Margaret D. (Meg) Lowman, Ph.D., Nicknamed the “real-life Lorax” by National Geographic and “Einstein of the treetops” by Wall Street Journal, Meg Lowman pioneered the science of canopy ecology. Over 30 years ago, she first climbed tropical trees using ropes and a slingshot, and built the world’s first walkways, leading to the discovery that half of our terrestrial biodiversity lives in the canopy. She has explored trees in Costa Rica, Colombia, Belize, Panama, Peru, Malaysia, Cameroon, India, Australia and many other countries as the world’s first global arbornaut (meaning treetop explorer) and serves as a “tree ambassador” to champion forest conservation. Her international network and passion for science have led her into leadership roles to solve environmental challenges and serve as a role model to women and minorities in science. Meg is currently a National Geographic Explorer and also the Director of TREE Foundation (www.treefoundation.org), leading tree research, education and exploration.
Lowman's academic training includes Williams College (BA, Biology); Aberdeen University (MSc, Ecology); Sydney University (PhD, Botany); and Tuck School of Business (Executive Management). She has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed scientific publications, 8 books, and her first book, “Life in the Treetops,” received a cover review in the New York Times Sunday Book Review. Working tirelessly on sustainability initiatives at home and abroad, “CanopyMeg” was a Fulbright Senior Specialist Scholar in both India and Ethiopia. Her mantra is “no child left indoors!”