Turkana Basin Institute
Dino Martins has extensive work experience in various roles related to research and conservation. Dino is currently the Chief Executive Officer at Turkana Basin Institute, a position they have held since 2022. Prior to this role, they served as the Executive Director at Mpala Research Centre from 2015 to 2022. Additionally, Martins has been involved with the Insect Committee of Nature Kenya, where they served as the Chair starting from 2003. Dino also held the position of Academic Field Director at Turkana Basin Institute from 2013 to 2015.
Dino Martins completed a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Anthropology and Biology from Indiana University Bloomington from 1996-1999. Dino then went on to obtain a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Biology from Harvard University from 2005-2011.
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Turkana Basin Institute
The Turkana Basin Institute (TBI) facilitates scientific research in the area surrounding Lake Turkana in northern Kenya, particularly human prehistory research for which this region is so well known. In 2005, Richard Leakey outlined to Stony Brook his concept for an institute that could provide the permanent infrastructure to enable year-round research in this remote area of sub-Saharan Africa. The University enthusiastically endorsed the idea of TBI, committing funds for the Stony Brook end of the project. Additional fundraising began in 2006; construction of temporary facilities for a long-term field camp on the east side of Lake Turkana (TBI-Ileret) commenced in 2007; the camp was fully operational by year-end and was the site for the first Kenya-based Human Evolution Workshop in 2008. Construction of the first full field center on the west side of the lake (TBI-Turkwel) was completed in 2012. Construction of permanent facilities at TBI-Ileret was completed in 2016. Formally, Turkana Basin Institute, Ltd. is the title holder for the fixed assets in Kenya known as TBI-Nairobi, TBI-Turkwel and TBI-Ileret (together known as “TBI Kenya”) and is under an agreement with the Government of Kenya, through the National Museums of Kenya, to serve as a repository for the archaeological and paleontological heritage of the Lake Turkana region. In 2013, Richard Leakey and Stony Brook University President, Samuel L. Stanley, established the TBI International Advisory Board. Comprised of prominent philanthropists and scientists from around the globe, this group meets twice a year to share ideas and discuss how best to ensure the success and secure the mission of the Institute. This dynamic group has assumed a lead role in TBI’s fundraising efforts through their own generous contributions.