WHO WE ARE
Jarvon Stout | Co-founder, Executive Director
Born and raised on the island of St. Thomas, I have always had a deep fascination for the natural spaces we have in the Territory. This interest turned into a passion for learning more about, and preserving, our natural resources which led to me earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology from the University of the Virgin Islands in 2018.
Since then, I have proudly served as the Community Engagement Specialist for the Virgin Islands - Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) where I play a role in; 1) Educating, involving and empowering local Virgin Islanders in the realms of both environmental literacy and stewardship, 2) Creating pathways and providing opportunities that make it possible for local VI youth to gain interest in STEM and pursue STEM careers and, 3) Work with local stakeholders to develop more culturally responsive education and outreach strategies.
My role puts me in a position to be part of the movement to create a more environmentally conscious, STEM literate and competitive US Virgin Islands.
James Powell | Founder, Director
Growing up in rural Northern Virginia, I've always been close to nature. My early years sparked my love for the outdoors and eventually led me towards a career connected with the environment.
In 2019, I became a scuba instructor in Cozumel, Mexico. This experience wasn’t just about teaching scuba diving; it was a deep dive into marine life and its conservation, something I grew to be passionate about.
I graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 2022, where I was able to apply my love for the environment in an academic setting. Currently, I'm studying at the University of the Virgin Islands, working on a Master’s thesis regarding the impacts of Sargassum golden tides on the environment. Here, I'm not just engaging in research; I'm actively learning how to make a real difference in conservation.
Along this journey, I’ve realized that there’s so much to learn and even more to protect here in the Virgin Islands. Expedition Eden was formed to take learning into action, and, together, make a real impact preserving Earth’s ecosystems.
