On-Trip Experts

Alec Murphy holds a Ph.D. in geography from the University of Chicago and is the author of more than 100 articles and several books on political, cultural and environmental topics. An award-winning teacher and faculty member in geography at the University of Oregon, Alec is senior vice president of the American Geographical Society. Research, lecturing and travel have taken him to more than 100 countries on six continents.

Photographer and adventurer Alexandra Cancro has traveled to over 45 countries and earned her International Relations and Spanish degree from Seattle University. Alex’s passion for photography stems from her innate curiosity and desire to deepen her understanding of foreign cultures, using her craft as a creative outlet for showcasing the world’s beauty. When she’s not behind the lens, Alex enjoys skiing in her hometown of Taos, New Mexico, and working with local organizations to promote and preserve the state’s rich history.

Renowned travel journalist, author, speaker and TV host Andrew Evans has completed over 50 National Geographic assignments spanning all seven continents. In addition to contributing to National Geographic, BBC Travel, The Boston Globe and The Chicago Tribune, he has penned five books, including his award-winning memoir, “The Black Penguin.” Andrew lives in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and holds degrees from Brigham Young University and Oxford University.

William (Bill) Saturno, PhD, is an archaeologist and National Geographic Explorer specializing in early civilizations and political empires. The former professor and NASA research scientist has conducted fieldwork on six continents and from space, with his research featured in Science, National Geographic, and the New York Times. Bill holds degrees from the University of Arizona and Harvard and lives on the Connecticut shoreline.

South African conservationist, explorer and photographer Chris Boyes believes that science, paired with powerful imagery and storytelling, creates an influential medium to spotlight the world’s most untouched and biodiverse landscapes. Through his conservation work exploring critical habitats and conducting biodiversity surveys of freshwater ecosystems, Chris has paddled over 5,000 miles of Africa’s waterways. He was also the expedition leader featured in Into the Okavango, an award-winning documentary covering a four-month exploration to save the Okavango Delta.

As Professor Emeritus of Cultural Geography in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences at Western Kentucky University, David J. Keeling, PhD, has led student study abroad programs to all six inhabited continents. The author and recipient of the Alan Hay Award from the Royal Geographical Society has published works covering a variety of subject matters, including urban development, cultural identity, rock and roll music, transportation, and political geography. David has also traveled to 2,000 unique destinations, including most of the world’s official political states.

Jimmy White is an intrepid expedition leader and researcher with a diverse portfolio that spans from Arctic expeditions to capturing drone footage of killer whales in the Antarctic Peninsula. His contributions to shark conservation and fisheries management have earned him recognition as a Future Leader of Research in Australia. Jimmy holds a PhD in Conservation Biology from James Cook University, and his work has been published in peer-reviewed journals and featured in documentaries by the BBC, Discovery Channel, and 60 Minutes.

Josh Newman is a professional filmmaker dedicated to adventure and natural history. He’s explored over 115 countries and all seven continents, documenting stories celebrating diversity in nature, science and humanity. Josh filmed National Geographic’s 125th-anniversary expedition, traveling to 12 countries in 24 days, and is currently directing a documentary on scientific discoveries in Ecuador’s Choćo Cloud Forest. When he’s not on an expedition, Josh and his wife, Melinda, divide their time between Washington, Alaska and New Zealand.

Kristian Marson is an adventure/lifestyle photographer and instructor based in Seattle, who has been working as a professional photographer for nearly 20 years. Kristian loves sharing his years of experience with all levels of photography lovers.

Kyle Johnson is an editorial and commercial photographer whose clients include The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Bon Appetit, AFAR Magazine and the Wall Street Journal. Kyle’s photography aesthetic is heavily influenced by the outdoors and natural textures.

Mark Graham is a geographer and professor who has lived in nine countries and traveled to over 80. An avid cyclist, Mark recently spent a year on his bike, traveling around Europe, Africa and Asia. Mark is a professor at the University of Oxford, where he focuses on the geography of the internet, and has published widely about inequalities in the digital world. He currently lives in East London.

Paul North is the founder of the education nonprofit Meet the Ocean and member of The Explorers Club. As an underwater photographer, he specializes in polar exploration and producing creative conservation media that enlivens the public on the wonders and necessity of Earth’s marine ecosystems.

Peter Bobrowsky is as an anthropologist, archaeologist and geologist who has explored some 120 countries during his 40-year career as consultant, university scholar, mentor and research scientist. An expert in the last 2 million years of Earth history and author of some 500 publications, he will bring to life the crucial link between landscapes, cultures and society on this unique trip.

Award-winning wildlife photojournalist, author and documentary filmmaker Sandesh Kadur champions conservation, using his influential work to educate people on the importance of protecting biodiversity. Sandesh’s films have aired worldwide on the BBC, Discovery Channel and National Geographic Channel. Notable accolades include receiving CIWEM Environmental Photographer of the Year, the Nature’s Best Photography award, and the International Conservation Photographer award.

Shauna Isaac is an art historian who specializes in art theft and the effect that it has on societies. She has lectured throughout Europe, the United States and Australia. She is a regular speaker at Sotheby’s Institute of Art and is widely published in art periodicals and newspapers.

Stacie is a photographer located in San Diego, California. She’s photographed over 50 weddings in multiple states and countries including Mexico, Ireland and Senegal. She has also traveled to and photographed in destinations like Trinidad and Tobago, Iceland, Japan and Switzerland.

Tom Kerss is an astronomer, consultant, aurora and eclipse chaser, and the author of fourteen astronomy and space books for readers of all ages. A former astronomer at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, he is a global advocate for astrotourism and a frequent media expert, with appearances on the BBC, CNN, Sky News, and more.