October 2, 2008
National Geographic brings Young Explorers program to UW
When John Francis was an undergraduate biology major at the UW, he spent several summers studying northern fur seals in Alaska, and the experience hooked him on research.
“I was taken by the way nature worked. It was just so stunning to watch nature unfold and study the forces at play,” said Francis, 53, who’s now vice president for research, conservation and exploration at the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C.
On Oct. 24 Francis, along with two explorers, will present an evening on field research and exploration. The following day, he and others will present a Young Explorers Grants Workshop.
Begun about 18 months ago, the grants aim at individuals 18 to 25 interested in career field research, exploration and conservation. Between 25 and 50 awards ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 apiece will be distributed this year.
“Part of the beauty of these grants is that they allow young researchers to take a risk at a time when they have fewer resources,” Francis said. He also said National Geographic realized the society needs to reach young people more effectively.
At the Friday evening talk, Francis will discuss his seal research and “Crittercam” technology. Also, mountain climber Conrad Anker and Emerging Explorer Jimmy Chin will recount their 275-mile hike across the Chang Tang plateau in Tibet.
The Saturday workshop will include grant information, tips for applying and opportunities to pitch research ideas.
The Friday talk and Saturday workshop have been presented at only two other places, the University of California, Santa Cruz, and Duke University.
“We have a really strong affinity for the Seattle area,” Francis said. The presentations “are a good opportunity to reach out to key geographical regions and institutions.”
Along with National Geographic, the sessions are sponsored by the College of Arts & Sciences; Undergraduate Academic Affairs; the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards and the Undergraduate Research Program.
Registration for the afternoon session is required by Oct. 15. Go to http://youngexplorers.washington.edu/.
