On-Trip Experts

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New Zealand native 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.

Polar explorer, underwater photographer, and director Paul North is passionate about showcasing the polar regions and has charted over 100 expedition dives in Antarctica. He founded Meet the Ocean, an educational nonprofit and podcast, employing creative storytelling and interactive technology to advocate for ocean literacy and marine ecosystem conservation. Paul also produces award-winning films, art events and public outreach campaigns, visiting schools and children’s hospitals internationally.