Michael Richlen

Michael Richlen grew up in the Seattle area and his passion and enthusiasm for the outdoors and nature has motivated him to pursue a career in marine science. Michael received his undergraduate training at the University of Washington earning a B.S. in Zoology and a B.S. in Biology emphasizing Conservation, Ecology, and Evolution. He is currently finishing his master's thesis, describing the acoustic behavior and repertoire of Antarctic killer whales, at Western Illinois University. His main areas of interest include behavioral ecology and marine mammal bioacoustics. He plans to continue a career in marine research and conservation. Michael has had diverse experiences in the field, spending considerable time studying killer whales throughout the North Pacific and gray whales in Baja. He has also completed studies at the National Marine Mammal Lab in Seattle and at the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Michael's desire to share his experiences and education has led him to teach a college level course on marine mammal communication and continue to work as a naturalist whenever he has an opportunity. Michael's greatest joy is to be in the field and express his love, respect, and wonderment for nature and marine life with others.