Allen, Rick: - Rick Allen is an author, photographer, AAUS scientific diver, and PADI Divemaster. He's collected data for oceanographic researchers, fed sharks by hand, and loves seeing bioluminescence when scuba diving at night. Exploring the forests and lakes of Southwest Michigan as a boy nurtured his love of ecology. He now lives in Southern California with his wife, daughter, and orange tabby cat. He enjoys telling stories that promote outdoor play and self-learning.