World Academy on Queen Anne: New Zealand, South Africa and Beyond

Dr. Catherine Skokan is a professor emerita at the Colorado School of Mines and the first woman to receive a graduate degree from that institution. Her technical interests include volcanoes, geothermal and energy resources, groundwater resources, and humanitarian engineering. Dr. Skokan has traveled extensively with student and adult groups and has led humanitarian engineering projects, visiting all seven continents and some 100 countries, sharing the beauties of this world with others.

Professor John Cerone holds faculty appointments at The Fletcher School-Tufts University, American University-Washington College of Law, and the University of London. As a practicing international lawyer, he has worked for numerous IGOs and NGOs, served as Special Adviser to the first U.S. delegation to the U.N. Human Rights Council, and has extensive field experience in conflict and post-conflict environments. He has taught in more than 40 countries around the world and is the author of dozens of articles and book chapters on international law.

Roula Skoula was born in Heraklion, Crete. She studied journalism in Athens and worked as a freelance print and radio journalist. After enrolling in the School of Professional Greek Tourist Guides, she travelled with university professors, learning history, philosophy, archaeology, and more. Roula has been a professional exploration leader since 1987. In addition to Greek, she speaks English and Italian. She continues learning to increase her vast knowledge of Greek history and culture and has worked with Road Scholar for the past 13 years.

David Crowe worked in education for more than 40 years teaching history, physical education, and serving as vice principal of his school. He has a degree and PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) in history. Following retirement in 2014, he returned to the classroom to teach history in the International School of Monaco. David lives between the UK and the south of France, following his passion for adventure, skiing, climbing, sailing, kayaking, and cycling. David has led Road Scholar programs in Scotland and Scandinavia.

Dr. Ngaire (NY-ree) Douglas is a retired senior university professor. She is published widely on Pacific studies, history, and cruise ship management. Since 2006, she has worked with Australian Business Volunteers, a government-funded organization placing short term expertise into projects in developing countries. Her contribution is in university locations across Southeast Asia, training academics in the development of education materials and improving teaching skills. Ngaire is passionate about food, wine, travel, and sharing Australia and New Zealand with Road Scholars.

Revell Carr, one of the world’s outstanding maritime historians, received degrees from Rutgers University and the University of Pennsylvania, and served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. He later taught at the U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School. In a 31-year career at the Mystic Seaport Museum, Revell was chief curator for eight years and the museum’s director and president for 23 years. He is the author of two nonfiction books, 'All Brave Sailors' and 'Seeds of Discontent.' He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Ruth Polling graduated at the top of her class as the London Blue Badge Travel Educator of the Year and has since been sharing her knowledge of London with curious travelers. London born and bred, she is energetic and passionate about her city and country and sharing their stories. Ruth graduated from the London School of Economics and previously worked in politics for 11 years, both in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Duncan Money is a historian and speaker who writes about empire, migration, work and—in particular—mining. For his whole life, he has been fascinated by the idea of the vast subterranean worlds that lie hidden beneath our feet. Originally from the UK, he has lived and worked in various parts of Africa, Europe, and North America, and traveled widely. He holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Oxford and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

Andrew Russell was born in Cape Town in 1964, the year Nelson Mandela was sent to Robben Island. He attended Bishops College, completing his schooling in 1982 – the same year Mandela was moved off Robben Island to Pollsmoor Prison. He completed his studies at the University of Cape Town before doing two years of National Service as was compulsory for all white males at the time. He then taught accounting at the high school level for eight years before starting his own tourism businesses.