Expedition Team
A diverse team of experts accompanies this expedition — seasoned naturalists, undersea specialists, and researchers — who will share their knowledge and insights with you and bring each destination to life. Listed below are some of the experts and the departure date(s) they will be joining.
Paula Tagle Saad
Paula Tagle Saad grew up in Guayaquil and has worked as an interpreter for the Galapagos National Park for several years. Paula holds a degree in geology and has a deep familiarity with both the land and the culture of the Galápagos.
Alexandra Cousteau
Granddaughter of legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau, National Geographic Emerging Explorer Alexandra Cousteau set out on her first exploration at the age of four months. Growing up traveling the globe fed her passion for adventure and taught her first-hand the value of conservation. Alexandra's specialty as a conservationist is engaging local populations in preserving their natural resources. She spent two years in Central America working with local environmental groups on marine resource management with a focus on shark fisheries.
Juan Martinez
National Geographic Emerging Explorer and environmental educator Juan Martinez is a national spokesman for the importance of getting youth—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds—into the outdoors. He spearheads the Natural Leaders Network of the Children & Nature Network, an organization creating links between environmental organizations, corporations, government, education, and individuals to reconnect children with nature. Juan focuses on celebrating the positive value of nature rather than dire environmental dilemmas. He attends White House forums, advises the U.S. Department of the Interior on plans to create a youth conservation corps, serves as National Youth Volunteer Coordinator for the Sierra Club, and organizes youth delegations to conferences on green jobs and outdoor experiences.
David Braun
David Braun is Editor in Chief of National Geographic Digital Media, responsible for Daily News, Science, and the Environment. A journalist for more than 35 years, he has overseen the production of some 10,000 news stories for National Geographic, hundreds of them focusing on the Society's research and exploration. He also directs National Geographic's blogging network. Braun has accompanied National Geographic scientists to more than 50 field sites in a dozen countries. He serves on the National Geographic Expeditions Council and is a media representative on the National Geographic Committee for Research and Exploration and the Big Cats Initiative.
Melina Bellows
Melina Gerosa Bellows is Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Books, Kids and Family at National Geographic. Melina is Editor in Chief of National Geographic Kids, the largest children's magazine in America. The magazine has nearly 20 international editions. She is also Editor in Chief of National Geographic Little Kids, a magazine she launched in 2007 for preschoolers and their parents. Little Kids has garnered The Parents' Choice Gold Award in 2008 and 2009. Bellows' first National Geographic book, Nat Geo AMAZING! 100 People, Places, and Things That Will Wow You, was published in June 2010. It is the companion book to Nat Geo AMAZING!, a 10-part television series that debuted on the National Geographic Channel in July 2010. As an award-winning freelance writer, Bellows has written for The New York Times, National Geographic Traveler, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Family Life, Family Circle, More, Ladies Home Journal, The Washingtonian, AARP: The Magazine, Coastal Living, Entertainment Weekly, and Elle. She has appeared on The Today Show, CNN, The View, Good Day New York, and Fox and Friends.
Tim Laman
Field biologist and wildlife photographer Tim Laman received his Ph.D. in biology from Harvard University, where he is a Research Associate in the Ornithology Department. Multiple grants from the National Geographic Society's Committee for Research and Exploration and its Expeditions Council have supported his fieldwork, which includes a long-term comprehensive study of the exquisitely ornamented birds of paradise. Tim photographs and writes for National Geographic and other popular magazines to promote the conservation of endangered species and habitats. His photographs have received numerous awards, and he has been named both BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year and the North American Nature Photography Association’s Outstanding Nature Photographer.
