Emily Salvador '16 is a current MAS master's student in the Object-Based Media group interested in immersive, interactive experiences and storytelling.  Her work at the Media Lab focuses on the intersection of transparent displays, illusions, and projection to seamlessly blend digital content in our physical world.  She contributes actively to the Open Ocean Initiative at the Media Lab. Her favorite animal is definitely the sea lion, because they’re basically water dogs.

Sven-Olof Lindblad, CEO & President of Lindblad Expeditions, was born in Switzerland and traveled extensively with his father, renowned adventure-travel pioneer Lars-Eric Lindblad, who led some of the first non-scientific groups of travelers to Galapagos and Antarctica. In 1979 he launched Special Expeditions, the adventure tourism company that became Lindblad Expeditions, offering marine-focused expeditions aboard small ships. In 2004, Lindblad formed an alliance with National Geographic that combines the strengths of two pioneers in global exploration, with the goal of inspiring people to explore and care about the planet. His personal experience led to a commitment to environmentally responsible travel.

Vikki N. Spruill is president and CEO of the New England Aquarium and its research and conservation institute, the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium. She previously served as president and CEO of the Council on Foundations, the largest association of philanthropic grant-making organizations, and Ocean Conservancy, a science-based advocacy organization dedicated to the oceans. Ms. Spruill founded the Trash Free Seas Alliance, and helped found and currently serves on the board of COMPASS, which empowers scientists to better engage in public discourse on environmental issues. She was also the founding director of SeaWeb.

Carlos Toro leads a team of designers, developers and filmmakers at Steer Digital.  He has Directed/Produced conservation themed programming for Discovery channel and has served as underwater cinematographer on several productions for Discovery Channel and National Geographic.  He was awarded the emerging filmmaker award at the Blue Ocean Film Festival and has since focused on projects that bring viewers closer into underwater environments. In his role as a conservation media ambassador for the Marine Megafauna Foundation of Ecuador, he’s recently partnered with lookingglassfactory.com to produce experimental underwater hologram content featuring Giant Manta Rays (Mobula Birostris).  His aim to create impactful experiences that draw on the sciences to inspire action.

Dan Fields is Executive Creative Director at Disney Parks Live Entertainment at Walt Disney Imagineering, where he leads creative development for all Marvel-themed entertainment in Parks and Resorts worldwide. Recent projects include SUMMER OF SUPER HEROES at Disneyland Paris, MARVEL DAY AT SEA and STAR WARS DAY AT SEA for Disney Cruise Line, SUMMER OF HEROES at Disney California Adventure, and award-winning KING TRITON’S CONCERT at Tokyo Disney Resort.