Jeff Brown was born in Chicago, IL. He started his science career working for the Brookfield Zoo at age 19. After graduation from the University of Illinois, Jeff worked for the Cincinnati Zoo and the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History. He was part of a McArthur Foundation Grant that conducted a 5 year Biodiversity Inventory of Philippine Islands; discovering 3 new species of birds, and many new specimens of rare and wonderful species. He was also involved in a single species project to discover more about the elusive and little understood New Guinea Harpy Eagle in the Papuan Highlands. Jeff's career includes being the Curator of the Corpus Christi Museum from 2003 to 2006, educator and mentor to young scientists. A resident of Corpus Christi, Jeff currently is a Biologist and Birding Tour Guide.

Jeff will discuss Island Conservation - a look at islands and island systems from around the world. Islands are very delicate systems; and this presentation will show examples of specialization, biodiversity and extinction occurring on islands.

TOPIC: "Islands: Mother Nature's Laboratory"

SESSION: Friday, Feb. 24 at 9:00 a.m.

LOCATION: University of Texas Marine Science Institute