Our Scientist Leaders
Our Scientist Leaders help participants know the natural world through hands-on field research and discovery.
Earthwatch Expeditions' Scientist Leaders bring clarity to the science behind each adventure and invite curious travelers into their work as active participants. They are accomplished researchers with distinguished credentials from leading academic institutions. Many return to the same ecosystems year after year, building a depth of knowledge that only comes from time, patience and continued immersion. Many have discovered new species, built invaluable long-term datasets and shaped conservation efforts worldwide.
You'll find that they are exceptional people to spend time with—they're welcoming and warm, generous with their knowledge, and thoughtful in their instruction. From Principal Investigators to the broader field team, our Scientist Leaders foster environments that are inclusive, engaging and driven by curiosity.

Antonio Uzal, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Conservation Biology, Nottingham Trent University
Wildlife Ecology, Kenya

Andrew Gichira, Ph.D.
Research Manager, Center for Ecosystem Restoration
Restoration Ecology, Kenya

Chelsea Clyde-Brockway, Ph.D.
Executive Director, The Leatherback Trust
Marine Research, Costa Rica

Demian Chapman, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist & Director, Center for Shark Research
Shark Conservation, Belize

LeeAnn Fishback, Ph.D.
Resource Conservation Manager, Parks Canada
Arctic Research, Churchill

Filipa Samarra, Ph.D.
Lead Investigator, Icelandic Orca Project
Marine Research, Iceland

Frank Paladino, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology, Purdue University
Marine Research, Costa Rica

Jessica Quinlan, Ph.D.
Founder, Fishers4Science
Marine Research, Belize

Richard Bodmer, Ph.D.
Professor, Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology
Wildlife Conservation, Peruvian Amazon

Steven Mamet, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor, University of Saskatchewan
Arctic Research, Churchill

Stewart Thompson, Ph.D.
Emeritus Professor, Oxford Brookes University
Biodiversity Conservation, Kenya

Tula Fang, M.S.
Logistics Coordinator, AmazonEco
Wildlife Conservation, Peruvian Amazon