Kurt is an earth scientist, communicator and strategic organizational manager who believes that globally sustainable human and environmental welfare can only be attained through social and technological innovation that is firmly grounded in science and fueled by perceptive communication, education and community building. In his newly created role at ERL, Kurt is helping the leadership implement forward-looking strategic planning and outreach. He is also Executive Director at MIT of UMRP, a research and education collaboration with Morocco dedicated to achieving a future of sustainable development in Africa (umrp.mit.edu).