Meg Lowman

Nicknamed the real-life Lorax by National Geographic and Einstein of the treetops by The Wall Street Journal, Dr. Margaret Lowman (aka "Canopy Meg") is a science writer and was the inaugural Chief of Science and Sustainability at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. She has authored more than 125 scientific papers and eight books, of which Life in the Treetops garnered a cover review in The New York Times Review of Books and received numerous awards. She pioneered the science of canopy ecology. For over 30 years she has designed hot-air balloons and walkways for treetop exploration to solve mysteries in the worlds forests, especially insect pests and ecosystem health. Meg is affectionately called "the mother of canopy research," having been one of the first scientists to explore this "eighth continent." She relentlessly works to map the canopy for biodiversity, and to champion forest conservation around the world. Her international network and passion for science have led her into leadership roles where she seeks best practices to solve environmental challenges and serves as a role model for women and minorities in science.