MEET THE TEAM
Joanna Campe
Executive Director
As the founder and Executive Director of RTE, Joanna Campe raises public awareness of the crucial role of soil remineralization with finely ground rock dust, sea minerals and other natural means to regenerate soils, forests and stabilize the climate. She promotes partnerships with foundations and educational institutions, government agencies, international development agencies, the private sector, and NGOs. She has decades of related conference participation, project organization, media development, authorship, public speaking, professional networking, policy advocacy, and public awareness building. She has co-authored several research papers and is the co-editor of Geotherapy: Innovative Methods of Soil Fertility Restoration, Carbon Sequestration, and Reversing CO2 Increase.
In the early 1980s, Joanna read the book The Survival of Civilization by John Hamaker and Don Weaver and what had for her previously been “dirt” under her feet became a vast micro-universe that is the basis of all life. She recognized the tremendous importance of John’s work and joined together with him, Don Weaver and others to get the message out.
Don Weaver
Co-Author of The Survival of Civilization
Don has for 37 years been an ecologist, researcher, writer and organic grower concerned with the health and survival of humanity and the Biosphere. Humanity must quickly transform into the wisely generous species on Earth, if the growing momentum of eco-climatic and health degeneration is to be reversed. He began working with John Hamaker in 1978. John’s early writings inspired an understanding of how local and global soil remineralization with natural gravel (mixed rock) dust can enable us to perpetually grow high-quality crops and trees, the natural foundation for regenerating the socio-ecosphere. John and Don subsequently collaborated to author The Survival of Civilization, produce 11 issues of Solar Age or Ice Age? Bulletin, and numerous articles for the magazines Remineralize the Earth Magazine (1991-1997), Acres USA, Living Nutrition and more. His email contact is: earthdon@yahoo.com
Since John Hamaker died in 1994, Don has continued sharing these crucial insights. From 1997-2002, he researched and wrote To Love And Regenerate the Earth: Further Perspectives on The Survival of Civilization, which includes additional Hamaker writings in its 540 pages. Both Hamaker-Weaver books and Weaver’s Fruiticulture remain free at www.soilandhealth.org.
Yuming Lu
Research Database Director (Since 2025)
Yuming Lu is a computational economist, with a Master of Science from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Mathematics from New York University. Her research spans labor economics, public policy, and macroeconomics. As a research assistant at University of California, Irvine and Georgetown, she has applied structural macroeconomic modeling to analyze nutrition policy, immigration, trade exposure, and labor market dynamics, leveraging various software programs to generate policy-relevant insights. She is eager to explore opportunities in the NGO sector, and she believes that volunteering with Remineralize the Earth is a wonderful fit with her strong interest in environmental economics.
Helen Li
Research Database Coordinator, Strategy, and Fundraising (since 2025)
Helen Li is a research professional with over 20 years of experience in energy, industrial systems, and environmental policy research. Her work has focused on organizing complex datasets, conducting long-term analysis, and translating technical research into clear and accessible knowledge. At Remineralize the Earth, Helen supports the Research Database and contributes to organizational strategy and development initiatives. She is motivated by the opportunity to help preserve and share scientific knowledge that advances soil regeneration, climate resilience, and sustainable food systems. Outside of her professional work, Helen enjoys reading, traveling, and exploring connections between science, nature, and culture.
Benjamin T. Rancourt
Science Editor and Writer (since 2016)
Benjamin T. Rancourt received his PhD in Philosophy from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2016. His continuing philosophical research focuses on understanding, knowledge, and science, among other topics. This research ties into his wider goal of encouraging deeper understanding of ourselves, our strengths, and our limitations. He hopes that greater understanding will help us use the resources available to us to preserve what is good and address what is wrong. Walking is his primary mode of transportation. He appreciates the natural world. He lives in North Carolina with his wife Julia, where he is a Teaching Assistant Professor at North Carolina State University and William Peace University.
Carter Haydu
Science Writer (since 2018)
Carter Haydu is a senior content creator for King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. Since 2012, he also has written about the Canadian energy sector for a Calgary-based trade publication. Carter has been a journalist since 2005, with much of his reporting delving into the environmental issues facing upstream oil and gas. He has written for Remineralize the Earth since 2018.
James Jerden
Science Writer (since 2022)
James is an environmental scientist and science writer focused on researching and promoting sustainable solutions to urgent environmental problems. He holds a Ph.D. in geochemistry from Virginia Tech and a Master’s degree in geology from Boston College. Over the past 20 years, James has worked as a research geochemist and science educator. He joined Remineralize the Earth because of their effective advocacy, research, and partnership projects that support sustainable solutions to urgent environmental issues such as soil degradation (food security), water pollution from chemical fertilizers (water security), deforestation, and climate change. As a science writer for RTE, his goal is to bring the science and promise of soil remineralization to a broad, non-technical audience. When not writing, he can be found at his drum set.
Bayleigh Murray
Science Writer (since 2025)
Bayleigh Murray is an environmental data analyst and science writer based in South Carolina, U.S.A. She has a research background in microbial ecology and a professional background in environmental assessments. She holds a B.S. in Molecular & Cellular Biology and Earth & Planetary Sciences from Johns Hopkins University and has written and edited popular science features for the Johns Hopkins News-Letter and the Triple Helix Science and Society Review. She is an avid blogger and is passionate about exploring the intersections of science and culture.
Qi Zheng
Science Writer (since 2025)
Qi Zheng is currently an undergraduate student in Environmental Policy and Sustainable Development with Economics at the London School of Economics. She is interested in climate policy, sustainable land management, and the intersections of environmental governance and economic development. Beyond her work at RTE, Qi volunteers to engage children in climate action and enjoys creative writing that explores the human connection with nature.
Alejandra Caballero Garcia
Science Writer and Social Media (since 2025)
Alejandra Caballero Garcia is a marketing insights professional with a passion for sustainability, she graduated from the University of Denver with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Anthropology. Her writing highlights businesses championing sustainable agriculture and the intersection of carbon capture and community development.
Solomon Currie Ickes
Assistant to the Executive Director (since 2026)
Solomon Currie Ickes is a 2023 alumnus of the University of Minnesota, graduating with a bachelor of arts in Biology, Society, and Environment. As indicated by his multidisciplinary degree, he seeks out work that centers around the intersection of the sciences, the natural world, and human life, previously working as a medical assistant/scribe and volunteering with the Minnesota State Horticultural Society, local food banks and mutual aid groups, the Chicago Park District, various ecological studies, and as an election judge. He is excited by the potential of RTE to have a major impact on the important fields of climate change mitigation and sustainable agriculture.
Valeriia Tarasenko
Assistant to the Executive Director (since 2025)
Valeriia Tarasenko is a researcher and expert in public policy, sustainable development, and environmental leadership. She holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy from Fudan University, where her research explored Green Transformational Leadership and its influence on environmental awareness and collective ecological action. Her interdisciplinary background brings together leadership studies, environmental governance, and the cultural dimensions of sustainability.
Valeriia is an active member of several environmental associations and international research communities. She serves as an Associate Editor and Reviewer for academic journals in ecology and sustainable development, contributes to international sustainability and governance initiatives, offers expert consulting, and supports educational and analytical programs.
At Remineralize the Earth, Valeriia is guided by the belief that science, awareness, and collaboration can unite people in building a sustainable and regenerative world.
M M Moinul Islam
Assistant to the Executive Director (since 2026)
Islam is an HR professional and MBA candidate at California State University, Fresno. He has worked in human resources roles across different organizations, supporting recruitment, workforce planning and HR system implementation. Through his experience as an HR Business Partner, he has collaborated with teams to improve processes and support day-to-day operations. Alongside his professional journey, he is interested in contributing to initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and responsible practices. Outside of work and study, Islam enjoys travelling and photography.
Dasha Gaian
Website Project Lead (since 2013)
Dasha Gaian created the current website for Remineralize the Earth in 2015. She is leading the IT team as they work to create a new website. She also has produced articles and videos that are available on the RTE website. She is a website designer, photographer and transformation coach. She has been a student of Thomas Hübl since 2016. She is currently enrolled in Collective Trauma Facilitator Training, scheduled to complete in 2025.
Srijan Anand Gupta
UI/UX Designer (since 2026)
Srijan Gupta is a UI/UX designer and university student focused on building thoughtful, user-centered digital experiences. He is currently pursuing his studies while actively working on dashboard systems, learning platforms, and early-stage startup concepts. His work emphasizes clear visual hierarchy, structured design systems, and practical problem-solving. Srijan is particularly interested in interaction design and product strategy, aiming to bridge the gap between business goals and intuitive user experiences. Alongside his academic journey, he continues to refine his skills in web development and digital systems to strengthen his foundation in product design.
Esha Diwale
UI/UX Designer (since 2024)
Esha is a UI/UX designer with experience in creating intuitive, user-focused digital solutions. She holds a Master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction from DePaul University. She strives in creating visually engaging, user-centered designs that improve usability and enhance overall user experience, and has worked on various impactful projects that include website redesigns, mobile application interfaces, user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes. Esha has also experience working with start-up and non-profit organizations, designing products that align with user needs and organizational goals. Esha looks forward to bringing her experience in design to RTE, working on the new website to deliver a seamless, intuitive, and engaging experience for users.
Cynthia Yang
Web Developer (since 2026)
Cynthia Yang is a software engineer specializing in scalable full-stack development. She has a proven track record of architecting data pipelines on AWS and enterprise-level backend systems using Spring Boot and RESTful APIs. Her technical expertise spans React, Django, Maven, and core web fundamentals. She is currently responsible for developing the front-end of a new website for Remineralize the Earth. Beyond coding, she likes hiking, kpop music and recreating restaurant dishes at home.
Aman Mulla
Web Developer (since 2026)
Aman Mulla is a software engineer with experience building scalable web applications and backend systems using C#, .NET Core, JavaScript, and SQL Server. He focuses on developing clean, efficient, and reliable solutions, with hands-on experience in REST APIs, automation, and modern web interfaces. Aman enjoys solving complex problems and building systems that are both practical and performance-driven. He recently completed his Master’s in Computer Science and continues to expand his expertise in system design and full-stack development. Outside of tech, he enjoys swimming, music, exploring new ideas, and continuous learning.
Maaz Bin Naseer
Developer and Assistant to Executive Director (since 2026)
Maaz is a curious, driven, and creative problem-solver who blends technical skill with real-world ambition. He enjoys building things whether it’s software, systems, or ideas and thrives in environments where learning never stops. With a strong interest in technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship, he’s always exploring ways to turn concepts into practical solutions. Outside of work, I enjoy sports, staying active, and reading books that challenge his perspective. I likes big plans, smart work, and the kind of progress you can actually feel day by day.
Sharanpreet Singh
Social Media (since 2024)
Sharan is a MBA candidate with a focus on marketing and a knack for social media strategy, content creation, and brand engagement. He specializes in crafting impactful, community-driven content across Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook to drive growth and foster connections. His experience spans roles like Social Media Strategist at Florence Fang Community Farm, where he collaborated on building engagement strategies, and Media Coordinator for Dhillon Bro’s Trucking Inc., enhancing brand presence and generating B2B leads. Beyond work, he enjoys getting his hands in the soil through gardening and farming – a natural extension, coming from a farming family! When not in the garden, he’s always up for a lively and lighthearted yet respectful chat about politics. Feel free to check out his work and connect through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharanpreetsinghdhillon/
Hans Koehler
Graphic Designer, Video
Hans Koehler recently graduated summa cum laude from Auburn University with a BS in Industrial Design. Growing up in the forests and rivers of Alabama and the southeastern United States, his love for animals and nature began at a very young age. In fact, he’s been a voluntary vegetarian for almost his whole life. Through his work with RTE, Hans hopes to raise awareness and spread the word about remineralization through videos and graphic design. Nothing is as important as saving our planet from climate change, and Hans believes that remineralization is a critical part of the solution.
