Lecturers

George Amato is Director of the Sackler Institute of Comparative Genomics at the American Museum of Natural History, an adjunct associate professor at Columbia and Fordham universities, and a research associate at Yale University. He has studied the genetics of endangered and newly discovered species of animals all around the world and has developed ways to monitor the trade of endangered-species products using DNA-based forensic science. He has published and lectured extensively on using molecular analyses to determine conservation priorities.

Chris Rainier is a National Geographic Society Fellow, cultural photographer, and a co-director of the National Geographic Enduring Voices Project, documenting endangered languages and cultures. He also directs National Geographic’s All Roads Photography Program, which supports minority photographers and filmmakers around the globe. A Contributing Editor for National Geographic Traveler, and a Contributing Photographer for National Geographic Adventure, Chris also serves as a photography consultant on National Public Radio’s Day to Day Show. He has traveled to all seven continents, and participated in extensive expeditions throughout Africa, Antarctica and New Guinea. Among his numerous awards is the prestigious Lowell Thomas Award, given by the Explorers Club for adventure stories. His work has been displayed around the world, from the Australian Museum in Sydney and The Biblotheque Nationale in Paris to the United Nations.

Wayne Ranney specializes in making the diverse landscapes of our planet come alive for fellow travelers. He is Professor of Geology at Coconino College in Flagstaff, Arizona, and is the author of many award-winning books. His expertise is in understanding how the course of human history has been shaped by the lay of the land. He is a veteran of expedition travel, and has visited and lectured on all seven continents, in over 75 countries from Antarctica to Zimbabwe. Wayne looks forward to sharing his insight and enthusiasm for the spectacular mountains, coral reefs, and desert landscapes observed on our private jet journey.

Craig Stanford is a professor of Anthropology and Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California and director of the USC Jane Goodall Research Center. A six-time National Geographic grantee, Craig conducts research on the links between human and animal behavior in India, Peru, Tanzania, Uganda and elsewhere; and has collaborated with Jane Goodall on the study of chimpanzees. Craig is the author of more than 120 articles and 15 books, including Biological Anthropology: The Natural History of Humankind and Beautiful Minds.

Leaders

Carsten Stehr is a veteran of educational private jet and yacht travel, and has been leading travelers to every corner of the globe since 1995. He was born in Berlin, Germany, and is fluent in English, German, and Greek. Carsten holds a BFA in Painting from the Rhode Island School of Design, and resides on the Greek Island of Mykonos, where he pursues his art and manages his champagne bar, "Jackie O." Carsten's experience in leading, scouting, and advancing trips worldwide, combined with his extensive art and business background and keen interest in the cultures, architecture, and history of the world make him an invaluable asset to the success of our expeditions.

For more than a decade, Richard Butler has led expeditions across all seven continents and has traveled to more than 125 countries. He has participated in more than 50 private jet trips, as an expedition leader or an advance person, and has scouted many new destinations for these expeditions. Richard received a degree in Politics from the University of Southampton, England, which sparked his long-standing interest in the people, cultures, and societies of the world. Richard lives in southwest England with his wife and daughter. Described as a calm and 'unflappable' leader, his comprehensive knowledge of destinations serves us well.