BCR 096: Twan Leenders, President, Roger Tory Peterson Institute

Twan Leenders assumed the position as President and CEO of Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History RTPI in 2012. Guided by Peterson’s example, Leenders actively studies natural history and strives to make nature accessible to everyone. Twan reccieved his doctoral degree from the University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands and has more than 20 years experience as a conservation biologist, college professor, researcher, author, and nature photographer.

Show Notes:

• Tells us about your multi faceted background as a professional biologist, teacher and expedition researcher.
• I understand that you discovered a species of Salamander.
• What is the Roger Tory Peterson Institute RTPI, how was it started? What is the mission?
• Tell us about Roger Tory Peterson’s legacy.
• How did you become involved with the Institute?
• What kinds of programs are offered? Can one visit the institute?
• What is your current role there, how do you carry out the charter mandate of the RTPI?
• Tell us about the “Action Plan.”
• Tell us about Project Wild America and youth ambassadors?
• What other active programs do you have? I read about a SUNY Fredonia Professor whose groundbreaking research on plastic pollution in the Great Lakes.
• I understand that there is an interest in digitizing the Peterson papers to facilitate study.
• What is the connection with Connecticut based projects?
• What advice would you give to young people interested in a career in the natural sciences?

Mentioned in This episode:

Roger Tory Peterson Institute

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