Dr. Jennifer Beseres Pollack is a marine biologist and the Chair for Coastal Conservation and Restoration at the Harte Research Institute. She was born in Minnesota and grew up surrounded by lakes, which sparked her interest in nature and ecology. She pursued her undergraduate degree in environmental science at Northwestern University, where she carved out a niche for herself within ecology. Dr. Pollack gained a variety of experiences through internships, including one in marine science that solidified her love for the field.

Dr. Larry McKinney is a seasoned scientist and environmentalist with a rich background in resource protection and environmental management. Born and raised in West Texas, McKinney comes from a family of original settlers who were primarily ranchers and farmers. His early life was spent in the small town of Coahoma, near Midland, Odessa, where his family had been on their home place for over one hundred and twenty-five years. McKinney's upbringing on a farm, where his family primarily grew cotton, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

Dr. Pamela T. Plotkin is a renowned wildlife biologist and conservationist with a focus on marine life, particularly sea turtles. Born and raised in New York City, Dr. Plotkin's early fascination with wildlife was nurtured through television shows like Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and Tarzan, which offered her a glimpse into the natural world she yearned to explore. In her teenage years, her family moved to New Jersey, providing her with closer access to natural environments. This exposure further fueled her interest in wildlife and conservation.

Dr. Andrew Sansom is a renowned figure in the field of water and environmental conservation. He grew up in Lake Jackson, Texas, near the mouth of the Brazos River, where he spent a significant part of his childhood exploring the outdoors. This early exposure to nature sparked his interest in parks and recreation, leading him to pursue a degree in Park Administration from Texas Tech. During the Vietnam War, Sansom was offered an internship with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) in Washington, which allowed him to avoid the draft.

Jim Blackburn is an environmental lawyer with a rich background in environmental law and advocacy. Raised in South Texas in the Rio Grande Valley, Blackburn developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors from a young age, learning to hunt and fish in both South Texas and Central Louisiana. He attended the University of Texas for his undergraduate and law school education, during which he discovered his passion for environmental law.

Ray Allen is a dedicated environmentalist with a deep understanding of the importance of freshwater to bays and estuaries. He has been instrumental in the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program, where he has worked tirelessly to ensure that educational programs are tailored to meet the specific teaching requirements of students and teachers. Allen's work has not only been focused on the scientific aspects of the environment but also on the historical and artistic elements, providing a holistic learning experience for students.

Ed Bradley is a former marine biologist who worked with Texas Parks and Wildlife. Born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Bradley's early life was marked by frequent moves due to his mother's work as a waitress. His interest in marine biology was sparked by a high school counselor in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he spent most of his childhood and attended college at the University of Corpus Christi. Bradley's career took a turn when he accepted a job as a newspaper distributor, a position he held for about nine years. During this time, he met his wife, Sue, through a mutual friend.

Cindy Loeffler is a seasoned hydrologist with a rich background in water resources and environmental conservation. Born in Colorado, she spent her early life moving around different states, including Virginia, Wyoming, Louisiana, and finally Texas, due to her father's work with the U.S. Geological Survey in water resources. Her interest in water and environmental conservation was sparked at a young age, with her family's connection to water resources and her personal experiences playing around water.

Tony Amos is a renowned oceanographer, naturalist, and conservationist. Born in London, England, he moved to Bermuda at the age of seventeen where he began his career in the electronics industry. His work in Bermuda led him to a position at Columbia University in New York, where he was given the opportunity to explore the Indian Ocean or the Antarctic Ocean. He chose the latter, sparking his lifelong passion for oceanography. Amos later moved to Texas in 1976, where he worked at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute.

Chuck Naiser, a native of Mobile, Alabama, was born during World War II at Brookley Air Force Base. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Texas, where he was raised in a small town called East Bernard, a German-Bohemian Czech farming community outside of Houston. His father, who was the superintendent of the schools, was a significant influence in his life. Naiser grew up hunting, fishing, and being a diligent student, activities that were encouraged by his father. His early fishing experiences were primarily with farm ponds and creeks, where he fished for catfish and bass.