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

Douglas Kesling

Region: North America Scholar Date: 1983 to 1984 Doug Kesling currently works as a Real Estate Broker/Realtor and is a consultant to many scientific diving safety groups. Doug often tells his clients, “If your house is

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OW-USS Past Scholars

Stefanie Wells

Region: North America Scholar Date: 2002 to 2003 Stefanie is a Marine Biology major at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington, with a primary underwater interest in ichthyology. She’s certified as a PADI Divemaster and

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Jay Moreland

Region: North America Scholar Date: 1984 Jay Moreland, MD, has three jobs. He does full spectrum Family Practice, including obstetrics and takes care of un-insured and underinsured patients. He is a Hospice Medical Director and a

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