Lori Blanc holds a PhD in conservation biology and avian ecology from Virginia Tech, as well as degrees in Computer Science from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. During her 19 years in academia, Lori conducted research in avian community ecology, oversaw research and management of the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and developed and taught study abroad programs in the South Pacific.  One of Lori’s greatest passions while at Virginia Tech was taking university students to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Antarctica to study Earth sustainability and conservation biology. She now serves as an independent environmental consultant and is helping the RIVERE non-profit organization create a future-forward ecological center on the Rappahannock River in Fredericksburg, Virginia to facilitate and support water quality research, educational outreach, and ecotourism. Lori has an enthusiastic passion for environmental conservation and sustainability initiatives. She enjoys communicating technical information across disciplines and to non-technical audiences, and is passionate about inspiring a sense of joy and wonder for the natural world.