About Blue Earth Research Group
Blue Earth Research Group (BERG) is focused on the health of our oceans and the marine life that inhabits them. Many species are bioindicators that tell us about the conditions of the aquatic systems that support our planet. Oceans are undoubtedly beautiful. They are also essential to the well-being of all humans and many of the economic systems that support our communities.
Our oceans face a very powerful threat from one species. Humans. Destruction threatens not only marine life but human life as well. And only humans have the power to abate these dangers.
Blue Earth Research Group conducts scientific research, educates and reaches out to communities, and advocates for solutions towards saving the marine environment that we rely on. We gather information about marine systems and the animals that live in them to understand how we impact them. It is through knowledge gained from research that we will find solutions to restore our beautiful oceans, and in turn strengthen the health of our communities economically and ensure healthy ecosystems for the future.
The Team
We started Blue Earth Research Group to pursue our dream of creating an organization focused on improving the health of our oceans.
Karen Pankaew
The ocean has always called to Karen, but initially the universe led her in a different direction. However, following her first snorkeling experience in Hawaii, the pull of the ocean became so great Karen began to make annual snorkeling and diving excursions. She eventually decided to make great life changes to pursue a new field to conserve the aquatic universe.
Karen holds a BA in Cognitive Science from University of California, Berkeley, and a MS in Biology from Florida Atlantic University. Her background includes educating children and adults on and off for 25 years. She enjoys sharing her passion for nature and science. Karen has recently has conducted research on sea turtle hatchling physiology and participated in sea turtle sex determination and genetics studies.
David Kosky
David’s passion for the ocean finally persuaded him to change his course from businessman to conservationist. After many years of running a family business and then as a marketing professional, David is dedicating his experience to developing BERG and its endeavors.
David holds a BS in Psychology and a minor in marketing from Abilene Christian University.
Madeline Smith
After graduating high school early, Madeline is working toward her associates degree at St. Petersburg College, with an interest in pursuing elementary education, gender studies and history. Her other loves are playing principal oboe in the Pinellas Youth Symphony, being a long-time potter at the Morean Center for Clay and her two cats, Miss Myrtle and Mr. Pickles.