Nalini Nadkarni’s unique academic career interweaves her research on rainforest canopy biota with innovative public engagement. She has written 140 scientific papers and books, supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Geographic Society. She collaborates with faith-based groups, artists, corporations, and people who are incarcerated to engage with those who do not or cannot gain access to science education and nature. Her work is featured in publications ranging from Science to Playboy, and in public media such as Science Friday and RadioLab. Her awards include a Guggenheim Fellowship, the AAAS Award for Public Engagement, and The Wilson Award for the Advancement of Social Justice.

Tim Brown has been the President/CEO at Tracy Aviary since 2005. While overseeing a $35M transformation of the downtown Salt Lake City campus, Tim has paid particular attention to preserving a landscape and atmosphere described by many as being an oasis in the middle of the city. In 2020 Tracy Aviary opened the first phase of a second campus, The Jordan River Nature Center, in South Salt Lake and adjacent to the Jordan River. Providing opportunities for people to connect with nature is a lifelong passion for Tim whether at Tracy Aviary, the Jordan River Nature Center, on a river, or up a mountain. Tim received a B.S. in Wildlife Biology from the University of Vermont and a M.A. from Antioch University - Seattle in Community and Environment. He splits time between Salt Lake and Liberty, Utah.

Dorothy (Dart) Schmalz is Chair & Associate Professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism at the University of Utah. She believes in the importance of leisure and recreation for physical and mental health. She teaches courses in the philosophy of leisure, serving diverse populations, social psychology of human behavior, and leads workshops for community members, faculty, staff, and healthcare providers on the importance of leisure for balance and wellbeing.