Can technology be used to connect us on a deeper level with the natural world? On March 16, the South Carolina Aquarium welcomed esteemed speakers to dive deeper into this question.

Watch the night’s virtual keynote and panel in full below:

The evening began with a virtual keynote from Richard Louv, renowned author, journalist and co-founder of the Children and Nature Network. Louv’s presentation focused on the “hybrid mind theory,” a new way of contemplating the nature and technology relationship. Moving into the future, the most successful students will be those that balance their experiences in nature with abstract experiences gained from technology. “The more high-tech our lives become, the more nature we need.”

A panel discussion followed, led by Dave Williams, ABC News Chief Meteorologist. Williams serves as a board member on the Lowcountry STEM Collaborative, a South Carolina based non-profit organization that aims to advance science, technology, engineering and math literacy and establish our region as a leader in STEM education.

Panelists included:

• Danni Washington – Host of “Nature Knows Best,” a STEM educational TV series which features the latest advancements in bio-inspired technology and design, and co-founder of the Big Blue and You, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and educating youth about marine conservation through the use of arts and media.
• Scott Snider – A natural history filmmaker whose work takes him around the world as an accomplished underwater, long lens and macro cinematographer. Snider has over 60 credits for National Geographic, Discovery, Animal Planet, PBS Nature, History Channel and Smithsonian Channel.
• Brad Krey – Program Coordinator for Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS) Distance Learning Program. PORTS connects 50,000 K-12 students annually to California State Parks through the use of high quality interactive videoconference technology.

The panel discussion opened with a reflection on Louv’s “Hybrid Mind Theory.” Panelists shared the experiences that led them to their careers and covered topics ranging from how they use technology to promote involvement in STEM careers to predicting how our relationship with the natural world and technology will evolve.

Following a Q&A with panelists, Aquarium supporters and community leaders convened at the Annual Watershed Dinner, the Aquarium’s annual event celebrating Watershed Campaign accomplishments from the last year, and acknowledging the steadfast support of our members and donors.

Join us for the fourth season, kicking off again in September! Holland Lifelong Learning is made possible by the generous support of Mary and Mason Holland and their commitment to the Watershed Campaign.