National Geographic Emerging Explorer, Geographer, Conservationist, Researcher

Maria Fadiman is a cultural and environmental geographer and professor in the Department of Geosciences at Florida Atlantic University. She was named a National Geographic Emerging Explorer in 2006 and was elected an Explorers Club Fellow in 2020. An experienced public speaker, she has presented on numerous National Geographic Expeditions and at universities and public venues around the world, including delivering two TEDx talks.

After earning her doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin, her research has taken her across the globe. Her work has included studies in the rainforests of Latin America, the savannahs of Africa, villages throughout Europe, remote islands in Oceania, and forest communities in Asia.

In addition to her scholarly publications, she is an invited contributor to the book Global Chorus, alongside Jane Goodall, the Dalai Lama, and other distinguished voices. Her essays have also appeared in the National Geographic Survival Manual, No More Endlings, and American Way Magazine.

Maria and her international work have been featured in a variety of science and language textbooks, the Travel section of SFGATE, The Washington Flyer, and the Conversation with a Geographer video series, among others. She is even featured on the children's educational toy, the Tonibox.

Passionate about sharing her experiences and connecting with others through her work, Maria has been recognized with both the Degree of Difference Award and the Service to the Community Award from her university. When she is not exploring, she enjoys jogging, reading, and petting any animal that crosses her path.