Dietrich Nebert, Director
Dietrich has been a public school science educator for three decades. Dietrich’s passion for science began as a child exploring the National Institutes of Health where his father was a genetic researcher. Specifically, Dietrich rescued lab mice, distracted researchers, and creatively played with dry ice in eight sinks at one time. His science background includes marine mammal research, particularly Pacific humpback whales and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. In addition to teaching children, he has taught graduate level courses to science teachers in expedition settings. He has held positions as an educator at Willamette University, Bank Street College, and the Coney Island Aquarium. Dietrich's dedication to nonprofit science education organizations is approaching two decades. Dietrich currently lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife Allison and has two grown children.
Brian Black, Program Coordinator
Brian was born into a family of teachers and started teaching in 1994 at a small public school in Portland, Oregon. He has been an instructor with ISLE Project since 2007. Although an English teacher, Brian has always been interested in science and loves learning about vocanoes. Brian is a serious amateur photographer and counts photographing the eruption of Kilauea among his most memorable experiences. Brian retired from teaching in 2024 and lives in Portland, Oregon.
Dale Petersen, Logistics Coordinator
Dale has been with ISLE Project since 2008. As an avid outdoor enthusiast and Boy Scout leader, he has been working with youth in the outdoors for more than 25 years. Dale counts any day not inside of a building as a good day. He may get lost in a shopping mall, but can easily get from point A to B in the wilderness. Dale’s educational and professional backgrounds are in the technology industry. However, he enjoys introducing youth to a world away from video games, TV, and other electronic distractions, and he encourages discovery. Dale grew up as a child in the military where "home" included five U.S. states and Germany. He lives in Bend, Oregon, with his wife Tracy, and has three grown children and four grandchildren.
Paul Crain, Expedition Leader
Paul taught elementary physical education for over 30 years. He is newly retired and works training horses and dogs. He lives with his wife, Sally, in Happy Valley, Oregon.
Serena Nebert, Expedition Leader
Serena grew up around ISLE Project and learned the ways from her dad, Dietrich. His passion for science education and many childhood adventures has inspired her to pursue a degree in Environmental Education from Western Washington University. She plans on teaching elementary school and continuing the legacy of ISLE. In her free time, you can find Serena hiking, swimming, doing art, or finding cool rocks!
Lolly Jamerson is an arts educator/artist in Portland, Oregon. As Secretary of ISLE Project, she volunteers her time to support ISLE Project by acting as events and communications coordinator.
Lauren Rosenstein has always loved exploring the outdoors, flipping over logs, climbing trees, and investigating puddles. Lauren began her career in the wilderness as a National Park Ranger for a tiny park in Northern Virginia, Prince William Forest Park. After moving to the west coast and falling in love with Oregon, Lauren created a small organization called the Green Schoolhouse which creates outdoor experiences for students around their school's grounds through in-school curriculum, after school garden clubs, and summer camps. When she's not outside. tending to her garden or camping, Lauren is watching movies and reading books while snuggling with her cat, Clyde.
Allison W. Gillespie grew up in a science museum, meaning she spent time rambling through the Cumberland Science Museum in Nashville, Tennessee, where her mom worked. Raising baby screech owls, assisting with live animal demonstrations, and spending endless hours in the planetarium gave her a passion for all things science. Allison helps ISLE with family outreach & communication needs, designing and maintaining expedition grade medical kits, and supporting expedition planning efforts.