Ned Rauch-Mannino understands the value of a good imagination. Ever creative, his best ideas find him pursuing all things exciting and exhilarating. Always seeking that adventure of a lifetime, Ned travels the globe participating in research expeditions and other missions, doing what he can to help others and avoid some really, really big snakes. When he's not searching for quetzales or ferry-hopping across the Aegean Sea, Ned lives in Philadelphia with his wife and daughter. He spends his time enjoying the outdoors, teaching at Temple University, and trying to grow an avocado tree on his front porch.