Our experience in education, communications, multi-media production and client work is what makes Encounter Edu tick.
Jamie runs Encounter Edu, which he founded in 2008 as Digital Explorer. Jamie's commitment for inspiring young people about the most pressing issues affecting our environment began when he taught teenagers in east London schools between 2004 and 2008. To reach out to thousands of young minds he has innovated the use of technology to bring faraway peoples and environments into classrooms, anchoring broadcasts from some of the most remote locations on the planet. Over the years Jamie's work has been recognised with a number of awards and media coverage. Jamie's work leading Encounter Edu's free, live steaming events sees him reach students worldwide, fielding questions, conducting live experiments and hosting researchers working on the frontiers of science to illustrate how human impact is affecting our natural environment.
Oliver Steeds co-founded Digital Explorer with Jamie in 2008. He lends strategic support to Encounter Edu, with the rest of his time dedicated to running Nekton which he founded in 2015. Nekton is a deep ocean exploration outfit to advance scientific marine research. His experience as director, explorer and public presenter have been a valuable contribution to supporting Encounter Edu partnerships.
Irina heads up communications. She brings 17 years of experience working with the UN and as a journalist covering conflicts, humanitarian crises and current events in the Middle East, USA and Europe. She worked for the United Nations Works and Relief Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), including setting up its Syrian crisis regional communications and advocacy unit. Before embarking for the UN, her work as a journalist began at the American broadcaster, ABC News in New York and London. While at ABC News, she was nominated for the Livingstone Award for Young Journalists and was listed on three of ABC News’ Emmy Awards. She is delighted to be on board to grow Encounter Edu's footprint and business.