National Geographic photographer Michael Melford has produced over 30 stories for National Geographic Traveler Magazine, including 8 covers. Some of Michael's recent assignments have focused on American national parks, and the need to preserve them. Michael has produced photography for 8 books for National Geographic, including three in Alaska, his favorite being Treasures of Alaska where he spent four months traveling to every corner of the state. This past year, he traveled to Russia and Israel for upcoming articles for National Geographic Magazine. When not shooting for National Geographic, Michael enjoys giving seminars and workshops on photography, and sharing both his love of nature and his extensive knowledge.

An assistant professor at Florida International University, Mike has traveled extensively as a research fellow for National Geographic's Remote Imaging Program. He has completed more than 100 successful Crittercam deployments on creatures such as tiger, nurse, and hammerhead sharks; leatherback, green, and loggerhead sea turtles; and humpback, pilot, and false killer whales.

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. Aki is an entertaining and enthusiastic teacher who has guided many well-known Americans through Egypt, and enjoys sharing his extensive knowledge of his native land. Aki will accompany the expedition shown below.

Biologist Randy Babb has served as a consultant for National Geographic television programs on ecology. He is a veteran of numerous trips to Costa Rica to study, photograph, and observe wildlife. He specializes in herpetology, has taught rain forest ecology courses in Latin America, and enjoys spotting and catching insects and animals for close-up observation by children. Randy will accompany the expedition shown below.