National Geographic Expeditions @ nationalgeographic.com

Travel with our experts

It is magical the way a destination comes fully alive when you are experiencing it alongside a National Geographic expert. You’ll travel with some of the most prominent specialists in the world—
anthropologists, archaeologists, biologists, explorers, historians, naturalists, photographers, filmmakers, writers, among others. Their knowledge, insider’s perspectives, and ability to convey the extraordinary nature of the destinations will enrich your journey immeasurably.

Join our experts for rare behind-the-scenes perspectives you won't find anywhere else.

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		AKRAM ALLAM Recognized as a leading scholar of ancient Egyptian history, "Aki" Allam has been a licensed Egyptologist for more than 15 years. Born in Cairo, he received a university degree with a specialty in ancient Egyptian history. An entertaining and enthusiastic teacher, Aki has guided many well-known Americans through Egypt, and will share with us his extensive knowledge of and insights on his native land. Mysteries of Ancient Egypt

		THOMAS B. ALLEN Writer Thomas B. Allen has traveled the world for National Geographic for more than 20 years. He has produced 12 National Geographic magazine articles and more than 20 books. A specialist on Europe, Tom covered the breakup of Yugoslavia and the emergence of the region’s new nations. Click here for National Geographic's detailed D-Day feature as reported by Tom. Cruising the Dalmatian Coast

		JON BOWERMASTER Writer and adventurer Jon Bowermaster's sea kayak expedition took him to the South Pacific, 1,000 miles through the remote Tuamotu Archipelago north of Tahiti. The magazine account of the trip appeared in National Geographic Adventure in August 2003. A veteran of expeditions ranging from Antarctica to Kenya, Jon plans to sea kayak in each of the seven continents, plus Oceania, for his Oceans 8 project—supported by a National Geographic grant. French Polynesia: Pearls of the Pacific Easter Island to Tahiti

		SISSE BRIMBERG National Geographic photographer Sisse Brimberg, who grew up in Denmark, has produced more than 25 stories for National Geographic magazine over the last 28 years. She has worked on many assignments including Siberia's Scythians, the Hanseatic League, Catherine the Great, and a cover story tracing the Vikings path through the Baltics. Click here for a full biography. Photography Workshops: On Assignment in Tuscany

		MALCOLM CAMPBELL Malcolm Campbell is a native New Zealander and a professional naturalist and birder who worked for 20 years on conservation and environmental issues in his country’s national parks, forests, and coastal marine environments. Malcolm has led National Geographic Expeditions for the past three years and will share his in-depth knowledge of his country’s people, political history, flora and fauna, and indigenous Maori culture. Malcolm possesses an intimate and encyclopedic knowledge of New Zealand that he imparts with warmth and zest. New Zealand Adventure

		ROBERT CAPUTO National Geographic photographer Robert Caputo has specialized in Africa over the past three decades. Bob photographed ten stories on the continent for National Geographic magazine, and assisted filming a wildlife documentary series in Tanzania with Jane Goodall. Co-author of four National Geographic photography field guides, Bob will share his knowledge of Africa and his techniques for locating, identifying, and capturing on film the wildlife you will encounter. Tanzania and Zanzibar

		LADISLAS CIECHANOWSKI Ladislas Ciechanowski studied history and international politics at the Fondation Nationale des Sciences Politiques in Paris and at Oxford. He has traveled extensively through eastern Europe, including Russia, the Baltic States, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. He has been leading trips to this region for many years and has guided numerous prominent Americans on their explorations here. His linguistic gifts (he is fluent in five languages), informed pan-European outlook, and expertise in the region make him an ideal traveling companion. St. Petersburg, Prague, and Budapest

		FORD COCHRAN Geologist, educator, and writer Ford Cochran has written for National Geographic magazine and produced numerous online documentaries for the Society’s web site nationalgeographic.com. An enthusiastic teacher, Ford has shared his passion for landscapes, history, and culture on previous expeditions. Iceland: Realm of Fire and Ice

		KITTY COLEY Geologist and naturalist Kitty Coley has spent extensive time in remote rain forests around the world. She brings an interactive, enthusiastic approach to teaching travelers about the fascinating aspects of the geology, flora, and fauna. Kitty is also an avid birdwatcher and butterfly breeder. Iceland: Realm of Fire and Ice Machu Picchu and the Amazon Galápagos Islands Copper Canyon and the Sea of Cortés

		JONATHAN COOLEY Jonathan Cooley studied geology and paleontology at the University of Colorado and Montana State University. Working with a team under a National Geographic grant in 1995, Jonathan excavated the dromeosaur Utahraptor. Jonathan has led expeditions to fossil localities in the American West, Alaska, Mongolia, Argentina, and Mexico; as well as family programs and camps. Family Dinosaur Adventure

		ILAY COOPER British author Ilay Cooper has written four books about India with an emphasis on Rajasthan. Since first visiting Rajasthan in 1972, Ilay has lived in India some ten years, traveling throughout the country conducting research for his books. Ilay, who speaks Hindustani and has an in-depth understanding of the way of life and customs of this fascinating region, has a particular expertise in the arts, crafts, and architecture of India, as well as a great interest in the wildlife, especially the birds and mammals. Rail Journey through India

		WADE DAVIS Harvard-educated anthropologist and botanical explorer Wade Davis is an Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society and an honorary member of the Explorer’s Club, one of 20 so named in the 100-year history of the club. Author of ten books, including the international best seller The Serpent and the Rainbow, which later was released as a motion picture, Wade has worked among dozens of indigenous cultures around the world for nearly 30 years and is currently studying Polynesian navigation history. Fiji to Papua New Guinea

		ROMAN DIAL Roman Dial earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University in 1992 and now teaches ecology, mathematics, and outdoor skills at Alaska Pacific University. An accomplished adventurer, Roman led his team to finish fourth in the New Zealand Eco-Challenge, considered one of the most difficult adventure races. Roman’s 800-mile bike traverse of the Alaska Range was featured in the May 1997 issue of National Geographic magazine. New Zealand Adventure

		CHARLES DOHERTY A frequent visitor to Southeast Asia, Charles Doherty is an expert in Southeast Asian art, culture, and history. A Fulbright scholar, Dr. Doherty has traveled extensively in Vietnam, from Hanoi and the islands of Halong Bay in the north to the old capital Hue and Da Nang in the central region, to Ho Chi Minh City and the remote corners of the Mekong Delta in the south. He has also traveled and studied in Cambodia, and has led several National Geographic trips to Angkor Wat. His entertaining talks will describe ethnic, cultural, and political traditions and how they are re-emerging in the current renaissance in Vietnam and Cambodia. Vietnam and Cambodia: Along the Mekong River

		DAVID DOUBILET Photographer David Doubilet has shot more than 60 stories for National Geographic magazine, and his reporting has taken him throughout the South Pacific, including shooting World War II wrecks in the Solomon Islands. David is also an accomplished above-water photographer who enjoys sharing his craft. Click here for a full bio. Fiji to Papua New Guinea

		SYLVIA EARLE Marine biologist Sylvia Earle is an explorer-in-residence at the National Geographic Society. Named one of Time magazine’s "Heroes for the Planet" in 1998, Sylvia has pioneered research on marine ecosystems. Former chief scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, she is the author of more than 125 scientific and popular publications. Sylvia most recently worked with the society as director of Sustainable Seas Expeditions project. Galápagos Family Odyssey Galápagos Islands

		JOHN FAHEY John Fahey, President and CEO of National Geographic Society, joined the Society in 1996. John has spearheaded the launches of the National Geographic Channel, National Geographic Adventure and Explorer magazines, the international expansion of National Geographic magazine, and the relaunch of National Geographic Expeditions. John's travels have taken him to many of the places National Geographic has covered in its magazines and on television, from Africa to the Middle East and Latin America. Around the World by Private Jet

		LAURENCE FRANK Wildlife biologist and National Geographic grantee Laurence Frank is one of the world’s leading authorities on African predators. Laurence has spent 30 years studying predators in East Africa. National Geographic has supported his work since 1981, including his study of spotted hyenas and his work on lion conservation biology. Laurence runs the Laikipia Predator Project and the Kilimanjaro Lion Conservation Project, aimed at preserving and increasing predator populations. Tanzania and Zanzibar

		ANNA GALLONE Anna Gallone, who was born and raised in Sicily, is a classical archaeologist who has studied many of the island’s Greek and Roman ruins. Currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of London, Anna has directed a number of archaeological projects in Italy and teaches a classical archaeology course for Colgate University in Venice. Anna works as a consultant for National Geographic, helping to research and prepare articles on ancient Italy and Sicily. Circumnavigating Sicily

		ANDREW GULLIFORD Andrew Gulliford directs the Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, and is professor of Southwest studies and history. He is intimately familiar with this region and keenly focused on protecting Indian sacred sites. His most recent book is Sacred Objects and Sacred Places: Preserving Tribal Traditions. Andrew is an adviser to National Geographic magazine on Native American history. Bryce, Zion, and Grand Canyon National Parks

		DAVID ALAN HARVEY Photographer David Alan Harvey has produced more than 40 articles for National Geographic magazine. David is drawn to the passion and lyricism of Spanish culture, both in Spain and Mexico. His photography concentrates on the unexpected moments of everyday life that reveal the soul of a culture. David will help you capture memorable photos of the faces, architecture, and spirit of these special places. Click here for a full biography. Photography Workshops: On Assignment in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

		KIM HEACOX Writer, photographer, and conservationist Kim Heacox has written four books for National Geographic, including An American Idea: The Making of the National Parks and Antarctica: The Last Continent. He has also written four articles for National Geographic Traveler, and has traveled extensively from temperate rain forests to Arctic tundra as a historian, naturalist, and photographer. Alaska's Inside Passage

		ROB HERNANDEZ Educated as an ecologist, Rob Hernandez has explored many of the world’s most remote places, studying and photographing wildlife and indigenous cultures. An authority on the Antarctic with years of experience leading expeditions in the region, he still is captivated by this polar wilderness. A 23-year veteran of National Geographic, Rob is senior vice president of international publishing. An enthusiastic teacher, he will share with you his love of nature, photography, and the landscapes and wildlife of Antarctica. Journey to Antarctica

		PETER HILLARY When Peter Hillary climbed Everest in 1990, he and his father, Sir Edmund Hillary, became the first father and son to have both reached the summit. Among his 38 mountaineering expeditions, Peter made the first high-altitude traverse of the Himalayan Range in 1981 and more recently participated in a National Geographic–sponsored ascent of Mount Everest. He has written four mountaineering books and one children’s book, and he is a member of the Himalayan Trust, founded by his father to assist the local people of the Mount Everest region. Tibet: Journey to the Highest Himalaya

		BOB HOHLFELDER Archaeologist Bob Hohlfelder has written and lectured widely on ancient Mediterranean civilizations. In recent years, he has served as a visiting scholar at the American Academy in Rome where he has conducted research on ancient Roman maritime life and the engineering of Roman harbors. Bob has participated in nearly 40 archaeological expeditions around the Mediterranean Basin, including several funded in part by the National Geographic Society. Bob has plans to conduct research at the site of Leptis Magna in 2006. Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily Under Sail: Malta, Libya, and Tunisia

		DORANNE JACOBSON Anthropologist Doranne Jacobson is a researcher and widely published photographer specializing in South Asian studies. She holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University and has conducted extensive research on social change and gender roles in India. Fluent in Hindi, she has published numerous books and articles, including the book India: Land of Dreams and Fantasy and a National Geographic magazine article on village life in southern Asia. Currently Director of International Images, an educational consulting firm, she has led many study tours to India, Bhutan, and other parts of Asia. She brings to her journeys a great deal of knowledge, insight and enthusiasm. Rail Journey through India Bhutan: Kingdom in the Clouds

		M. GLEN JOHNSON Dr. M. Glen Johnson is professor emeritus of political science at Vassar College. Professor Johnson has been a Fulbright scholar in India twice, and had an appointment as Director of the American Studies Research Centre in Hyderabad from 1990 to 1993. From Hyderabad, he worked closely with universities throughout India, and several other parts of Asia, as well as with a number of umbrella organizations in New Delhi. He is the author of several books and a number of articles on U.S. foreign policy, international human rights, the foreign policy of India and ex-untouchables in India. Rail Journey through India

		ROBB KENDRICK Robb Kendrick has photographed 12 stories for National Geographic magazine in the past decade. An enthusiastic and versatile photographer, Robb utilizes the latest digital technology plus historic processing such as collodion tintypes. Robb’s assignments have ranged from Qatar to the Himalaya and from perfume to sumo wrestling. Photography Workshops: On Assignment in Santa Fe

		BOB KRIST Photographer Bob Krist has shot several articles for National Geographic magazine and National Geographic Traveler, where he is a contributing editor. His how-to book on travel photography, Spirit of Place: The Art of the Traveling Photographer, was hailed by American Photo magazine as "simply the best book about travel photography we’ve ever read." Photography Workshops: On Assignment in Santa Fe Photography Workshops: On Assignment in Tuscany

		TIM LAMAN Field biologist and wildlife photographer Tim Laman received his Ph.D. in biology from Harvard University and is a Research Associate in their Ornithology Department. His scientific research has been supported by several grants from the National Geographic Society's Committee for Research and Exploration. Tim is currently focusing on photographing and writing for National Geographic and other popular magazines to promote the conservation of endangered species and habitats. His photographs have received recognition in various competitions such as the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Nature’s Best International Photographic Awards. Exploring Polynesia

		GEORGE MAJESKA Professor Emeritus George Majeska taught Russian and Byzantine history at the University of Maryland for more than 25 years. George was among the first American graduate students to participate in a U.S. exchange program with the U.S.S.R. when he spent a year at Leningrad State University. His chief scholarly interest is Russian cultural history, and as a frequent visitor to Russia, George will share his perspectives on the rapid transformation of this once communist country to the emerging capitalist society of today. Treasures of Russia's Waterways

		GREG MARSHALL Greg Marshall is a biologist/filmmaker and an executive producer for National Geographic Television. Greg invented the Crittercam, the camera that can be attached to an animal to capture video showing the world through the animal’s eyes. His work has been featured in numerous films covering some 40 species from fur seals to blue whales. Greg uses media to connect audiences to wildlife with the aim of inspiring a conservation ethic and call to action. Sea of Cortés Family Voyage

		ENRIQUE MARTÍNEZ-VIDAL Professor Enrique Martínez-Vidal has taught courses on the languages, literature, and history of Spain for more than 30 years. Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and French, Enrique is an expert on the region’s cultures, history, and heritage of exploration and colonization. A popular leader on previous National Geographic Expeditions, Enrique will share his insights on the cultures, traditions, and histories of the region. Under Sail: Spain to the Canary Islands Under Sail: Portugal and Spain

		JOE MCNALLY Joe McNally recently produced the first all-digitally photographed article for National Geographic magazine, "The Future of Flying." Joe was described by American Photo magazine as perhaps the most versatile photojournalist working today. Joe’s clients include Sports Illustrated, ESPN Magazine, New York magazine, and many advertising agencies. Click here for a full biography. Photography Workshops: On Assignment in Santa Fe Photography Workshops: On Assignment in Tuscany

		FEN MONTAIGNE A longtime authority on Russia, Fen Montaigne was Moscow correspondent for the Philadelphia Inquirer from 1989 to 1993, covering Mikhail Gorbachev’s perestroika, the collapse of the U.S.S.R., and the rise of the new Russia. The author of the critically acclaimed travel book Reeling in Russia, Fen has written a dozen articles for National Geographic magazine. They include a 1998 story on the Trans-Siberian Railway and a 2001 article on Russia ten years after the demise of the Soviet Union. Trans-Siberia Rail Journey

		KARIN MULLER Author, filmmaker, photographer, and adventurer Karin Muller has set out to travel and document the world’s great historic highways. She has trekked the Royal Inca Highway down the spine of the Andes, hitchhiked through Vietnam, lived with the geisha and pre-Buddhist mountain ascetics in Japan, and sailed to Zanzibar on a native dhow. Since receiving a National Geographic Expedition Grant in 1998, Karin has continued publish books, produce documentaries, write articles, take photos, and present lectures for National Geographic. The author of Hitchhiking Vietnam and Along the Inca Road, Karin remains a popular expedition expert. Tanzania and Zanzibar Inside Japan Machu Picchu and the Amazon Vietnam and Cambodia: Along the Mekong River

		MIKE NICHOLS Michael "Nick" Nichols is a passionate photographer whose enthusiasm is infectious. Working with Jane Goodall, Nick published Brutal Kinship, a book about the relationship between humans and chimpanzees. A popular instructor, Nick teaches photographers how to expand their ability to "see" a good photograph. Click here for a full biography. Photography Workshops: On Assignment in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

		JAN NIJMAN Jan Nijman is a member of the Committee for Research and Exploration of the National Geographic Society and is currently Professor of Geography and Regional Studies at the University of Miami. His special interests are in world cities, globalization, and geopolitics. Jan has long had a focus on India, particularly Mumbai (Bombay), subject of his numerous scholarly publications in India and the United States. A former Guggenheim Fellow, Jan’s research program has also been supported by the National Geographic Society and by the National Science Foundation. India by Private Air and Luxury Train

		SANDRA NYKERK Photographer and naturalist Sandra Nykerk has been teaching photography and leading natural history workshops for more than 20 years. She completed a research study in Yellowstone National Park and has led numerous Yellowstone trips for National Geographic. Her images have been widely published and featured in galleries. Also active in environmental issues, Sandra is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition. Winter Wildlife in Yellowstone

		CHRIS RAINIER Chris Rainier is considered one of the leading documentary photographers working today. He has traveled to all seven continents, and his photography has been seen in numerous leading publications including Time, Life, Smithsonian, the New York Times, Outside, National Geographic Traveler magazine, and various other publications. Chris specializes in photographing indigenous cultures and wilderness areas around the world, from the highlands of New Guinea to the Tibetan Plateau. In addition, he has photographed global cultural subjects and conflict, famine, and war in Somalia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sudan, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Iraq, and recently the tsunami disaster in Indonesia. Chris also directs a website on culture www.culturesontheedge.com and co-directs the National Geographic Cultures Initiative, a program documenting indigenous cultures around the globe. He is a contributing editor specializing in culture for National Geographic Traveler magazine, as well as a photography correspondent for National Public Radio. Crossroads of Humanity by Private Jet Cape to Casablanca by Private Air Journey to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands

		JOHAN REINHARD Archaeologist Johan Reinhard is currently an Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society. Dr. Reinhard’s recoveries of the Inca Ice Maiden on Ampato (20,700 feet), Peru, and of three perfectly preserved mummies at 22,110 feet on Llullaillaco, the world’s highest archaeological site, were featured in the National Geographic magazine. Each was chosen by Time magazine as among the world’s ten most important scientific discoveries of the year. Click here for a full biography. Around the World by Private Jet

		JEFF RENNICKE Outdoor writer Jeff Rennicke is the author of the National Geographic book Treasures of Alaska: Last Great American Wilderness. Jeff has explored Alaska end to end—from the Aleutians to the Yukon, from Ketchikan to Barrow—in more than 25 trips to the state. He is the author of dozens of magazine articles on Alaska travel as well as The Bears of Alaska in Life & Legend. “Alaska is full of stories,” he says—stories he enjoys sharing with young travelers as well as adults. Alaska Family Voyage

		DAVID SAMUEL ROBBINS Photographer David Samuel Robbins, a frequent contributor to National Geographic Adventure and National Geographic Traveler magazines, has a particular expertise and affection for the Himalaya, where he has worked as a trip leader or photographer on more than 20 trips. His book of photographs and essays, Himalayan Odyssey: A Visual Journey Across the Great Range, was the culmination of more than 2,000 miles of trekking through Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and North India. Bhutan: Kingdom in the Clouds

		JOE ROBERTS Joe Roberts a writer and professor at the University in Bath, has published two books about India: Three-Quarters of a Footprint, about his travels in South India, and Abdul’s Taxi to Kalighat, about Kolkata. He has traveled throughout India on numerous visits, writing about it for National Geographic Traveler, The Times, and Condé Nast Traveller. He takes great interest in the architecture, folk art, textiles, and regional cuisines of the subcontinent. Rail Journey through India

		BRIAN ROBERTS Historian Brian Roberts has spent much of his career focused on the antebellum and Civil War eras. Brian is an associate professor of history at the University of Northern Iowa. He is the author of several publications on 19th-century American history, including his award-winning book American Alchemy: The California Gold Rush and Middle Class Culture. Currently, he is at work on a book about America’s popular culture during the Civil War era, focusing on its music, art, and literature as well as the lives of ordinary Americans. Colonial America and the Civil War

		DON VAN ROOSEN Historian Don Van Roosen is a decorated World War II veteran who landed on D-Day at Easy Red, Omaha Beach with the 29th Infantry Division. Promoted as the war progressed, Don fought through Holland and Germany, was captured and taken as a prisoner of war before being freed, and ended the war as a First Lieutenant. The author of five oral histories on action in Normandy, Don has chaired the Symposia on D-Day for the 29th Division Association. D-Day and the Battle for Normandy

		JIM RUSSELL Archaeologist Jim Russell, a native of Glasgow and graduate of Edinburgh University is Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia. He began his extensive field career participating on Roman military sites in various parts of Scotland and is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. A past president of the Archaeological Institute of America, Jim is a specialist on the Roman Empire, its history, military, numismatics, Greek and Latin epigraphy, and early Christianity. Besides his archaeological interests, he maintains a life-long interest in the history, culture, and literature of Scotland. Jim also has considerable experience as a popular expedition leader. Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily

		BOB SACHA Bob Sacha is an award-winning photojournalist who has produced more than a dozen articles for National Geographic, including three stories that garnered Picture of the Year Awards. Bob also regularly shoots for Fortune, Time, and Islands magazines. He began his storied career at Life magazine and the Philadelphia Inquirer. Photography Workshops: On Assignment in Santa Fe

		JOEL SARTORE Photographer Joel Sartore has produced 17 articles for National Geographic magazine, focusing on endangered species and land use issues. He also wrote the Society book The Company We Keep, America’s Endangered Species. A Pulitzer finalist, Joel has appeared on NPR, CBS, and National Geographic Explorer. Photography Workshops: On Assignment in Santa Fe

		THOMAS SCHMIDT Thomas Schmidt is the author of National Geographic's Guide to the Lewis and Clark Trail and co-author of The Saga of Lewis and Clark, a book of essays about their journey across the continent. He has followed the expedition's route from the mouth of the Missouri to the mouth of the Columbia— paddling some portions, hiking others, and camping. Tom has also written extensively about the nature and history of the Rocky Mountain region in his book The Rockies. In the Wake of Lewis and Clark

		JEREMY SCHMIDT Few people know Yellowstone country better than wildlife biologist Jeremy Schmidt. He has spent more than 30 years in the area, working as a winterkeeper, park ranger, naturalist, photographer, and author. His writing includes several books for National Geographic; also articles for National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines. His four-season knowledge of Yellowstone will enrich your experience of this magnificent park. Winter Wildlife in Yellowstone

		KARINE SCHOMER Karine Schomer holds a Ph.D. in South Asian languages and civilization from the University of Chicago and is a former professor of South Asian studies at the University of California-Berkeley. She has been involved with India for over 30 years, and is fluent in Hindi. Dr. Schomer is the author of a number of books and articles about Indian history, language, culture, music, folklore, and religion. She is particularly knowledgeable about Rajasthan and was editor-in-chief of The Idea of Rajasthan: Explorations in Regional Identity. Currently president and India practice leader of a cross-cultural management consulting firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, she has led a number of cultural study and photographic tours to India. Rail Journey through India

		CECIL SCHWALBE Research ecologist and herpetologist Cecil Schwalbe has been leading natural history workshops for more than 26 years, including many expeditions to Costa Rica. Cecil was part of an international research effort to save loggerhead and black sea turtles, and he recently worked with National Geographic magazine on a story about the global plight of frogs. Much of his current research focuses on the effects of invasive non-native animals and plants on native ecosystems. An entertaining storyteller, Cecil looks forward to sharing his insights on this remarkable region. Costa Rica Adventure

		DAVID SCOTT SILVERBERG Geographer David Scott Silverberg (Ph.D., MIT) has received research grants from the National Geographic Society and is currently lead professor for Humboldt State University's Natural History and Environmental Studies programs in Ecuador, Ladakh, Baja, and Alaska-Yukon. His special interests include Incan/Amazonian natural and bio-cultural history, environmental studies, conservation biology, and protected area studies. A fellow of the Royal Geographic Society, David's research and education programs have also been supported by the National Science Foundation, Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, Sigma Xi, and the American Alpine Club. Baja California and the Sea of Cortés Fiji to Papua New Guinea Machu Picchu and the Amazon

		LEWIS M. SIMONS Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Lew Simons has been covering China since 1989, when he was in the center of Tiananmen Square during the night of the assault on the student-led demonstrations. His deep understanding of this region comes from a 30-year career reporting from Asia for news organizations, including the Associated Press, Knight Ridder, and the Washington Post. Lew has written six articles for National Geographic magazine. Rail Journey through China

		KEENAN SMART National Geographic wildlife filmmaker Keenan Smart was born in Dunoon, Scotland, on the shores of the Firth of Clyde. He spent a wonderful childhood roaming the magnificent mountains, glens, and lochs of the Scottish Highlands you will visit. He is passionate about wildlife, Scottish history, traditional Celtic music, folklore, and Argyll’s famous single malts! Keenan now manages National Geographic's Natural History Film Division, a group that has won 29 Emmys and every major award for wildlife films. Scotland's Highlands and Islands

		ROFF SMITH Writer and adventurer Roff Smith emigrated to Australia 20 years ago. In 1997, he described his 10,000-mile bicycle trek around Australia in a three-part series in National Geographic magazine, and has since written the Society's guidebook to Australia. Roff has also explored Antarctica extensively, from the South Pole, to the top of Mount Erebus (Antarctica's great live volcano). He recently completed a new book Life on the Ice, about his adventures in this region. Click here to meet Roff and hear what he has to say on being a travel writer. Journey to Antarctica Journey to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands

		BILL SPIEDEL After earning a doctorate in East Asian Studies and Chinese history from Yale University, Bill Spiedel lived in Taiwan and on the Chinese mainland for 20 years. He has taught at a Chinese university, administered the Stanford Center for Chinese scholars, and served as the first China country director of the U.S. Peace Corps. Bill has published numerous articles about China and U.S.–Chinese relations and enjoys sharing his knowledge. Charting China's Past

		JIM STANFIELD In his 34-year career behind the camera at National Geographic, Jim Stanfield photographed 65 articles for the magazine. The White House Photographers Association named him Photographer of the Year four times. Jim has photographed in 120 countries, covering subjects such as gold, earthquakes, and the Vatican. Photography Workshops: On Assignment in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

		SOAMES SUMMERHAYS Soames Summerhays, a marine biologist and filmmaker, created a highly acclaimed IMAX film on the Galápagos. His latest large-format film, Ocean Oasis, won a “Green Oscar” at the Wildscreen Film Festival in England. Over the years, Soames has returned time and again to the South Pacific region, studying the ecology of coral reefs and leading expeditions. Exploring Polynesia Galápagos Islands Tahiti to the Cook Islands

		MARK THIESSEN Mark Thiessen has been a photographer with National Geographic since 1990. His images have been published in National Geographic magazine, National Geographic Traveler, and National Geographic Adventure. During the past nine years, he has worked with digital photography. His most recent assignment for National Geographic magazine, "Search for Other Earths," was shot entirely digital. Photography Workshops: On Assignment in Santa Fe

		SCOTT THYBONY An archaeologist and wilderness guide, Scott Thybony is a popular National Geographic Expedition leader on trips to America’s Southwest. Scott has written widely about the Southwest, including the book Canyon Country Parklands: Treasures of the Great Plateau for National Geographic. In 2000 he received a Society grant to search for and document Native American cave paintings. Bryce, Zion, and Grand Canyon National Parks

		TOMASZ TOMASZEWSKI Tomasz Tomaszewski was born in Warsaw and started his photographic career with Polish magazines and worked with Solidarity Weekly. He has published 11 articles in National Geographic magazine. His award-winning photos have also appeared in Stern, Paris Match, Geo, Time, and the New York Times. Click here for a full biography. Photography Workshops: On Assignment in Tuscany

		PRIIT VESILIND Author of 35 articles for National Geographic magazine, Priit Vesilind was born in Estonia and emigrated to the United States with his family in 1949. He has written extensively about the Baltic states and the former Soviet Union, as well as other parts of Eastern Europe. His stories have ranged from accounts of archaeological expeditions in Siberia to the saga of the Vikings. Priit received the Order of the White Cross medal from the President of Estonia in 2001 for his service to his homeland. Russian Winter by Private Train Cruising the Baltic's Historic Waterways

		SPENCER WELLS Geneticist, anthropologist, and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Spencer Wells has analyzed the DNA of thousands of people living in isolated tribes around the world. His book Journey of Man chronicles his discovery that all humans can be traced back to a tribe of hunter-gatherers who lived in Africa 60,000 years ago. Spencer now directs the Genographic Project, a five-year endeavor to chart the journey of our ancestors as they populated the planet. Tahiti to the Cook Islands

		GORDON WILTSIE Adventure photographer Gordon Wiltsie, a regular contributor to National Geographic magazine, climbed the Andes to photograph Inca mummies, lived with a nomadic tribe in Mongolia, and photographed Shipton’s lost arch in western China. He is an entertaining storyteller and photographer, helping those around him to achieve spectacular images with minimal equipment. Photography Workshops: On Assignment in Santa Fe

		SIMON WINCHESTER Best-selling author of Krakatoa, The Professor and the Madman, and The Fracture Zone, Simon Winchester studied geology at Oxford. He has written about the Amur River for National Geographic magazine, the South Pacific for a National Geographic book, and a voyage on a Russian tramp steamer from Antarctica to England for National Geographic Adventure magazine. Simon recently completed A Crack in the Edge of the World, the dramatic story of the great San Francisco earthquake. He is an entertaining lecturer with as many tales as stamps in his passport. Around the World by Private Jet

		STEVE WINTER National Geographic photographer Steve Winter entered Costa Rica’s rain forest for the first time in 1990 and has been a regular visitor ever since. Steve specializes in covering endangered species and has created five articles for National Geographic magazine, including coverage of the elusive quetzal (most frequently seen in Costa Rica), jaguars, and the emergence of national parks in developing countries. Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

		ELENI ZACHARIOU Classical historian Eleni Zachariou is a popular lecturer in her native country. Eleni received her master’s degree in classical history from the University of La Verne. Her frequent lecture assignments in the U.S. have included the Society of Architectural Historians at New York University and the Albany Institute of History and Art. Eleni takes great pleasure in revealing the history and beauty of her native land to National Geographic members. Greece Family Odyssey Classical Journey through Greece

		ERLA ZWINGLE Author Erla Zwingle has penned more than 20 articles for National Geographic magazine. She worked full-time on staff as an editor before moving to Venice after writing about that city for the magazine’s February 1995 issue. Since then, she has written about Naples, the Roman Forum, preserving Italy’s art, the Po River, the pre-Romanic Italian cultures, and most recently the Alps. Erla speaks Italian as well as the Venetian dialect, and occasionally runs across someone in the streets of Venice clutching the city guidebook that she wrote for National Geographic in 2001. Under Sail: Italy and the Dalmatian Coast

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