Meet the Team
We are local professional and student volunteers who care about human health and the environment and who want our grandchildren to see the Milky Way.
Founder DarkSky Hopewell
David Ackerman
David, Founder of DarkSky Hopewell, is a physicist with 43 years of research experience and over 50 U.S. patents in optics and imaging. A long-time Hopewell Borough resident, he is an amateur astrophotographer, active in DarkSky International and DarkSky New Jersey, and exhibits photography with Gallery 14.
Industrial Designer, Activist, Artist and Inventor.
Sean Mannix
Sean, Industrial Designer, Artist, and Inventor, has created designs ranging from sneakers and medical devices to aviation equipment, always blending form and engineering. He collaborates with architects and builders on custom metalwork and historic renovations across the Northeast. He owns Highland Design Farm, a shared artist studio space, and co-founded Hopewell’s annual Tour des Arts.
Electrician, Lighting designer, Mentor.
Brady Hill
With over 45 years serving Hopewell Valley, Brady is a trusted electrical contractor known for his glare-reducing lighting designs and reliable service. His dedication and craftsmanship have made him a go-to resource for homeowners and businesses alike. Brady guides the team in all electrical matters, including design, fabrication, testing and installation.
Student Advisor
Helen Corveleyn
Helen is a STEM educator at Timberlane Middle School and adjunct professor at The College of New Jersey. She holds degrees in conservation biology and environmental policy, and her passions include outdoor education and sustainable gardening. Author of Let Nature Be Your Teacher, she has received numerous honors, including the Presidential Award for Math and Science Teaching, and is a National Geographic Grosvenor Fellow.
Educator, Community Awareness Leader
Elizabeth Hinckley
Elizabeth is an environmental educator and naturalist who has inspired thousands of students through her work in schools, nature centers, and camps. With a background in meteorology and law, she brings fresh perspectives to curriculum development, presents at conferences, and contributes to ecological research while working hands-on with birds of prey and other wildlife.
Writer and Publicist
Kathy Fedorko
Kathy is Professor Emerita of English at Middlesex College in Edison, NJ, where she taught literature and writing. She helped found and then directed the Center for the Enrichment of Learning and Teaching at the College. Kathy has published newspaper and magazine articles, as well as academic essays and books. She has been editing as long as she can remember.
Student Team Lead
Grace Corveleyn
Grace, a senior at Hopewell Valley Central High School, is founder of the Science National Honor Society and a leader in the Youth Environmental Society. She serves as VP of Communications for the Youth Oceanic Initiative and has helped draft U.S. youth climate demands presented at COP28 and COP29. An aspiring marine biologist, she plans to pursue a career in marine science and advocacy.
Student team
Lila Petropoulos
Lila Petropoulos, a senior at Hopewell Valley Central High School, is an athlete, editor of the school magazine, and member of FBLA, Outdoors Club, and four National Honor Societies. She has pursued studies at Barnard, Brown, Columbia, and USC, and plans to study architecture with a focus on community and environmental issues. Lila also supports DarkSky Hopewell by creating social media content and assisting with design projects.
Student team
Julia Gonzalez
Julia, a sophomore at Hopewell Valley Central High School, became interested in light pollution after a science fair project and now contributes to DarkSky Hopewell through interviews, social media, and glare shield design. At school, she serves as Vice President of Model Congress, a Student Council officer, and volunteers at local events. She hopes to pursue a career in environmental science.
Industrial Designer and Consultant
Greg Merkle
Greg is Vice President of User Experience (UX) at Wolters Kluwer, where he leads the UX Center of Excellence. An industry leader in product design and digital engagement, he has guided global teams in regulated industries since 2012. His 230-person team has delivered over 1,000 UX projects, applying expertise in design thinking, Lean UX, ethnographic research, and AI to create exceptional customer experiences.
.
.
.
.
.
​