I spent the first week of March in Des Moines, Iowa for Celebrate Innovation Week. During my visit, I had the opportunity to get to know the other presenters, be exposed to all kinds of fascinating topics, and learn about the numerous ways they are re-imagining boundaries in their respective fields. In celebration, I am introducing them to you here, so you too can be inspired:
Jonathan Frakes
Jonathan Frakes is an actor, author, and director, best known for his role as Commander William T. Riker in the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation, a role he also played in several films. Recent directing credits include: Star Trek: Discovery on CBS and the new Fox dramedy starring Seth McFarlane called The Orville. Frakes can be heard as the narrator on the animated series Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.
Josh Gates
Josh Gates is an archeologist, adventurer, television personality, and author. As host of the Travel Channel Series Expedition Unknown, Gates takes viewers around the world on thrilling investigations of everything from Amelia Earhart’s disappearance to a search for the Ark of the Covenant or lost Incan cities to a hunt in Siberia for Mammoth tusks to be used for DNA cloning. He has also hosted Destination Truth and Ghost Hunters Live, shows where the paranormal, remote corners of the planet, and a search for the Yeti are among his daring and entertaining expeditions.
Jill Heinerth
Jill Heinerth is a diver, adventurer, and sea hero. Heinerth has explored deep underwater caves, never-before-seen ecosystems, and the inside of Antarctic icebergs. The Hall of Fame diver encourages audiences to challenge the unknown and overcome fears. Heinerth, who has received awards shared by other underwater greats as Jacques Cousteau and Robert Ballard, was named a “Living Legend” by Sport Diver Magazine.
I spent the first week of March in Des Moines, Iowa for Celebrate Innovation Week. During my visit, I had the opportunity to get to know the other presenters, be exposed to all kinds of fascinating topics, and learn about the numerous ways they are re-imagining boundaries in their respective fields. In celebration, I am introducing them to you here, so you too can be inspired:
Kenny Aronoff
Kenny Aronoff is one of the world’s most influential and in-demand drummers. Rolling Stone Magazine named Aronoff one of the 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time. He’s spent 17 years with John Mellencamp playing the unforgettable tumble that leads into the chorus of Jack and Diane. He’s also kept the beat for The Rolling Stones, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, and many more. His presentations include live performances, entertaining anecdotes from his rock star life, and tips for success.
Dr. David Gallo
Dr. David Gallo is the world's leading expert on ocean exploration. He was one of the first scientists to use robots and submarines to explore the deep-sea floor. He was co-leader of the successful international effort to find the wreck site of the Air France 447. He co-led an exploration of RMS Titanic and the German Battleship Bismark. His TED presentation, Underwater Astonishments, has more than 8 million views.
Dr. Nathalia Holt
Nathalia Holt is a science writer and the New York Times bestselling author of Rise of the Rocket Girls: The Women Who Propelled Us from Missiles to the Moon to Mars. Her work has appeared in numerous publications including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic, Slate, Popular Science, and Time.
Rod Pyle
Rod Pyle is an author, journalist, both historian and futurist, and filmmaker. He has written 11 books on space history, exploration and development, including Innovation the NASA Way and Destination Mars. Pyle has also produced, directed and written several episodes for History Channel’s Modern Marvels as well as a documentary for History Channel entitled, Beyond the War of the Worlds.
