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Nalini Nadkarni’s unique academic career interweaves her scientific research on rainforest canopy biota with innovative public engagement. She has written 150 scientific papers and books on the composition and ecological roles of canopy-dwelling communities, supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Geographic Society. She also engages with those who do not or cannot gain access to science education, including faith-based groups, artists, corporations, and people who are incarcerated. Her work is featured in journals ranging from Science to Playboy, and in public media such as Science Friday, Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me, and RadioLab. In 2023, the National Geographic Society named her as one of their ten “Explorers at Large.” Her awards include a Guggenheim Fellowship, the AAAS Award for Public Engagement, the National Science Foundation Award for Public Service, The Rachel Carson Award for Conservation, The Wilson Award for the Advancement of Social Justice, and the Archie Carr Medal for Conservation.

In this second part of our conversation, Nalini discusses:

• How she created "Treetop Barbie" and overcame Mattel's attempts to stop her
• Partnering with faith groups to emphasize the spiritual value of trees
• Involving inmates in meaningful conservation work
• Leveraging impact investment for sustainable ecological funding
  
  

To learn more about Nalini’s work:

• https://www.nalininadkarni.com/ 
• https://explorers.nationalgeographic.org/directory/nalini-m-nadkarni 

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This episode is sponsored by the John Templeton Foundation (https://www.templeton.org/) and Templeton Religion Trust (https://templetonreligiontrust.org/).

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