Host and Co-Creator

Over the past 12 years Patrick has worked as a professional naturalist and biologist throughout the southeastern United States and the Neotropics. His work has primarily involved Botany, but he is also well respected through his work within the fields of Ichthyology, Herpetology and Mammology.

Patrick’s research has been featured in both National Wildlife and South Carolina Wildlife magazines, as well as in numerous articles in The State, Greenville News and other local and regional newspapers. In 2005, he was awarded the distinctions of Conservation Partner of the Year by the South Carolina Nature Conservancy as well as Outstanding Classified Employee by Clemson University. He is a contributor to the book Life at the Water's Edge, which won the 2005 Renewable Natural Resources Foundation's Outstanding Achievement Award, and has been selected to receive one of ten South Carolina Notable State Document Awards for 2005.

In addition to hosting Expeditions, Patrick spends his time at Clemson University fulfilling his teaching, outreach and curatorial duties. He is also a frequent guest on “Your Day,” on SCETV radio. As an expert presenter and speaker, he's in high demand and gave over 70 presentations in 2005 alone. This includes many repeat invitations to organizations such as the Cullowhee Native Plant Conference (with over 4000 participants), the SC Native Plant Society Annual Symposium, and the South Carolina Entomological Society. He is the curator of the Clemson University Herbarium.

Family
Patrick’s wife, Nora, and sixteen year old son Nic have been with him for every step of his life’s adventures. From the Valley of Desolation, to the relentless exploration of swamps and savannas of the coastal plain in search of beaksedges their support has been the backbone of his career. Nic even has a keen interest in videography. Check out his Salamander close-ups in Episode 8, airing March 3rd. Nic may also be responsible for bringing skateboarding to Dominica.

Education
Patrick received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his Doctorate of Philosophy in Biological Sciences from Clemson University.

Professional Organizations
Patrick currently holds membership or recognition from the following professional organizations:

Association of Southeastern Biologists (ASB)
     on-line at: http://www.asb.appstate.edu/

Southern Appalachian Botanical Society (SABS)
     on-line at: http://www.newberrynet.com/SABS/

South Carolina Entomological Society, only honorary member in society history
     on-line at: http://entweb.clemson.edu/scesweb/

The Nature Conservancy, Southern Blue Ridge Project, team member
    online at:

South Carolina Association of Naturalists
     on-line at: http://www.scnaturalists.org/

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Heritage Trust Advisory Committee
     on-line at: http://www.dnr.sc.gov/index.html