Harry has his Master’s and Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences focused on geology and paleontology. He currently teaches earth science and geology at FGCU and is a mentor for the Paleo Club. During fieldwork in 2018, Harry discovered a new species of fossil stingray in SW Arkansas: Hypolophites beckeri. Along with colleagues Harry has also done extensive research and published papers on Lamniform and Carcharhiniform sharks from the Pungo River and Yorktown formations, as well as Macroboring in Otodus Megalodon and Otodus Chubutensis off NC.

We began diving and working with Harry while he was still living in New Jersey and coming down to Florida whenever he got the chance. Now a Florida resident, Harry dives with us often and conducts field work several times a week. We always enjoy talking fossils with and learning from Harry and have donated several specimens to assist in his current research focused on central and southwest Florida.

Read more about the species Harry discovered here: Hypolophites beckeri

Alex is our go-to guy for identifying ice age mammal fossils. He was born and raised fossil hunting locally in SW Florida and later followed his passion for the ocean and science by earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Biology from USF. His interest and studies in Marine Science through University of South Florida, James Cook Universaty in Australia, and the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences led to his first journal publication on the impacts of recurrent culling of invasive lionfish on mesophotic reefs in Bermuda.

He now spends most of his time exploring both the Gulf and nearby lands for fossils, and when weather doesn’t allow, he’s putting time in researching and identifying finds. We met Alex diving in Venice several years ago and have since spent countless hours fossil hunting and working together on boats & projects.

View more of Alex’s finds here: Venice Fossil Diver

Theresa, or as we like to call her - The Casting Master, is an amazingly talented metalsmith whose work is inspired by natural textures, patterns, and collected objects. We were extremely fortunate to meet several years ago fossil diving, and as two former educators obsessed with diving, shark teeth and ocean inspired art, we bonded quickly and have been collaborating on special projects ever since, most notably the Diver meets Jeweler collection.

Check out her website to view her full collection: www.theresaapplegate.com

Ryan loves both diving and fossils; from the moment he wakes up in the morning to the moment he goes to bed at night, his world revolves around fossils. After retiring from the army, Ryan began his diving career on a charter in Venice, FL where we worked alongside each other. Later Ryan moved up to Carolina Beach and transitioned into diving commercially for fossils. We continue to enjoy diving with Ryan often, both in NC and FL, and love the chance to hunt and grow our skills in different underwater environments.

Check out his website for more fossil options: www.thefossilranger.com

Captain Mike has been a true inspiration, mentor and friend. He has been diving and running charters in Venice for over 12 years and has been kind enough to share his extensive local knowledge with us. Captain Mike is passionate about what he does and loves introducing people to fossil hunting and teaching them the tips and tricks has learned. Being able to work with and learn from Mike through the years has been an invaluable and unforgettable experience and we look forward to many more dives together.

If you’re in Venice and looking for a charter, check out Aquanutz Dive Charter

You may recognize Kayla Northcutt from our social media or as a friendly face manning our booth at local shows! We met Kayla several years ago while fossil diving in Venice and became fast friends after bonding over the adorable shark lunch box she’d brought on the boat. Now Kayla dives with us regularly and is always willing to jump in and help where needed!

As a first grade teacher and life-long learner Kayla is constantly looking for professional development opportunities to further her own education in addition to ways to incorporate her love of the ocean into the classroom. Outside of school hours, Kayla is an active PADI Dive Instructor and an avid volunteer for Sharks 4 Kids.