Are you an animal lover at heart? So is marine biologist Maddalena Bearzi. Since childhood, marine biologist, author and artist Maddalena has had a gift for exploring the lives of creatures and discovering a deep love and appreciation for wildlife. In celebration of Earth Day, she will share her story and how she has come to find her way in the world alongside dolphins and other creatures.

About Maddalena: Maddalena Bearzi is President and co-founder of Ocean Conservation Society. She has a Ph.D. in Biology and a Postdoctoral Fellowship from the University of California, Los Angeles. Maddalena has been actively involved in studying the ecology of marine mammals with a strong conservation bias since 1990. Her research work on dolphins, whales, and pinnipeds off Southern California has been ongoing for over two decades. She has published many scientific peer-reviewed papers, she is co-author of the book "Beautiful Minds: The Parallel Lives of Great Apes and Dolphins" (Harvard University Press, 2008) and author of "Dolphin Confidential: Confessions of a Field Biologist" (University of Chicago Press, 2012). Maddalena has experience as a photo-journalist and television correspondent for Italian TV networks. Her scientific research and books have been covered, among others, by CNN, KPCC, PRI, Take Part Live, the Los Angeles Times, the New Scientist, American Scientist, and The Huffington Post. She is a blogger for the National Geographic Newsroom. Further information on her research, conservation, and outreach public efforts can be found at oceanconservation.org.