Mark Moffett

Mark W. Moffett is an American tropical biologist, explorer, and nature photographer. He serves as a research associate in the Department of Entomology at the National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian Institution. Moffett earned his doctorate in organismic and evolutionary biology from Harvard University, where he studied under naturalist E.O. Wilson.

Moffett taught himself photography to document his doctoral research on ants, and his photographs were published by National Geographic, leading to a career as a photographer and frequent contributor to the magazine. He has written more than two dozen articles and contributed hundreds of images, focusing on ecology, animal behavior, and biodiversity. His fieldwork spans over 100 countries, including expeditions to climb the world's tallest tree, explore deep sinkholes in Venezuela, and conduct research in remote and challenging environments. Moffett's photography emphasizes journalistic detail, capturing the ecology and behavior of small creatures in their natural habitats. Five of his images were featured in National Geographic's original "100 Best Wildlife Pictures" special edition, and his work has been recognized with Pictures of the Year Awards, including Best Picture and Best Story for images of Brazil's Atlantic Forest.

As an author, Moffett has written several books that combine scientific research with narrative storytelling. His first book, "The High Frontier: Exploring the Tropical Rainforest Canopy," documents his research on orchids, bats, orangutans, and other canopy-dwelling species. "Face to Face with Frogs" and "Adventures Among Ants: A Global Safari with a Cast of Trillions" also feature his photography and fieldwork. In "The Human Swarm: How Societies Arise, Thrive, and Fail," Moffett explores the origins and dynamics of societies, drawing on research from philosophy, anthropology, psychology, and biology, as well as his own studies of animal societies.

Moffett has received recognition for his contributions to science, photography, and science communication. His honors include the Yale University Poynter Fellowship in journalism, the Bowdoin Prize from Harvard University, the Lowell Thomas Medal from The Explorers Club, a National Outdoor Book Award, and a PROSE Award from the Association of American Publishers. He has also received awards from the World Press Photo Foundation and Pictures of the Year International. The ant species Pheidole moffetti from French Guiana was named in his honor by Edward O. Wilson.

Moffett is a lecturer for the National Geographic Society and has appeared on television programs including "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and "The Colbert Report." He has been interviewed on National Geographic's "Weekend Edition," "Fresh Air," CBS Sunday Morning, and Living on Earth. Moffett engages in improvisational acting, poetry, and stand-up comedy to enhance his storytelling, reflecting his commitment to communicating science and natural history to broad audiences.