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

Daniel J. Copeland

Region: Europe Scholar Date: 2015 Daniel Copeland, 23, has always enjoyed learning about, understanding and experiencing different aspects of the natural world. It wasn’t until he took his first breath underwater during an introductory ocean dive

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OW-USS Past Scholars

Jamie Brisbin

Region: North America Scholar Date: 2008 to 2009 Jamie Brisbin, 22, of Setauket, NY has been selected as Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society’s 2008 North American Rolex Scholar. Growing up in Hong Kong, Jamie was influenced by

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OW-USS Past Scholars

Eline Feenstra

Region: Europe Scholar Date: 2008 to 2009 Born and raised below sea level in the Netherlands, Eline Juliette Feenstra (22), has been selected as the European Rolex Scholar for 2008/2009. At the moment Eline is majoring

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OW-USS Past Scholars

Kenny Broad

Region: North America Scholar Date: 1992 Kenny Broad is an environmental anthropologist who studies the relationship between humans and their environment. He is currently a professor of environmental science and policy and Director of the Abess

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