Our Staff


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.


Oahu Staff


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.


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.