Mireya Mayor

Dr. Mayor is an anthropologist, author, National Geographic Explorer, National Science Foundation Fellow, and Fulbright Scholar who has spent most of her career reporting on wildlife and habitat loss while advocating for solutions to the alarming trends. She is also a twice-Emmy-nominated wildlife correspondent, and the author of Pink Boots and a Machete: My Journey from NFL Cheerleader to National Geographic Explorer, which chronicles her unconventional career path.

As Director of Exploration and Science Communications at FIU, Mireya is developing an innovative program to help scientists effectively communicate complex topics in straightforward and exciting ways to multiple audiences including government officials, news media and the general public. Her efforts to inspire and catalyze change have been recognized with the prestigious National Geographic "Emerging Explorer", Fulbright “Global Changemaker” and Stony Brook's 40 under 40 awards.