Leadership
Michael F. Dega, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer/President/Principal Investigator
Dr. Dega has conducted archaeological research in the Hawaiian Islands, western Pacific Basin, and Southeast Asia for twenty-seven years. His Ph. D. on Neolithic-period archaeological sites in eastern Cambodia was awarded from the University of Hawai`i – Manoa in 2001. Affiliations include the Society for Hawaiian Archaeology, World Archaeological Congress and the Society for American Archaeology, among others. Research focuses on upland settlement models in the Hawaiian Islands, early colonization and WWII-era sites in the Marianas Islands, and site formation processes. Dr. Dega is the Principal Investigator for SCS, overseeing much of the field work conducted by the company on all islands.
Robert L. Spear, Ph.D.
Founder/Principal Investigator
Dr. Robert L. Spear has been involved in Pacific archaeology since 1978. His doctoral dissertation was based on the analysis of lithic artifacts from Easter Island. He has over six months of field experience in the Caroline Islands of Micronesia. Since 1986, Dr. Spear has worked in the Hawaiian Islands. For four and a half years, he was the Project Director of the federally funded Interstate H-3 Highway project on O`ahu. Since late 1991, Dr. Spear has been the President and a Principle Investigator of Scientific Consultant Services, Inc. (SCS). In these roles, Dr. Spear has completed numerous projects including archaeological assessment, inventory surveys, data recovery, emergency burial treatment, and construction monitoring.
Oahu Staff
Kaitlyn Lowrance, M.A.
Oahu Island Manager/Senior Archaeologist
Guerin Tome, B.A.
Laboratory Director/Senior Archaeologist
Mr. Tome is the SCS laboratory director and oversees the processing and cataloging of incoming archaeological material. He has worked for SCS since September of 1999. His interests include food midden analysis, metal detecting, and military artifact analysis.
Elizabeth Chandler, B.A.
Senior Archaeologist
Mrs. Chandler has worked for SCS since 1997. She is proficient in burial mitigation, archaeological survey, project directing, and laboratory analysis. Her interests include historic research, traditional cultural practices, and dark rites.
Pavel Stankov, M.A.
Editor
Stankov brings his experience in academic and journalistic writing and education to ensure that SCS reports meet the highest professional standards. He is pursuing a doctorate in Philosophy at UH Mānoa.
Gloria C. A. Lee
Archaeological Technical Writer
With degrees in Anthropology and Museum Management, Gloria has held positions in interpretation, education, and visitor services at diverse museums and historic sites in Louisiana, South Carolina, Connecticut, New York, Georgia, and Virginia, including a decade with the National Park Service. She has also served as the Marketing Director and Commercial Sponsorship Coordinator for the U.S. Navy in Singapore.
Chong Jin
Archaeological Technical Writer
Yo-Han Gallo, B.A.
Archaeologist
Tess Arriola
Archaeologist
Jensen Nihei
Graphic Artist & IT Manager
Jensen has worked for SCS since 2006 as a graphic artist/drafter and I.T. Manager. Previously Jensen has been in the computer graphics industry since 1994. He has worked for companies such as Konami Computer Entertainment Hawaii Inc., Mobicore LLC, and as the Co-Owner & Art Director for Five by Five, LLC.
Kaleiohu Lee
Web Person & Graphic Artist
Mr. Lee is a digital media professional and Unity developer. Samples of his work can be found on his website Imua.com which he has owned and maintained since the early 90s. He is also a Co-Owner and Creative Director for Five by Five, LLC.
Maui Staff
Ian Bassford, B.A.
Maui Island Manager
Born and raised in upcountry Maui, schooled in Hawaii, Mr. Bassford has worked as an archaeologist for SCS since 2003. His interests include surfing, horticulture, and petroglyphs. His archaeological expertise has given him the opportunity view the numerous petroglyph sites that are largely undocumented on Maui.
Derek Butler, B.A.
Archaeologist
Hugh Coflin
Archaeologist
David Stielow, B.A.
Archaeologist
Kauai Staff
Jason Stolfer, M.A., R.A.
Archaeologist
Jason is an archaeologist with over 8 years of experience in the field, laboratory, and research. His expertise spans across various countries such as the southeastern United States, Belize, Portugal, Senegal, with current projects in Hawaii and the Northern Mariana Islands. He holds a M.A. in archaeology from Vrije Universiteit, a B.A. in anthropology from UNCW, and a B.A. in applied geography – GIS from UNCW. Jason is skilled in an array of archaeological techniques, including monitoring, data recovery, mapping, artifact photography, excavations, GIS, and surveying. His current research interests lie in maritime archaeology, and he aspires to specialize in underwater archaeology. When he’s not busy unearthing historical treasures, Jason is a dedicated martial artist and holds first aid and CPR certifications.
Hawaii Island Staff
Glenn Escott, M.A.
Hawaii Island Manager
Mr. Escott manages SCS operations on Hawaii Island and has worked as project director, field supervisor, crew chief, and field archaelogist. He has an M.A. from UH-Manoa in anthropology.