Maria Grace Fadiman
Maria Fadiman researches the human/environmental aspect of conservation, focusing on ethnobotany, the study of the relationship between people and plants. She works primarily in rural areas with the majority of her research addressing the rainforests of Latin America. Some projects include investigating oil exploration in the Amazon and organic coffee production in the Galápagos. She has also examined alternative livelihoods through sustainable wood carving in Zimbabwe, house construction from natural materials in the Philippines, Maori utilization of the Kauri tree in New Zealand, working with Losang Rabgey on Tibetan children recording of their own ethnobotanical knowledge on the plateau, and doing ethnobotanical outreach with local schools as part of Kenny Broad’s expedition in the Blue Holes National Park. Current projects include collaborating with Emerging Explorer Grace Gobbo to facilitate the retention of traditional language, culture and ecological knowledge with the Ha in Tanzania through making booklets with the villagers and working towards a community run ethnobotanical trail and garden.
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“From the long list of talent, who stood out? …Top honors go to Maria Fadiman. Academics beware: This woman has just raised the bar big time on how to reach an audience.”
Andrew Ould, Executive Communications Manager at Cisco
“When Maria speaks, the room comes alive! Dr. Fadiman is a gifted storyteller who brings her listeners with her into the field with dynamic narratives and striking visual presentations. She doesn’t just describe landscapes and cultures—she immerses you in them. You feel as though you are standing beside her, sharing in the challenges of research and the wonders of discovery.”
Dr. Cassandra Quave, Award-winning Author of The Plant Hunter
"Dr. Maria Fadiman doesn't just give lectures; she has a unique ability to transport the audience to the moment and geographic location that she's speaking about with her eloquence, expressive energy, and attention to detail."
Dr. Tiffany Roberts Briggs, Chair Geosciences FAU
Maria has joined us to share her enthusiasm for our green planet with thousands of students. Her passion for our green world and its connections to the human world has a lasting impact on anyone who hears her speak. She is an excellent storyteller.
Joe Grabowski , Director and Founder of Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants
“No sé si nos tocan grupos animados o es que los animas tú porque tus presentaciones además de interesantes son súper divertidas.” English Translation: ” I don't know if we have lively groups or if you are the one who livens them up, because your presentations are not only interesting but also super fun.”
Manuel Lage, Guide Camino de Santiago
“I keep telling people how great her lectures are… I am inspired.”
Carol Lazerick, Executive Director for Institute for Learning in Retirement