National Geographic Society Unveils 06 class of Emerging Explorers

WASHINGTON (May 13, 2016)-Today, the National Geographic Society announced its 2016 class of Emerging Explorers, a group of 13 inspiring individuals from around the globe whose unconventional thinking and innovations are changing the world for the better. The Emerging Explorers Program recognizes and supports uniquely gifted and inspiring scientists, conservationists and innovators who are at the forefront of discovery, adventure and global problem solving while still early in their careers. Each Emerging Explorer receives a $10,000 award to aid further research and exploration.

The 2016 Emerging Explorers are:

Asha de Vos marine biologist and ocean educator, Sri Lanka

Marina Elliott biological anthropologist, Canada

Gao Yufang conservationist, China

Panut Hadisiswoyo conservationist, Indonesia

Naftali Honig wildlife crime investigator, USA

Arthur Huang engineer, Taiwan

Jedidah Isler observational astrophysicist, USA

Yukinori Kawae archaeologist and Egyptologist, Japan

David Lang maker and writer, USA

Jeffrey Marlow geobiologist, writer and educator, USA

Thandiwe Mweetwa lion biologist, Zambia

Wasfia Nazreen mountaineer, activist and educator, Bangladesh

Genevieve von Petzinger paleoanthropologist, Canada

National Geographic Emerging Explorers are selected to represent diverse fields; their backgrounds vary from anthropology, archaeology, photography, space exploration, earth sciences and cartography to the worlds of technology, conservation and the arts.

For more than 128 years, the National Geographic Society has been committed to supporting scientists, conservationists and explorers who are pushing boundaries, exploring new frontiers and looking at innovative ways to remedy some of the greatest challenges facing our planet, said Gary E. Knell, president and CEO of the National Geographic Society. Our Emerging Explorers Program embodies this commitment and recognizes some of the most compelling leaders working in their fields today, leaders who will guide us into a new age of exploration.

More information on the 2016 Emerging Explorers can be found at http://natgeo.org/emerging. Photos of each of the 2016 Emerging Explorers are available HERE.

About the National Geographic Society

National Geographic is a global nonprofit membership organization driven by a passionate belief in the power of science, exploration and storytelling to change the world. We fund hundreds of research and conservation projects around the globe each year. With the support of our members and donors, we work to inspire, illuminate and teach through scientific expeditions, award-winning journalism, education initiatives and more. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.org.

LINK:	http://press.nationalgeographic.com/2016/05/13/national-geographic-soc...
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