Brandon A. Clifford, Co-Founder and Director
Brandon Clifford is the Co-founder and Director of the Center for Historic Shipwreck Preservation in Brewster, Mass., USA. As a skilled divemaster and underwater field archaeologist, his decades long career in exploration, documentation, and the recovery of artifacts include world renowned shipwrecks in Haiti, Madagascar, and most notably, the site of the pirate flagship Whydah Gally (1717) off the Atlantic coast in Cape Cod, MA. His ongoing work contributes to public science and education as well as scholarly contributions to historical and maritime archaeology. Among his accolades, Brandon serves as an Ambassador for SCUBAPRO and is a member of the Explorer’s Club. @voyage.dive | brandon@shipwreckcenter.org
Mark Agostini, Ph.D., Archaeologist
Mark Agostini grew up in Medfield, Massachusetts and developed an early interest in archaeology and anthropology. He studied Anthropology and Film at the University of Vermont in Burlington. He went on to work as an archaeology intern at the Abbe Museum (a Smithsonian Affiliate) in Bar Harbor, Maine, and at the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center in Cortez, Colorado. He also served as a lab manager at Harvard University’s Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. Mark holds a Ph.D. in Anthropological Archaeology from Brown University. His work focuses on archaeological analysis, LiDAR, archaeometry, artifact conservation, and archival research to support and enrich the stories told through exhibits and collections.
Mahery ANDRIANAHAGA
Passionate about history and heritage, Mahery Andrianahaga is the National Coordinator of the UNESCO-accredited MAMELOMASO Association. The association specializes in the conservation and restoration of monuments and historic sites, heritage awareness-raising, promotion, research training, and documentary monitoring.
He was previously a member of the OCTOBER FILM production company, serving as the local coordinator for a DISCOVERY CHANNEL project on 18th-century pirates off the coast of Sainte Marie Island.
Since 2022, Mahery has been the representative of the NGO Center for Historical Shipwreck Preservation Inc. in Madagascar.
Andrew Barker, Ph.D., Archaeologist
Andrew is a specialist in archaeology and conservation with deep knowledge and experience in the field. He holds an M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of North Texas, where he developed his skills and passion for archaeological research. His focus is on archaeological chemistry, using scientific methods to reveal hidden details and better understand the past. Committed to protecting cultural heritage, Andrew works to preserve valuable artifacts for future generations through his role as an archaeologist and conservator.
Matt Paul, Underwater Cameraman and Aerial Survey Specialist
Introducing Matt Paul, a versatile visual journalist and technology specialist with a degree from Wake Forest University. With a keen eye for striking visuals, he has worked on projects for outlets like the BBC and ESPN. As an experienced underwater cameraman and photographer, Matt brings stories of underwater heritage and maritime archaeology to life, capturing the hidden beauty of the deep with cinematic precision.
Meredith Katz, Office Manager and Treasurer
Meet Meredith, the Center’s dedicated office manager and treasurer. With strong organizational skills and attention to detail, she manages the day-to-day operations and helps keep everything running smoothly. Meredith plays a key role in supporting workflow, maintaining quality, and coordinating both live and online educational events with the team.
