I am a scientist committed to protecting wild places and educating curious people. As a biologist, I have worked for 25 years with the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ecological research and tropical habitat conservation. As an educator, I lead study abroad programs and educational tourism adventures around the world. As an author, I write books that introduce the general public to fascinating and diverse groups of plants and animals. I believe an informed and energized public is the best advocate for the wise stewardship of our planet.