Bryan Kipke - Captain, Scientist

Bryan Kipke loves to live life. He is an expert in leadership, personal development, and a coach. He is a self proclaimed geek, a lover of sports especially football, golf, and hockey, and enjoys being outdoors.

He has a degree in Physics from Northern Michigan University located in Marquette, Michigan and a degree in Mathematics from Ferris State University located in Big Rapids, Michigan.

Bryan has worked as a Satellite Technician and later as a Satellite Engineer. While working in this position Bryan was able to travel extensively having long stays in Russia, Dubai, and Argentina. While in this position Bryan helped design a compact Satellite Communications system. This system brought the typical installation time from three weeks down to three days. Having that everlasting desire to become a teacher, Bryan decided to return to college upon which he completed his mathematics degree. Bryan moved to Nashville, Tennessee where he has been an Algebra I teacher and Assistant Varsity Football coach.

Bryan was part of a leadership organization at NMU as well as being the Vice President of the Physics Club, Secretary and Treasurer of Phi Kappa Tau, a Resident Adviser, a Campus Tour Guide, as well as President of his Academic Honors House.

Bryan’s biggest goal is to become a stay-at-home dad developing online businesses as well as inventing and innovating new technology. Bryan’s passion right now lies in low environmental impact technology helping to make the world a cleaner, healthier place to live.

Karen Kipke - Navigator, Media Coordinator

Karen Kipke is the classic definition of a free spirit, unrestrained and unconventional. Karen is a born leader. She continually inspires people with her zest for life and alternative thinking. Karen is a Visionary. She can always see the big picture and she knows exactly what the goal is. She has a determined nature

Deciding to follow her wandering feet, Karen took a two month solo backpacking journey throughout Europe at the age of 24. Upon her return to the United States she continued her work in the restaurant industry because if was fast cash and allowed her the freedom to pursue other adventures within the United States. Soon Karen chose to return to college for her teaching degree. Karen has a Master’s Degree in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) and is also a certified French Teacher. Karen has taught every grade from preschool to adult education. She finds her work very rewarding.

Karen has been a member of Gamma Mu, the National Honor Society at Buffalo State College. She has studied abroad twice, once L’Universite Laval in Quebec, and once at Le Centre Accueil International in Paris, France. Most recently at Antioch High School in Nashville, Tennessee, she has been the founder and soul sponsor of the Incentives Program, the Student Council Co-Sponsor, a team leader for the Freshman Academy, and a committee member for the AVID program.

Karen’s greatest goal in life is to have a vagabonding family. Karen believes that the most prized education one can receive is that of human relationships. Karen wishes to join people and businesses together in a effort to teach how everyone can be environmentally friendly anywhere at anytime.