For 17 years, Tom Harten has been a teacher with the CHESPAX environmental education program in southern Maryland. Authentic research projects and environmental action have been central to the success of this program where K-12 students use the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding watershed as an outdoor learning laboratory. Mr. Harten has a degree in outdoor education and a master’s degree in science education from the University of Memphis, with certifications in Earth and space science and outdoor education. As lifelong birder and naturalist, Mr. Harten has traveled extensively in the U.S. and in the tropics in pursuit of these interests. He also enjoys canoeing, camping, running, and, most of all, spending time with his wife Tracy and son Jake. He is looking forward to the PolarTREC experience in the Pribilof’s because it will be a fantastic opportunity to study seabirds at close range and to add to our knowledge of these fascinating creatures.