Expedition Leaders

David completed his master’s degree at the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute in 2013. He’s visited the Polar Regions while a student at the University Centre in Svalbard, as a Field Assistant for scientists across the Svalbard archipelago, for a British Exploring Society expedition in Arctic Norway, then as a crew member aboard a scientific research vessel in West Greenland. Since 2014 David has worked on expedition ships in both Polar Regions. He has been elected to the prestigious Arctic Club and is a Royal Geographical Society Fellow. David is always eager to share his knowledge of polar history, glaciology and marine geomorphology with guests traveling in the Arctic and Antarctic.

Born and raised on Georgian Bay, Ontario, Shane was destined to work on the water. He has been exploring Antarctica since the 1990s, semi-circumnavigating it numerous times, leading trips that have taken guests to some of the most remote areas of the continent. He truly wears his passion for the environment on his sleeve.

Christian’s ocean-focused career has included positions as a biologist, skipper, environmental consultant and adventure guide. He has a degree in marine biology and a diploma in environmental technology. Christian has worked with Quark Expeditions since 2004. He has completed about 130 expeditions (as guide and lecturer of marine biology) in the Canadian Arctic, the North Pole, Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, Antarctic, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Christian believes in seizing every polar opportunity. His credo: “Explore, welcome the unknown and discover.”

Ali, who has traveled widely since childhood, has developed her skills in leadership, management, communications and logistics. She studied international relations at the postgraduate level and speaks Mandarin. Ali has multiple seasons of polar experience in both the Arctic and Antarctic. Ali revels in the opportunity to share her passion for conservation and sustainability with Quark Expeditions’ guests.

Born and raised in coastal Alaska, Solan has worked as a wilderness ranger, expedition leader, kayak guide, boat builder and marine mammal emergency responder. A passionate expedition guide, Solan has explored the polar regions since 2002, leading trips throughout the Arctic, including Greenland, Canada, Alaska, Norway and Russia. Solan is committed to facilitating expeditions that help people “experience something extraordinary.”

Jake is passionate about expedition logistics. After completing his degree in Operations Management, Jake spent six years in Quark Expeditions’ Toronto office where he managed multiple elements of shore-side operations, including purchasing, logistics, operating procedures and expedition team oversight. Jake also frequently fulfills the role of Logistics Coordinator. He’s a licensed aircraft pilot, sailboat skipper and scuba diver.

Woody, who hails from Australia, has an unquenchable passion for sharing the marvels of the polar regions. He holds degrees in political science and law, and previously worked in a pediatrics hospital before joining Quark Expeditions. Woody has spent a decade at sea, in the Arctic and Antarctica. He spends as much time as possible on board ships heading into the ice. His passion for landscapes, ice, wildlife and polar history.