Upcoming NSTC Business Breakfast: Robotics & STEM

Dr. Iain Kerr, CEO of the Ocean Alliance, a Gloucester, MA-based organization recognized as an international leader in whale research and ocean conservation will discuss how they are using robotic technologies for non-invasive sampling and monitoring to learn about whales and the ecosystem’s health. Iain will also talk about the opportunities they see for developing sustainable ocean industries and the need to develop a robotics curriculum that will allow educators to inspire the next generation of conservation technologists. Join us at this North Shore Technology Council breakfast meeting – Wednesday, May 27, 2015, 7:00 – 9:00 AM (7:00 AM networking and breakfast; 7:45 AM program begins). Danversport Yacht Club, just off Route 128, 161 Elliott Street, Danvers, MA. Register at www.nstc.org. The registration fee is $25 for NSTC members and $40 for non-members. E-mail events@nstc.org for more information. Sponsored by Salem State University.

OUR SPEAKER:

Dr. Iain Kerr is the CEO of the Ocean Alliance, (Twitter @Ocean_Alliance) a Gloucester, MA-based organization recognized as an international leader in whale research and ocean conservation since its founding by renowned scientist Dr. Roger Payne in 1970. Ocean Alliance programs include the “Voyages of the Odyssey,” a groundbreaking global pollution study, and the Patagonia Right Whale Program, the longest continuous study of any great whale species. Ocean Alliance also has a number of education initiatives that fall under the heading of Ocean Encounters. Under Iain and Roger’s leadership, Ocean Alliance has a reputation for developing innovative research techniques that engage scientists and conservationists alike.

Born in Scotland, Iain has Bachelor of Education Degree, with honors, from the University of London. Working in the United States since 1983. Iain started with the Ocean Alliance as a volunteer and worked his way up through the ranks over the last 28 years to his current title of CEO.

In 2008 Iain lead the initiative for Ocean Alliance to purchase the iconic Tarr and Wonson Paint Manufactory on the Gloucester, MA waterfront. One of the six buildings on site has been restored and is now Ocean Alliances headquarters and ultimately (when the restoration work is finished) the 1-acre waterfront site (the buildings of which encompass a 20,000 sq. ft. footprint) will be home to an Oceanographic Research Education & Innovation center.

Iain calls his passion “conservation science.” He is listed as author or co-author on over 35 scientific papers and has ensured that Ocean Alliance discoveries reach the general public in both technical and layman’s form. The research vessel Odyssey, with Iain at the helm, has been featured in nine documentaries, the IMAX film “WHALES,” and many press articles.

About the North Shore Technology Council

The North Shore Technology Council (NSTC) is a non-profit, volunteer-led organization with a mission to build a strong ecosystem for the success of technology businesses north of Boston by facilitating collaboration, networking, professional growth and economic development in a collegial fashion. The NSTC welcomes the participation of senior executive and employees of technology businesses, entrepreneurs, companies that support technology businesses, academic and governmental units, and nonprofits. The council is on the Web at www.nstc.org and on Twitter @NSTechCouncil. Its office is at the Cummings Center in Beverly, Massachusetts.

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