The Race to Save Earth's Most Endangered Species

A Multimedia Presentation with Animal Planet's Jeff Corwin

Monday, 05 Apr 2010 at 8:00 pm – Stephens Auditorium

Wildlife biologist Jeff Corwin is an Emmy Award-winning producer and host of more than a dozen television series on such networks as Animal Planet, Discovery, Disney, and the Travel Channel. He has been working for the conservation of endangered species and ecosystems around the world since he was a teenager. Corwin was introduced to the tropical rain forests while on an expedition to Belize and is now an expert in rainforest animals. He is the author of Living On the Edge: Amazing Relationships in the Natural World and the Jeff Corwin Junior Explorers Series. He has bachelor of science degrees in biology and anthropology from Bridgewater State College, and a master of science degree in wildlife and fisheries conservation from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. His most recent documentary project, MSNBC's 100 Heartbeats, is based on his book by the same name. Immediately following, there will be a book signing downstairs in Stephens' Celebrity Cafe. Part of the 2010 National Affairs Series: Innovation and Ethics.

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Emmy winner Jeff Corwin has been working for the conservation of endangered species and ecosystems around the world since he was a teenager. Animal Planet audiences best know Jeff as host of THE JEFF CORWIN EXPERIENCE, one of the most popular shows on cable television. The series reaches over 13 million viewers in the United States and is viewed in more than 70 countries worldwide.

Since 2000, Jeff has partnered with Animal Planet and Discovery Communications as host and executive producer of THE JEFF CORWIN EXPERIENCE. He also serves as the executive producer of the new series CORWIN'S QUEST. His first book, Living on the Edge: Amazing Relationships in the Natural World from Rodale Publishing, is now in paperback.

When not in the field, Jeff lectures on wildlife, ecology and conservation to audiences across the United States. Jeff also established an interactive museum and environmental education center called the EcoZone. Based in Norwell, Mass., the town where Jeff spent his childhood, the goal of the EcoZone is to build awareness for the wildlife and ecology unique to the wetlands of southeastern Massachusetts.

Now an expert in rainforest animals, Jeff was first introduced to the tropical rain forests in 1984, while on an expedition to Belize. The experience fueled his interest in the study and conservation of these ecological marvels. In 1993, Jeff addressed the General Assembly of the United Nations regarding the need to conserve neotropical rain forests. By 1994, Jeff had served as expedition naturalist for THE JASON PROJECT, the acclaimed documentary series produced by National Geographic and EDS under the direction of Robert Ballard.

Jeff has bachelor of science degrees in biology and anthropology from Bridgewater State College, and a master of science degree in wildlife and fisheries conservation from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. In 1999, Bridgewater State College honored Jeff with a doctorate in public education for his work in communicating about the need for a sustainable approach to using natural resources and the importance of conserving endangered species. Jeff firmly believes that through education and awareness, the natural resources, wildlife and ecosystems that make up our planet will be conserved for future generations.

Jeff's winning personality, combined with his camera-friendly good looks, led editors to choose him as one of People Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" and he was included on the highly regarded Entertainment Weekly "It List." In October 2003, Jeff made a guest appearance as himself on the popular television series CSI: Miami. Other television appearances include the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Morning Show, Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Access Hollywood, Extra and Oprah. In 2004, Jeff won an Emmy for best performer in a children's series.

When not traveling the world, Jeff can be found at his eclectic home off the coast of Massachusetts, which is decorated with unique and unusual artifacts from his globe-trotting. He lives with his wife Natasha and daughter Maya Rose.

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This lecture was made possible in part by the generosity of F. Wendell Miller, who left his entire estate jointly to Iowa State University and the University of Iowa. Mr. Miller, who died in 1995 at age 97, was born in Altoona, Illinois, grew up in Rockwell City, graduated from Grinnell College and Harvard Law School and practiced law in Des Moines and Chicago before returning to Rockwell City to manage his family's farm holdings and to practice law. His will helped to establish the F. Wendell Miller Trust, the annual earnings on which, in part, helped to support this activity.

Cosponsored By:

• Anthropology
• Anthropology Club
• Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Vet
• Avian Club
• Biological Sciences Club
• College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
• LAS Miller Funds
• National Affairs
• Zoo/Exotics/Wildlife Club
• Committee on Lectures (funded by Student Government)