Expedition Leaders

David completed his master’s degree at the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute in 2013. He’s visited the Polar Regions while a student at the University Centre in Svalbard, as a Field Assistant for scientists across the Svalbard archipelago, for a British Exploring Society expedition in Arctic Norway, then as a crew member aboard a scientific research vessel in West Greenland. Since 2014 David has worked on expedition ships in both Polar Regions. He has been elected to the prestigious Arctic Club and is a Royal Geographical Society Fellow. David is always eager to share his knowledge of polar history, glaciology and marine geomorphology with guests traveling in the Arctic and Antarctic.

Laurie has spent part of her career in marine logistics and operations management. She has also worked for a tall ship sail-training organization in her home base of Toronto. Laurie has guided 70 trips in the polar regions and feels most at home on a Zodiac, searching for wildlife, or hiking on the tundra. Laurie works with the ship’s captain to read the weather and ice, determining distances to be traveled and, ultimately, to ensure guests have the trip of a lifetime.

Born and raised on Georgian Bay, Ontario, Shane was destined to work on the water. He has been exploring Antarctica since the 1990s, semi-circumnavigating it numerous times, leading trips that have taken guests to some of the most remote areas of the continent. He truly wears his passion for the environment on his sleeve.

Christian’s ocean-focused career has included positions as a biologist, skipper, environmental consultant and adventure guide. He has a degree in marine biology and a diploma in environmental technology. Christian has worked with Quark Expeditions since 2004. He has completed about 130 expeditions (as guide and lecturer of marine biology) in the Canadian Arctic, the North Pole, Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, Antarctic, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Christian believes in seizing every polar opportunity. His credo: “Explore, welcome the unknown and discover.”

Ali, who has traveled widely since childhood, has developed her skills in leadership, management, communications and logistics. She studied international relations at the postgraduate level and speaks Mandarin. Ali has multiple seasons of polar experience in both the Arctic and Antarctic. Ali revels in the opportunity to share her passion for conservation and sustainability with Quark Expeditions’ guests.

Born and raised in coastal Alaska, Solan has worked as a wilderness ranger, expedition leader, kayak guide, boat builder and marine mammal emergency responder. A passionate expedition guide, Solan has explored the polar regions since 2002, leading trips throughout the Arctic, including Greenland, Canada, Alaska, Norway and Russia. Solan is committed to facilitating expeditions that help people “experience something extraordinary.”

Jake is passionate about expedition logistics. After completing his degree in Operations Management, Jake spent six years in Quark Expeditions’ Toronto office where he managed multiple elements of shore-side operations, including purchasing, logistics, operating procedures and expedition team oversight. Jake also frequently fulfills the role of Logistics Coordinator. He’s a licensed aircraft pilot, sailboat skipper and scuba diver.

Niki’s love and passion for the outdoors was born from adventures in Canadian lakes and forests as a child. Fresh from university, she took on a role with the Canadian non-profit organization Students on Ice, coordinating and guiding educational expeditions for youth in the Arctic and Antarctica. She also organized and presented youth forums and a workshop on polar education for educators. Students and Elders from the Arctic inspired in her an interest in and deep respect for Inuit culture and traditional knowledge. As a result, Niki has also worked with Nunavut Sivuniksavut, a special college program for Inuit students from Nunavut.

Woody, who hails from Australia, has an unquenchable passion for sharing the marvels of the polar regions. He holds degrees in political science and law, and previously worked in a pediatrics hospital before joining Quark Expeditions. Woody has spent a decade at sea, in the Arctic and Antarctica. He spends as much time as possible on board ships heading into the ice. His passion for landscapes, ice, wildlife and polar history.