David M. Hassenzahl is the Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at the California State University at Chico. An internationally recognized scholar of sustainability and risk analysis, his research focuses on incorporating scientific information and expertise into public decision. He holds a B.A. in Environmental Science and Paleontology from the University of California at Berkeley, and a Ph.D. from Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School. His efforts in climate change education have been supported by the National Science Foundation, and recognition of his work includes the Society for Risk Analysis Outstanding Educator Award and the UNLV Foundation Distinguished Teaching Award. Dr. Hassenzahl is a Senior Fellow of the National Council for Science and the Environment, a Fellow of the Society for Risk Analysis, and president of the Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Hassenzahl worked in the private sector as an environmental manager, and as an inspector for the (San Francisco) Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

Mary Catherine Hager is a professional science writer and editor specializing in life and earth sciences. She received a double-major B.A. in environmental science and biology from the University of Virginia and an M.S. in zoology from the University of Georgia. Ms. Hager worked as an editor for an environmental consulting firm and as a senior editor for a scientific reference publisher. For more than 20 years she has written and edited for environmental science, biology, and ecology textbooks for high school and college. Additionally, she has published articles in environmental trade magazines and edited federal and state reports addressing wetlands conservation issues. Her writing and editing pursuits are a natural outcome of her scientific training and curiosity, coupled with her love of reading and effective communication.

Linda R. Berg is an award-winning teacher and textbook author. She received a B.S. in science education, an M.S. in botany, and a Ph.D. in plant physiology from the University of Maryland. Dr. Berg taught at the University of Maryland--College Park for 17 years and at St. Petersburg College in Florida for 8 years. She has taught introductory courses in environmental science, biology, and botany to thousands of students and has received numerous teaching and service awards. Dr. Berg is also the recipient of many national and regional awards, including the National Science Teachers Association Award for Innovations in College Science Teaching, the Nation's Capital Area Disabled Student Services Award, and the Washington Academy of Sciences Award in University Science Teaching. During her career as a professional science writer, Dr. Berg has authored or co-authored numerous editions of several leading college science textbooks. Her writing reflects her teaching style and love of science.