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.
Debbie Patskowski
Science Writer (since 2021)
Debbie Patskowski is a senior petrophysicist and freelance writer on Medium, covering such topics as geology, science, and space exploration. Her professional areas of expertise include identification of minerals, rock types, and pore fluids using remote sensing (borehole) measurements. She has a BS in Geology and Environmental Sciences from Stanford and an MBA from the German University in Cairo. She and her husband live in Colorado where she enjoys running and hiking in the Rocky Mountains.
Charlie Gagnon
Social Media Director & Digital Marketing Lead, Grant Writer (since 2024)
Charlie Gagnon comes to RTE with the hope of tackling our planet’s largest and most pressing issue: climate change. He holds a degree in Resource Economics and Environmental Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and has spent the last three years as a real estate advisor, honing his social media, marketing, data management, and writing skills. He has a strong passion for advancing environmental sciences, leading to new discoveries, revitalization, sustainability, and a greater public understanding of our world through innovative research, education, and outreach. In his free time, Charlie volunteers at the New England Aquarium and coaches basketball and lacrosse at his local high school.
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.
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/
Rasmus Sayre
Assistant to the Executive Director (since 2023)
Rasmus is a returned volunteer from Peace Corps Madagascar. He studied Political Science and Economics at Eckerd College. In his junior year, he was shortlisted for the school’s writing excellence award, given to the handful of students showing the highest level of writing and research aptitude. Rasmus is a passionate outdoorsman and came to environmentalism through an appreciation for his time spent outside. He feels that at the intersection of socioeconomic progress and environmental protection lies our planet’s greatest challenge. Therefore, Rasmus is excited about the climate solution that Remineralization and Enhanced Rock Weathering provides and is eager to help spread the word.
Naomi Yossef
Assistant to Executive Director and Grant Writer (since 2023)
Naomi completed her MSc in Environmental Policy and Management. Growing up in Ghana, Naomi witnessed the exacerbation of socioeconomic issues due to the lack of prioritising environmental issues. This shaped her academic and professional career to centre on sustainability, with a focus on advocating for sustainable development and solutions in African countries. Naomi has been based in Ethiopia since 2020, where she has been supporting various projects that promote sustainable development and environmental education. Naomi is fascinated by the work at RTE to provide a sustainable solution to combat climate change, and is especially keen to support the Kilimanjaro project based in Tanzania.
Haimanti Pakrashi
Grant Writer (since 2024)
Haimanti is an independent researcher on environmental issues. She has a Masters and an Advanced Research Degree in Social Sciences. She has worked in some of the remotest corners of India, including the Sunderbans and the Thar desert. Though originally from eastern India, she has studied and worked all over the country.
She moved to the USA in 2020 and she now volunteers for several environmental and social welfare organizations. She sincerely hopes for the foundation of an global alliance for fighting climate change in the immediate future. For now, she wants to work on sustainable development and thus she chose to volunteer for RTE.
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.
Yihong (Ethan) Xiao
Assistant to Executive Director and Social Media Coordinator (since 2024)
Ethan is a recent graduate of Boston University with a Master of Science degree in Energy and Environment and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Policy Analysis. Ethan has been a nature lover and an environmental enthusiast since childhood, and he is passionate about using his education to create greater goods in nature conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, invasive species removal, and environmental policy advocacy. He is excited about the opportunity to work at RTE to promote the environmental, social, and economic benefits of remineralization and enhanced rock weathering to the public. In his spare time, Ethan enjoys experiencing nature in different ways, including hiking, camping, fishing, and mountain biking, and he also loves playing soccer and collecting 80s music records.
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.
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.
Iqbal S Kang
Full-stack Developer (since 2024)
Iqbal S Kang is a full-stack web developer with a Master’s degree in Computer Science. Passionate about leveraging technology for positive impact, Iqbal volunteers at Remineralize the Earth, contributing expertise to support their mission of soil remineralization for environmental regeneration. Explore Iqbal’s portfolio showcasing a range of web development projects at https://www.iqbalkang.dev/.
Omar Khan
Web Developer (since 2023)
Omar is a web developer with a bachelors in Computer Science. His interests are mostly in playing basketball and stargazing. He is currently working on revamping the RTE website.
Arya Mihir Singh
Marketing Associate & Website Developer (since 2024)
Arya is a Carnegie Mellon graduate with a passion for social service. Arya has been an active part of notable NGOs such as Lions Clubs International, International Association for Human Values (IAHV) for the past 15 years. Arya holds a Bachelors in Computer Science and loves using his tech and product skills to build products and services for good. Arya has conducted more than 50 wellness workshops that promote individual and environmental well-being, emphasizing on ideas such as individual carbon footprint. He is super passionate about RTE’s mission to provide a sustainable solutions to combat climate change!
You can connect with him: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aryamihir
Utkarsh Khandelwal
Marketing Associate & Website Developer (since 2024)
Utkarsh is a Masters of Science graduate from Carnegie Mellon University, and has a strong passion for community service projects and impact driven initiatives. In India, he founded Rootworkz Learning, an ed-tech venture that empowered over 70,000 students with online learning during COVID. Now, Utkarsh wants to leverages his technical and marketing expertise to raise awareness about remineralization. He’s driven to spread the word about this vital practice and contribute to a more sustainable future, helping combat climate change.
Ling Ding
Accountant (since 2023)
Ling Ding is an MBA/Master of finance candidate at Case Western Reserve University, Ling aims to have a positive impact by engaging in impact investing that support the broader community, providing support and services to those in need.
Ling Ding has a strong passion for helping others and has actively participated in various community service projects. In China, she used her skills in urban planning and design to contribute to the regeneration of parks and the improvement of living conditions in villages through new countryside construction projects. Additionally, she volunteered at the Holly Hagg Community Farm, where she helped locals plant urban agriculture to serve the community. Ling also completed a half-marathon to fundraise for wildflowers in the United Kingdom.”
