Kahren Dowcett

Kahren Dowcett lives on Cape Cod, Sammy Spat’s birthplace, and home to some of the best oysters anywhere. She is the North/South American Chapter Director of the World Oyster Society based in Japan.  In 2015, she organized the 6th International Oyster Symposium that was held for the first time in the USA.  She holds degrees from Southern Illinois University and from Minnesota State University with an MS in Educational Leadership. Her love for the environment is undeniable. Creating ways to build awareness about oysters and their role in protecting our oceans, in particular, drive her. And the reason why she authored Sammy Spat and the Big Rescue. Ms. Dowcett’s writing educates while it entertains, and in the end the reader is left a little wiser, a bit stronger, and a lot smarter.

Amplifying matters that make a difference has animated not only her writing, but also her teaching and community betterment work. Her leadership has won her awards by the former Governor of Illinois and the Director of the Illinois Correction System. And she has also received a Distinguished Literary Award for her stage plays written for both schools and general audiences, like the Missa Gaia (Earth Mass) performed with members of the Paul Winter Consort and 100+ cast members. When not conjuring up imagery or characters and their mis-adventures, she can be found plotting her next travel adventure, fuel for future edutainment. For Ms. Dowcett, the “world is her oyster” not so much for the taking, but for the sharing and caring.

ANAMARIJA FRANKIC

Anamarija Frankić, Ph.D. is a founding director of the Green Harbors Project®, and the Biomimicry LivingLabs®, a research professor at UMass Boston and University of Zadar, Croatia. She is a Biomimicry, Fulbright, AAUW and Sea Grant Knauss Congressional Fellow. In 2019, she co-founded NORRI, Native Oyster Reef Restoration Ireland. She is a member of NORA Europe (Native Oyster Restoration Alliance), and the World Oyster Society. Dr. Frankic’s work has been recognized by awards from the American Association of University Women (AAUW), the US President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, two US National Awards in Engineering Excellence, and the City of Boston award for her services to local communities. Anamarija has devoted her life to discovering secrets of the sea world, by listening and observing the wisdom nature provides. Oysters have always been the most intriguing part of her research. She is grateful to be part of this amazing book to inspire young people and future generations to appreciate and love this amazing species.

BARBARA HARMON

Barbara Harmon is a natural science illustrator who divides her time between Ocala, FL and Orleans, MA. Her training includes a Master’s degree in medical illustration, and a Bachelor’s degree (double majors in zoology and fine art). Clients and collectors include the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, Association of Medical Illustrators, the National Parks Academy for the Arts, and the American Academy of Equine Art. See her work: barbaraharmon.com & harmon-murals.com