Speaking Engagements
As a two-time Emmy Award-nominated field correspondent for the National Geographic Channel, Mireya Mayor has reported to audiences worldwide on pertinent wildlife and habitat issues. Closest to her heart is her ongoing study of a newfound species of Microcebus, or mouse lemur, which she discovered on a 2000 field expedition in Madagascar. Her work with this rare primate inspired the prime minister of Madagascar to establish a national park to help protect the new species, conserving the 10 percent that remains of the African island nation’s once vast forest. Mayor recently earned her Ph.D. while conducting research on the effects of forest fragmentation and isolation on two types of lemurs found only in northern Madagascar.
Mayor stars in the eagerly anticipated 8-part series Expedition Africa: Stanley & Livingstone (History Channel) as one of four explorers to retrace the nearly 1,000-mile trip of Henry Stanley & David Livingstone. Armed with only a compass and old maps, the explorers face challenging terrain, conflicting team dynamics, and diverse wildlife. Watch interview with Mayor about the series. The series debuts May 31, 2009.
When not deep in the jungle or on assignment, Mayor, a National Geographic Emerging Explorer, speaks to audiences about the importance of conservation for a vigorous and healthy planet. She is an especially powerful presenter for student audiences.
Presentation Topics
My Wild Life
Relive with Mayor her wild ride as this daughter of Cuban immigrants blossoms from NFL cheerleader to Fulbright Scholar to field scientist to National Geographic TV correspondent and most recently, to Ph.D. This motivating and inspiring lecture is particularly well suited to students.
Expedition Africa
King Kong in My Pocket
In this presentation Mayor retraces the expedition where she discovered the tiny new species that enabled huge leaps in local conservation and science.
The Importance of Everything
Mayor explores the interconnectedness of wildlife, humankind, and our shared habitat and discusses the vital role we all can play in protecting our planet.
