Ethnobotanist & Geosciences Professor; National Geographic Emerging Explorer; TEDx Speaker

Delray Beach, FL, USA
Live Event: $5,000 - $10,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info

Maria Fadiman Biography

Dr. Maria Fadiman is an American ethnobotanist and full professor of geosciences at Florida Atlantic University, specializing in the intersection of science, culture, and conservation. Fadiman earned her AB from Vassar College, her MA from Tulane University, and her PhD from the University of Texas at Austin. She received an NSF grant for dissertation research in Ecuador and has served as a faculty member at Florida Atlantic University for more than 15 years, where she was promoted to full professor in the Department of Geosciences.

Fadiman's research focuses on ethnobotany, emphasizing the relationship between people and plants. She works primarily in rural areas with Indigenous communities and subsistence agriculturalists. Her fieldwork spans the rainforests of Central and South America, the savannas of Africa, Tibet, China, the Philippines, and Oceania. Fadiman documents human-plant interactions, examines sustainability practices, and records traditional knowledge to help preserve it for future generations.

Fadiman has collaborated with Mayan weavers in the Yucatan, studied medicinal plants with the Lacandon people in Chiapas, Mexico, researched alternative livelihoods in Africa for communities dependent on tree poaching, explored natural material house construction in the Philippines, studied Maori use of the Kauri tree in New Zealand, and worked with Tibetan children to document their ethnobotanical traditions.

Named a National Geographic Emerging Explorer, Fadiman contributed to a trilingual book in Kiha, Swahili, and English on plant and tree uses in Africa and recorded details of plants used for ceremonial incense in Tibet. She has also worked in Latin American rainforests with Indigenous communities on sustainable palm collection and in Tanzanian villages near Gombe National Park, recording and analyzing ethnobotanical knowledge and facilitating intergenerational workshops and book projects.

Fadiman has delivered TEDx talks at TEDxBerkeley, titled "Finding Balance: People, Plants, and Culture in the Amazon," and at TEDxCancún, titled "The Intimate Relationship of Plants and People." She is a contributor to the book "Global Chorus." As a fellow of the Explorers Club and a frequent speaker at National Geographic events, Fadiman has presented at the National Geographic Explorers' Festival, National Geographic Live! series, and the National Geographic/American Geographical Society's Global Food and Land Use conference. At Florida Atlantic University, she has received the Innovation in Teaching Award for the College of Science, the Degree of Difference Award for her impact on students, and has twice been a finalist for the Distinguished Teacher of the Year award. Fadiman is recognized for translating complex ecological and cultural issues into accessible narratives, contributing to global conservation efforts.

BOOK Maria Fadiman

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 06/04/2026.

Maria Fadiman Speaking Topics

  • People, Plants and Conservation

    The importance of the human relationship with plants and the role that we all play in keeping our cultures and world healthy. Geographical areas addressed can be, Latin America, Africa, Southeast Asia, East Asia, New Zealand and the United States

Maria Fadiman Videos

Conversation with a geographer

Conversation with a geographer

TEDx Cancun-Intimate Relationships Plants and people

TEDx Cancun-Intimate Relationships Plants and people

FAU Faculty Spotlight - Dr. Maria Fadiman - YouTube

FAU Faculty Spotlight - Dr. Maria Fadiman - YouTube

The FAU Faculty Spotlight series offers glimpses of the challenging and valuable work taking place at Florida Atlantic University. In this video, FAU...

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  • What are the speaker fees for Maria Fadiman

    Speaking fees for Maria Fadiman, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Maria Fadiman are under $10,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Maria Fadiman, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Maria Fadiman speak about?

    Maria Fadiman is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Animals & Wildlife, Biology, Conservation, Earth Science, Environment, Environmental Activism, Environmental Science, Influential Women, Professors, Research & Exploration
  • Where does Maria Fadiman travel from?

    Maria Fadiman generally travels from Delray Beach, FL, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Maria Fadiman is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as People, Plants and Conservation. The estimated speaking fee range to book Maria Fadiman for your event is available upon request. Maria Fadiman generally travels from Delray Beach, FL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Tundi Agardy, Sangita Iyer, Angel Hsu, Brian Sullivan and Jonathan Trent. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Maria Fadiman for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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