Wade Davis is a distinguished writer, photographer, and filmmaker whose extensive career has spanned diverse cultures and ecosystems across the globe. He served as Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society from 2000 to 2013 and currently holds the position of Professor of Anthropology and the BC Leadership Chair in Cultures and Ecosystems at Risk at the University of British Columbia. Davis is the author of 22 influential books, including the acclaimed “One River” and the award-winning “Into the Silence,” which won the prestigious Samuel Johnson Prize in 2012. His academic background includes degrees in anthropology and biology, culminating in a Ph.D. in ethnobotany from Harvard University.

Davis’s early career was marked by significant fieldwork, including three years spent in the Amazon and Andes, where he lived among indigenous groups and collected thousands of botanical specimens. His groundbreaking research on Haitian Vodou and the phenomenon of zombies led to his best-selling book “The Serpent and the Rainbow,” which has had a lasting impact on both anthropology and popular culture. Beyond writing, Davis has made substantial contributions to film, including the documentary series “Light at the Edge of the World,” which aired globally and showcased vanishing cultures.

In addition to his literary and cinematic achievements, Davis has received numerous accolades, including the Gold Medal from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and honorary degrees from several institutions. His work emphasizes the importance of cultural and biological diversity, advocating for the preservation of both through storytelling and education. Davis’s photographs have been featured in over 80 publications and exhibited internationally, further solidifying his status as a leading voice in conservation and cultural anthropology.

Davis continues to inspire future generations through his teaching and public speaking engagements, encouraging students to embrace a multidisciplinary approach to anthropology. His commitment to activism and environmental conservation is evident in his ongoing research and involvement with organizations dedicated to preserving the planet’s rich cultural and ecological heritage. Wade Davis remains a pivotal figure in the fields of anthropology and environmentalism, using his platform to advocate for a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all life.