Michael Topolovac

Region:
North America
Scholar Date:
1987 to 1988

Michael is a serial entrepreneur who hacks away at underwater imaging whenever he gets the chance. He was first exposed to the diving world in high-school when he got certified to drive the submarine he was building for his science fair project. While his career as a submariner was short lived, it paved the way for him being awarded the Rolex Our World – Underwater Scholarship which introduced him to UW photography and gave him a chance to learn from some of the greats such as David Doublet and Stan Waterman. From that experience the idea for Light & Motion emerged which was subsequently started from his dorm room at Stanford. Ten years after its founding, Michael left Light & Motion (where he still serves as Chairman of the Board), and founded venture backed Arena Solutions, a Software as a Service company who’s solution helps global brands bring their products to market. After recently transitioning out of his role at Arena, Michael is now focused on his third company which is building a global brand around accessible luxury products for women.

Current and Past Scholars :
OW-USS Past Scholars

Jennifer Jeffers

Region: North America Scholar Date: 2001 to 2002 Jennifer Jeffers was selected as the 2001 North American Rolex Scholar. She graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder in December 2000 with a degree in Environmental,

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OW-USS Past Scholars

Brenna Mahoney

Region: North America Scholar Date: 2007 to 2008 Brenna Mahoney, 24, of Bethesda, MD has been named as Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society’s 2007 North American Rolex Scholar. Brenna earned a Bachelor of Science in 2005 from

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OW-USS Past Scholars

Anya Watson

Region: North America Scholar Date: 2005 to 2006 Anya Watson was the 2005 North American Rolex Scholar for the Our World-Underwater Scholarship. She graduated from Connecticut College with a degree in Biology and Russian in 2005.

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OW-USS Past Scholars

Erin McFadden

Region: Europe Scholar Date: 2011 to 2012 Erin McFadden, 21, was born and raised in the Scottish coastal town of Dunbar and has always found the sea a source of fascination and contentment. Currently a final

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