David Quammen is a science journalist and nonfiction author. He travels on assignment for various magazines, usually to jungles, deserts, or swamps, and his accustomed beat is the world of field biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation. He currently holds the positions of Contributing Writer for National Geographic Magazine and Wallace Stegner Professor of Western American Studies at Montana State University. In his book The Reluctant Mr. Darwin, Quammen focuses careful attention on Charles Darwin, father of modern biology and source of an idea so radical its implications are still only imperfectly understood: evolution by natural selection. Quammen tracks the naturalist's life through the two decades following his epiphany that "natural selection" formed the basis of evolution, a time during which Darwin kept his explosive idea under wraps and pondered when and how to release it to the world. Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, Quammen’s presentation was titled "Charles Darwin Against Himself: Caution versus Honesty in the Life of a Reluctant Revolutionary."

Tyrone Hayes is a biologist and herpetologist who knows that scientific breakthroughs don’t begin and end in the laboratory. They also come from the field. Which is why, more often than not, Hayes can be found wet, muddy, and knee-deep in a swamp at 2 a.m., the time when the frogs come out. Associate professor of integrative biology at the University of California, Berkeley, Hayes’ primary research focuses on the role of environmental factors on growth and development in amphibians. His studies have revealed how synthetic chemicals (such as the pesticide atrazine which is frequently used in Minnesota) interact with hormones in a variety of ways to alter developmental responses. As these studies also help predict effects in other wildlife and humans, Hayes’ findings reveal a crucial new link between conservation and health. The title of his presentation was "From Silent Spring to Silent Night: A Tale of Toads and Men".

Edith Widder is a biologist, deep-sea explorer, and specialist in bioluminescence (the light chemically produced by many ocean organisms). Her convocation address on “New Technologies to Discover Our World,” combined her expertise in deep-sea research and technological innovation with her commitment to reversing the worldwide trend of degradation to the world's marine environments. In 2005, Widder co-founded the Ocean Research Conservation Association (ORCA), which strives to develop high-tech sensory equipment to evaluate the health and preservation of marine ecosystems. “We are destroying the oceans faster than we can discover what’s in them,” she warns. “A lot of people are totally unaware of what’s going on in our oceans. We need to educate them to avert a crisis, and I’d like to be part of the solution.”

J. Drake Hamilton, a leader in climate change policymaking and education, present a convocation address titled “Global Warming Solutions and Economic Opportunities.” Hamilton serves as the Science Policy Director for Fresh Energy, a St. Paul-based non-profit organization working to establish energy independence. She is known for her ability to communicate global warming solutions, and for bringing integrity, environmental stewardship, and a courageous passion for progress to her work. Fresh Energy's efforts focus on clean energy, energy efficiency, transportation policy, global warming solutions and energy justice. In an effort to promote a modern, innovative energy system for the 21st century, the organization provides research, advocacy and innovative policy models while engaging citizens to take action on the energy issues.

Mark Seeley is a professor in the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate at the University of Minnesota, where he has worked since 1978. He has done weekly commentary for Minnesota Public Radio since 1992. His extension educational programs relate weather/climate impacts to Minnesota agriculture, transportation, energy, tourism, and natural resources, and he has received several awards for his work with the deployment of living snow fences. Seeley edited a successful series of children's books called the Amazing Science Series and recently authored The Minnesota Weather Almanac, a 200-year history of Minnesota weather. The title of his presentation was "Climate Change in Minnesota: Evidence and Implications."

"Contaminated Without Consent: How Exposure to Chemical Pollutants in Air, Food and Water Violates Human Rights." Ecologist, poet and cancer survivor, Sandra Steingraber is recognized internationally as an expert on environmental links to cancer. Her highly acclaimed book, "Living Downstream: An Ecologist Looks at Cancer and the Environment," is a personal and scientific exploration of how toxic chemicals contribute to rising cancer rates in various communities, and won her praise as "the new Rachel Carson." Steingraber offers insights into green architecture, campus sustainability, and the future of food in a world short of oil.

Author of the national bestsellers, "Fast Food Nation" and "Reefer Madness," Eric Schlosser investigates hidden realms of American business and culture and their far-reaching effects on our lives. He challenges people to think about critical and often overlooked issues, including food safety, workers' rights, the war on drugs, our prison system, and marketing to children. In "Fast Food Nation," Schlosser uncovers the inner workings of the fast food industry, from the appalling working conditions in American meat-packing plants to the "flavor industry" along the New Jersey Turnpike that gives fast food its taste. Depicting the tremendous growth and success of the industry, Schlosser reveals how fast food has been a revolutionary force in American life, transforming our diet as well as our economy, workforce and popular culture. The title of his presentation is "Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal."

For over 25 years, Meg Lowman has designed new methods for exploration of the rain forest canopy. She travels worldwide to 'map' the canopy for biodiversity and to work on conservation of forests. In 2003 she became the Director of Environmental Initiatives and Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies at New College of Florida. The title of her presentation is 'Life in the Treetops: Challenges in Tropical Biology.'