education and White Hat global security efforts. He is an avid snowboarder, hacky sack enthusiast, and Minecrafter. When he’s not talking to machines he’s trying to keep up with his two little kiddos (also future White Hat Computer Scientists).

Candace Patrick (she/her) began her career at ISE in summer 2010. After having sailed as a student on the Spring 2007 Voyage, coming to work for Semester at Sea has been a full-circle experience! She has presented at several conferences including NAFSA regional conferences and Diversity Abroad. Candace also founded and served as 4-year chair for ISE’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. She is HubSpot certified in Email Marketing, Marketing Software, and Sales Software. Outside of the office, Candace enjoys binging her favorite TV shows, writing, producing indie films, and fighting with her cat for the most comfortable seat in her apartment. The cat usually wins.

Jennie Lee Montgomery joined the ISE in October 2022. With a background in marketing for colleges and student living communities, she is excited to continue working in higher education with a one-of-a-kind experience like Semester at Sea! Professionally, Jennie has a passion for capturing meaningful experiences and sharing these stories through creative content on social media. When she’s not creating behind the screen, she’s cheering on the Clemson Tigers, traveling to NYC to catch a Broadway musical, or finding the best matcha latte in a new city. She also enjoys playing competitive tennis, slowly learning new instruments, and spending time with her mini-golden doodle named Bear!

Kate Lilly has been a part of the Semester at Sea team since 2019. Her connection and love for the program started back on the Spring 2007 voyage. Her experience as a student sparked her career in international education and she returned as a staff member in the Field Office on the Spring 2018 voyage. Kate is passionate about helping students access transformative experiences through travel, and enjoys photography, and hiking with her dog Dax in Colorado!

Tracey Hammond has been with ISE since September 2021. She enjoys chatting with students, parents, and anyone who needs a live advisor through the SAS Chat on our website as well as helping out wherever needed. Tracey has a passion for creating and editing training documents and loves to help others navigate through new systems. Outside of the office, Tracey enjoys reading, playing games on her phone and has read and watched “Lord of the Rings” multiple times. She has two kids in college and a “Covid” puppy, Kaya, who was adopted through a rescue organization in Colorado. Kaya helped her family by keeping them entertained with her puppy antics during the pandemic and they can’t imagine their lives life without her.

Jason oversees marketing, communications and recruiting for Semester at Sea, working alongside Kelly Wilkinson and the Regional Directors to build strong relationships with study abroad offices, universities, and prospective students and parents. Prior to joining ISE in July, Hughes was the Chief Marketing Officer at Colorado School of Mines and has held similar roles at the University of Northern Colorado and Beloit College. In 2008, Hughes sailed aboard our previous ship, the MV Explorer, while serving Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL.

Admissions Region: International Students + Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin

Whitney Cohen joined ISE in Fall 2021 after working in international student admissions for 7 years. Originally from California, she studied abroad in the UK and Tanzania during college and loves helping students achieve their own study abroad goals. While she’s no stranger to living out of a suitcase (or backpack!) she loves coming home to the Midwest and the fur-filled house she shares with her dog and 2 cats.

Libby has been a part of the Semester at Sea team since January 2023. She manages course registration, class scheduling, and academic policies for all voyages. Libby also assists with the development of academic field work on each voyage, including initial program design, implementation, and evaluation.

Libby has worked in the field of International Education since 2003 in study abroad management, international student immigration and support, and campus internationalization efforts.

During personal time, Libby loves to spend time with her husband and two daughters, is an avid reader, and tries to be outdoors as much as possible; camping, biking, coaching youth rec. soccer or walking her dogs.

Vera Nicholas sailed as a Lifelong Learner on the Fall 2022 Voyage. She loved the experience so much that she interviewed with ISE while on the MV World Odyssey and took up her new position as Lifelong Learner Coordinator soon after her return home. After 30+ years as a career diplomat living and working in many parts of the world, she’s found her true unofficial ambassador dream job helping to make Semester at Sea a reality for future Lifelong Learners. Outside the office, Vera’s other passions include hosting live music house concerts, horseback riding, equestrian and country real estate, and sharing her Pearls ‘n Spurs Luxury Guest Ranch as an Airbnb property. When she can’t be somewhere on the ocean exploring this beautiful world, remote glamping adventures on horseback feed her soul.

Ken Cushner, Emeritus Professor of Int’l Teacher Education at Kent State University, is a Founding Fellow and current Executive Director of the Int’l Academy for Intercultural Research. He has been a Fulbright Scholar to Sweden and Poland, and is author of several books including “Teacher as Traveler: Enhancing the Intercultural Competence of Teachers and Students” (2018), and “Human Diversity in Education: An Intercultural Approach” (11th ed., 2024). Ken has taught on five voyages: Summers of 2010 and 2011, Fall 2017, Spring 2019 and Spring 2022, and will direct Global Studies on the Spring 2024 voyage. Ken also serves on the board of Orkeeswa School, a Maasai community schools northern Tanzania; Givat Haviva, an Israeli Jewish-Arab institute devoted to shared society initiatives.

Elizabeth Faulk, MD is our newest addition to the Spring 2022 voyage! She is an Emergency Medicine physician with over 25 years of experience in emergency departments ranging from Level I trauma centers to tiny rural facilities. She started her training in General Surgery and was lucky enough to follow this with a fellowship in Cardiothoracic Surgery at New England Deaconess hospital, one of Boston’s Harvard Hospitals group. During this time she began practicing emergency medicine, and she never looked back, becoming Board Certified in the process. She met her husband, Pete Hernandez, a paramedic /firefighter (who will be traveling with her), in Arizona, where she was Chief of a small Emergency department in Page, on the edges of Lake Powell and the Navajo Nation. They embarked upon a round the world trip at that time, backpacks in hand, and didn’t come home for almost 4 months. They loved the adventure, the people, and the cultures along the way, and they hope to come full circle now, caring for all the generations on board ship while all revel in the newness of adjacent beautiful countries and cultures. She also pursues the practice of hatha yoga and super conscious meditation and you might see her on deck doing just that!

There is no better place on earth than aboard a Semester at Sea ship, and Stephanie Seng is excited and grateful for the adventures that lie ahead in her role as the Field Director on this, her third SAS voyage. Stephanie had the privilege of sailing with her mom on the Spring 2020 SAS voyage while helping to navigate the challenges of the pandemic as the Assistant Director for Faculty Led Programs. Though not the voyage she had expected, she will always cherish the experience, appreciating the herculean efforts made by ISE/SAS staff and leadership to keep voyagers safe and feeling inspired by the resilience of the shipboard community as they bonded together through diversions and ultimately an early end to the journey. In Spring 2017, Stephanie sailed on her first SAS voyage with her husband, Chris and their three children, Will, Jonah, and Olivia. While the kids were all college students, Steph worked on the Global Studies team and Chris was the Academic Advisor/Registrar.

Stephanie currently serves as the Director of the Center for Family and Couple Therapy at Colorado State University where she supervises and teaches student therapists and manages their community-based therapy center. She is also the director and one of the founders of the CSU Child Trauma and Resilience Assessment Center. This growing center provides assessments and recommendations for youth across the state who have experienced complex trauma. Stephanie is especially honored to be an Aspen Institute – Ascend Fellow working to improve the lives of Colorado children and families.

After graduating from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interpersonal Communication, Stephanie married Chris and they made their first home together in Guinea, West Africa, where they served as Cooperative Extension Agents in the United States Peace Corps. Captivated by the beauty, climate and outdoor living in Colorado, the couple made their home in Fort Collins in 1992, where Stephanie pursued an MS in Human Development and Family Studies/Marriage and Family Therapy. Prior to her current position, Stephanie worked at the Center for Neurorehabilitation Services specializing in treating patients and families who have experienced neurological illnesses and injuries and in her own private practice.

When not sailing, Steph loves to spend time with her family hiking, camping, skiing, playing volleyball and board games, and playing with their dogs, Cache and Juniper. She feels especially fortunate to have both Chris and her mom, Linda, who will be sailing as a lifelong learner, joining her on the Spring 2022 voyage.

Chris Seng has worked in higher education for 31 years focusing on enrollment management efforts aimed toward student success. At the end of 2021, Chris will retire with “Emeritus” status from Colorado State University. Directing the Office of the Registrar at CSU, Chris led a department of outstanding student-success-focused individuals who teamed with faculty and staff from all departments on campus to implement initiatives to meet undergraduate access, enrollment, and completion goals of the University. Most recently Chris served as project manager for the Colorado State University System office leading a multi-campus initiative to consolidate student information system operations across institutions.

Chris has extensive consulting experience through work with the U.S. Department of Education and several other higher education institutions. He has presented at many state, regional, and national conferences and provided analysis and recommendations to software vendors and colleagues as they develop solutions for campus student administrative ecosystems.

In 2017, Chris and his family enjoyed the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (and now it’s happening again!) to sail with Semester at Sea. Chris served as a member of the voyage leadership team working as the Academic Advisor/Registrar. Chris’ wife Stephanie joined the Global Studies team and their 3 children were all students on the voyage.

Terra Gargano teaches courses in cross-cultural communication and international education in the School of International Service (SIS) at American University in Washington, DC.

She taught English in Japan for three years and sailed as the Assistant Executive Dean for the Spring 2004 voyage before joining the faculty at Howard Community College, the University of Maryland, and ultimately American University. For the last several years, she taught a Complex Problem course, What does it mean to be educated?, for the living and learning Community Based Research Scholars Program, a course that critically examined the purpose and meaning of education through varied lived experiences. She also teaches a course on storytelling in international relations and an intercultural communication class that expands student understandings of intercultural transitions and border crossings through autobiographical narratives.

Administratively, she served as the Program Director and Faculty Advisor for Online Programs in SIS, with students logging into classes from over 15 timezones. She has served as a Faculty Fellow with the Center for Teaching Research and Learning and has consulted for international organizations transitioning to virtual spaces. She has received several faculty awards from the University, including the Outstanding Performance for Innovation in Online Teaching, the Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award, and the Outstanding Teaching in a Full-Time Appointment.

Throughout her twenty-five-year career in international higher education, she managed dozens of institutional collaborations worldwide. She is constantly learning alongside her students about the ways culture impacts perceptions, worldviews, and communication. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a Ph.D. in International Education Policy.

She was raised in a small western Pennsylvania town by a large Italian family, where she spent Sundays making homemade pasta in her grandma’s kitchen. She appreciates a good story, enjoys standup comedy, and is a fierce skeeball competitor.  She is looking forward to exploring new places and revisiting some familiar sites with her husband Brett and two teenagers, Zola and Rocco.

Dr. Chela Chomicki has gone from being a door-to-door bookseller to writing books; from being a community health educator to running health organizations. Dr. Chela has been committed to promoting the holistic well-being of individuals, families and communities through her work, service, education and research domestically and internationally.  She has conducted research and service in over 80 countries and numerous states throughout the US.  She earned her PhD in Human Ecology with a concentration in Health Disparities within the Latino and African Diaspora; her Masters in Public Administration and a Bachelors in Spanish and Business Administration.  She has been a longstanding advocate for those that are marginalized because she knows what it feels like to be disenfranchised.

Dr. Chela currently serves as the President and CEO of CC Strategic Solutions which is a leadership and management consulting and research firm.  Much of the foundational skills that she trains leaders on stems from her 12 years of experience in Residence Life at multiple universities.  She has worked in private/public sectors, non-profits and the federal government to develop scalable strategies, create innovative programs and develop exceptional leaders who improve the well-being of individuals, families and communities around the world.

Jeff McCubbin served as the Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences at Colorado State University from 2011-2019. Prior to that he was a University Distinguished Professor of Exercise Science and Executive Associate Dean in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Oregon State University (OSU).  He directed an internationally recognized graduate program in Movement Studies in Disability in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Sciences at Oregon State University. International students is his graduate program were from Finland, Germany, Korea, China, Singapore, Canada, Greece and Kuwait. His research and teaching interests have focused on the role of physical activity and exercise on improving functional skills and reducing secondary complications of disability.

He completed his BS degree from East Stroudsburg State College (PA) in 1976; his MA in Special Physical Education from the University of Connecticut in 1977, and completed his PhD from the University of Virginia in 1983. Jeff McCubbin was inducted as a fellow in the prestigious National Academy of Kinesiology in 1998. He will be a professor emeritus of Health and Exercise Science and Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences at CSU.

Jeff and his spouse Debbie love to travel, visit grandchildren, engage in community based non-profit leadership, and find ways to enjoy exercise no matter the season.

Dr. Rameen Talesh is the Associate Vice Chancellor-Student Life & Leadership and Dean of Students at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). He served as the Dean of Student Life on Semester at Sea (SAS) Fall 2014 and is excited to be returning to the shipboard experience. One of his favorite memories was coaching women’s and men’s SAS basketball teams in friendly matches with the University of Havana.

Throughout his career, Rameen has worked with various programs and departments including undergraduate housing, campus activities, clubs & organizations and cross-cultural services. His 33 years of professional experience in student affairs administration has covered both public and private institutions of various sizes including University of California Riverside, California State University Northridge (CSUN), and Occidental College.

Rameen received his Doctorate degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Southern California where he teaches graduate courses in the Rossier School of Education as an adjunct Associate Professor. He earned his Master’s in Public Administration from CSUN, and his BA degree in Political Science from UCI.

Rameen believes that the experiences in the classroom are enhanced by the experiences outside the classroom. On his campus, he is affectionately known as the “Fistbump Dean”. You can follow him @deanrameen. He is looking forward to sailing on the voyage with his wife and enjoys spending time with his grandkids, playing basketball, doing yoga and has been known to sing from time to time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NJbQI_rwBY

Marianna Walsh (she/her) is currently the Student Information Systems Manager for the Office of the Registrar at Colorado State University where she leads a team to manage university information systems, support students, faculty, and staff in managing student data, and collaboratively support student success initiatives. Marianna is thrilled to be returning to the MV World Odyssey as Academic Advisor/Registrar, having sailed in the role in Spring 2018.

Marianna has been at Colorado State University in some capacity since 2008, earning a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies, and a Master’s in Management Practice with a focus on multimodal communication methods. Marianna enjoys being able to use this transdisciplinary experience to apply strengths-based leadership and advocacy to support learning and growth.

Marianna is also passionate about centering diversity, equity, and inclusion in her work to improve her community. She currently serves as co-chair of the campus-wide Disaggregating Identity Data workgroup, and is a Safe Zone facilitator. In 2019, Marianna was honored to be the recipient of the Rainbow Inspiration Faculty/Staff Award, presented by the Pride Resource Center recognizing a CSU faculty or staff member based on their contribution to, involvement in, and impact on the local LGBTQIA+ community.

In her free time, Marianna enjoys spending time outside camping, hiking, and generally appreciating nature. She is excited to continue exploring the world with her partner, Adam, as they learn about new places, people, and foods.

Dr. Scott Smith is a Board-Certified Family Physician who will be joining his first Semester at Sea voyage from Santa Fe, NM.  Scott received his undergraduate degree from Ursinus College, his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson Medical College and completed his Family Medicine residency in York, PA.  He spent 6 years as a National Health Service Corps Scholar providing full scope family medicine and rural emergency care to the Dine (Navajo) people of Ganado, AZ. It was here that he first experienced the challenge and rewards of a medical practice in remote underserved areas. While practicing Family Medicine in Vermont, he participated in several medical brigades to Peru and Panama and was a longtime medical volunteer of a local free clinic providing care to uninsured and the large migrant dairy worker community. Most recently he has worked in several urgent care clinics while continuing to provide emergency/urgent care to the local residents and commercial fishing industry on the remote island of Unalaska (Dutch Harbor), AK.

Scott will be traveling with his wife Leanne who is a retired pharmacist. Both are excited by the opportunity to support and grow with the staculty, life long-learners, students and crew of Semester at Sea community.

Kristin Sykes is excited to once again sail with Semester at Sea.  She has had the privilege of sailing on the Spring 1996 voyage as a Resident Director and Fall 1999 and Summer 2014 as Assistant Executive Dean.  She was inspired each time by the growth and transformation of the voyagers and can’t wait to support students, faculty and staff as Assistant Executive Dean on the Spring 2023 voyage.

Kristin has a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of St. Thomas where she worked in Residential Life for numerous years.  She was then in the role of a community college counselor for four years before switching into administration in order to make positive changes within systems.  She is currently the Dean of Students at Century College, the largest community and technical college in Minnesota, where she leads committed staff in providing equitable services and opportunities to a diverse student population.  Departments that she supervises include Student Life, Records, Transfer Student Services, Athletics, Disability Services, the Resource and Support Center, Federal Grants, Tutoring, Title IX, and the Student Health Clinic.

Kristin jumps into opportunities to learn and grow especially through experiential learning opportunities both locally and globally.  In addition to her love for travel, Kristin enjoys camping, biking, hiking, finding great food to make or eat, planning adventures for friends and family, hanging out on a Minnesota lake, and performing in local theater productions alongside her husband and two children.

One of Kristin’s favorite quotes summarizes the transformational journey that is  Semester at Sea:  “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”  ― Marcel Proust.