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.

Antonio Zamunér Filho

Research Database Coordinator – Portuguese to English (since 2022)

Antonio has a degree in Agronomic Engineering from the Federal University of Lavras (2007), a master’s degree from the same University (2009) and a doctorate degree in Transport Engineering from the São Carlos School of Engineering – EESC/USP (2015). Since 2014 has been professor of the Mining Engineering course and, currently, a permanent professor in the Graduate Program in Production Engineering; both from the Federal University of Catalão. Develops research in the areas of Agrogeology; Environmental management; Optimization of Agroindustrial Products and Processes; and Transportation Planning.

Stewart Chute

Research Database Director (since 2024)

Dr. Chute is an Environmental Toxicologist. His career spans academic, industrial, and government sectors. He has extensive experience addressing the concerns of citizens on issues related to chemical exposure and possible health effects. In his role as a public health advocate and subject matter expert he has advised local government officials on issues relating to environmental health and planning for chemical or radiological emergencies. He has collaborated with federal government agencies on toxic waste site remediation and developed health-based standards for environmental media. In recent years, he developed guidance for managing human health risks associated with cyanobacterial blooms. Prior to his work in the public sector, Dr. Chute worked as a Research Scientist in the pharmaceutical industry. In this role he worked with a team of other researchers and developed novel methods to replace animal toxicity testing protocols. Here he applied techniques of digital image analysis, laser cytometry, and video densitometry to measure changes in cell physiology. Before receiving his doctorate, he worked as a researcher in academic laboratories at the University of Connecticut and Yale University. The focus of his published work is on neurochemical changes associated with amphetamine addiction. He earned is Ph.D. from the School of Pharmacy at the University of Connecticut in 1990. He enjoys carpentry, woodworking, and outdoor sports.

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.

Anna Himelstein

Science Writer (since 2024)

Anna is a graduate in Geology and GIS from West Virginia University. For the past two years she has been solo traveling across many countries. Her route has taken her to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Jordan, Mexico, Georgia, Eastern Europe, and many more. Along the way she volunteered for several organic farms, learning how people around the world approach agriculture and life. Inspired by the places she’s been and the knowledge of strong communities, she’s now returning to the United States with a drive to support local connection to agriculture, community, and the earth. Though her primary focus is on geological research, she is keen to learn from the various disciplines that contribute to sustainability and agriculture. She began as a science writer for Remineralize the Earth in 2024, inspired by the team’s natural approach to enriching agricultural soils. She’s also a ceramicist, with studio spaces in Utah and an artist residency in Austria.

Hannah Leonard

Grant Writer (since 2024)

Hannah Leonard is a graduate student researching Global Security at Arizona State University, with an emphasis on environmental issues. As a U.S. military veteran and world traveler, Hannah has lived in locations throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia, and has visited over 40 countries. Her diverse experiences have fueled her passion for issues at the intersection of sustainability, and international cooperation. Hannah is excited to contribute to Remineralize the Earth’s mission by identifying and securing funding opportunities to support research, education, and implementation projects that advance remineralization as a promising strategy to restore soils, improve food security, and combat climate change.

You can connect with her via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-leonard-00/

Paolo Murrali

Grant Writer (since 2025)

Paolo holds a master’s in geography from the University of Florence, Italy. He deepened his interest in international cooperation through direct involvement in EU projects-related desk research assistance and grant scouting. Inspired by RTE’s goals, he hopes his work will help raise awareness of soil remineralization as a strategic practice for reversing climate change.

Benjamin ZH Tan

Assistant to the Executive Director, Science Writer (since 2021)

Benjamin is a recent graduate of Northeastern University with a masters degree in media innovation. He writes about the intersection of technology and climate, and finds joy in producing in-depth explainers about science-related topics. He is committed to raising public awareness of the science of soil remineralization and emerging technologies in greenhouse gas drawdown. During his free time, he enjoys landscape photography, hiking, and cooking.

Alan Kantor

Senior Web Designer (since 2022)

Alan has been working in web design and graphic design for companies, from small firms to Fortune 100 companies, since 1997. He has designed websites, book layouts, promotional materials, and more. Companies he has worked with include: Feral Pixels, World Trade Press, Institute of Noetic Sciences, among others. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from California State University, Northridge. He currently lives in Northern California.

Hrutvi Panchal

UI/UX Designer (since 2024)

Hrutvi Panchal is a skilled UI/UX designer based in San Francisco, with a Master’s in Design from the Academy of Art University. She joined Remineralize the Earth to align her passion for environmental sustainability with her design expertise, aiming to elevate RTE’s digital presence and communicate its mission more effectively. With her experience designing user-centric solutions, Hrutvi is focused on crafting intuitive and engaging online experiences that connect people to the environmental, social, and economic benefits of remineralization. Hrutvi is creative at heart, with a strong background in graphic design and a knack for bringing innovative ideas to life. In addition to her design work, she loves exploring new cultures, trying out different cuisines, and travelling to expand her horizons. At home, she enjoys the company of her energetic cat, who never fails to bring a smile to her face.

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.

Mathew Steenwinkel

Web Developer (since 2025)

Mathew is a web developer passionate about creating intuitive and user-friendly digital experiences. With a strong background in front-end and back-end development, Mathew contributes technical expertise to Remineralize the Earth, helping to enhance its online presence and accessibility. When not coding, Mathew enjoys climbing, coffee, reading, and walking their dog.

Akshara Yaramada

Web Developer (since 2025)

Akshara Yaramada is an experienced software engineer specializing in building large-scale applications. Now based in Los Angeles, she holds a Master’s in Computer Science from California State University, Long Beach. She recently joined Remineralize the Earth, bringing her expertise in full-stack development to enhance their website and improve the user experience. Passionate about designing scalable and efficient systems, she is excited to apply her skills to support the organization’s mission. Outside of work, Akshara enjoys playing basketball, trying out new recipes, and spending time in nature.

Colleen Northcutt

RTE Resource Directory (since 2024)

Colleen Northcutt is an advertising professional with a BA in communications from Washington State University. For the last decade she has helped startups hone their messaging and outreach strategy to land their first US customers and partnerships. Now, she seeks to help RTE’s partners raise awareness and achieve their growth goals.

Colleen has been fortunate to spend the last year as a digital nomad with her husband. They both enjoy slow travel and getting to know local communities and environments, an experience which constantly fuels her passion to protect earth’s diversity.

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/

Winifred Amase

Social Media and Design (since 2023)

Winifred is a highly skilled data visualization design enthusiast with a passion for turning complex information into compelling visual stories. With a wealth of experience in graphic design, she has honed her skills in data visualization, branding and editorial design. She understands the power of data storytelling in educating and inspiring action, and as a creative designer with RTE, Winifred is dedicated to leveraging her skills to create positive social and environmental impact.

Her portfolio showcases her impressive range of work and demonstrates her ability to translate data into impactful visuals. Check out some of her outstanding works at https://winifred.myportfolio.com/

Winifred hopes to make a meaningful difference in the world, one design at a time.

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.