We support innovative people working in field-based science, art and craft, teaching and protection of the natural world.

Timothy J. Colston’s integrative approach to science has far-reaching implications that span across disciplines. He is an evolutionary biologist focused on the diversity, ecology and conservation of amphibians and reptiles.

Kristyn Leach is a farmer, dedicated seed saver and Korean-American adoptee based in Sebastopol, Calif. In addition to her work at Namu Farm and nonprofit stewardship of Second Generation Seeds, Kristyn built a nationwide network of growers preserving biodiversity in seeds, as well as the cultural heritage and stories captured in plants such as perilla, chili peppers, beans, melons, gourds and more.

Wang studies the biodiversity of the Himalayan-Hengduan Mountains. At Mount Gongga, high in the Himalaya of eastern Tibet, Wang has studied the ecological interactions between ghost moth caterpillars and the Ophiocordyceps fungus that parasitizes them.

Noel Dakar Dickinson’s work promotes understanding of the importance of breadfruit, called “‘ulu” in Hawaiian. Grown in nearly 90 countries as a staple crop, breadfruit is a culturally significant source of sustenance and a symbol of food security, community and connection to place. Noel’s work at the Breadfruit Institute of the National Tropical Botanical Garden includes research, community outreach and conservation efforts.

Corrales’ research focuses on fungal ecology with an emphasis on how underground fungal systems fuel the well-being of woody species and tropical ecosystems.

Eiseman recognizes there is much to observe but little time or funding for scientists to do so.

Ankita Raturi practices community-engaged research, participatory design, and open source software engineering to improve resilience and sustainability in food and farming systems. Through collaborations with farmers, policymakers, scientists and workers, Ankita co-creates responsible, accessible and inclusive digital tools that help to improve and balance economic, social and environmental sustainability.

Femeika Elliott promotes food health and reproductive justice in Knoxville, Tennessee. She is recreating the food landscape with the community to increase access for those who need it most and expanding the perinatal landscape in Black maternal health. Femeika shares resources that help community members grow food, holistically maintain health and build resilience.

Combining wheel throwing, hand-building and surface adornment, including carving, glazing and finials, Said pushes the physical limits of clay while engaging, respecting and building upon a lineage of Egyptian pottery.

Crystal Manuel’s work on her family’s multi-generational organic farm inspired her to champion ancient grains for physical, mental and emotional well-being. Working with the ancient grain farro, Crystal cracks the grain and turns it into nutrient-rich grits — and encourages recipe sharing and grit-togethers. Crystal is founder of Gruff, a regenerative, organic-certified, ancient-grain grits company based in Havre, Montana.

Cristina Córdova is a figurative ceramics sculptor inspired by the rich ceramic heritage of the Caribbean. Using clay to give voice to regional stories and aesthetic inquiries, Córdova strives to honor and innovate within this ceramic lineage, expanding collective creative language.

Flavia Montaño-Centellas is a community ecologist whose research focuses on how changes in species interaction across environmental gradients — things such as elevation changes and human disturbance — lead to changes in biodiversity.

Nisha Bansil is a glass sculptor, artist and educator exploring how remnants of phenomenological events found in nature relate to patterns that become ubiquitous, sacred and divine. Bansil builds devices to render invisible, natural forces, like sound waves and motion, into visual forms in glass.

Raul De Lara is a sculptor who practices storytelling through woodworking, exploring Mexican/American iconography, queer identity and the immigrant experience. De Lara’s research preserves, honors and propels forward traditional uses of wood while combining them with new developments in the global industry of woodworking.

Thea Alvin is a stone mason and sculptor specializing in arch construction, large-scale sculptural installation, stone building, and, most recently, stained glass, building on her unique style and perspective of stonework, design, installation, team leadership and teaching in the trades.