Mike Retelle is a professor at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. Dr. Retelle teaches courses that focus on Earth surface environments and records of environmental change. Dr. Retelle has been working in Svalbard since 2005 and has previously mentored numerous undergraduate students in the field through the National Science Foundation’s REU program (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) as well as three past TREC teachers. Dr. Retelle and Mr. Moore developed a collaborative working relationship even before the expedition, as Dr. Retelle is an assistant coach of the hockey team at Mr. Moore’s high school!