Ian Felstead: Assistant Director, Business and Operations, AMNH Expeditions

After graduating from London University with a degree in biology, lan Felstead took a summer job helping British tourists find their way around in Tuscany, Italy. He found Tuscany so stunning that this seemingly mundane task ignited a lifelong passion for travel, and he has worked in the travel industry ever since.

Naturally, his favorite aspect of the job he has held at the Museum for the past six years is the opportunity to travel and experience new cultures, Ian occasionally scouts for new destinations-places that are "not on the standard tourist route," such as southwestern China or Ecuador--taking into account how tourism might affect the local economy. He also sometimes does a "dry run" on a new expedition to make sure all goes according to plan. In November 2005, he traveled to Ornan and the United Arab Emirates, a trip that was "absolutely fascinating," and he accompanied a Museum group on the Trans-Siberian Express train.

Back at the Museum's Expeditions office, Ian oversees 40 to 50 tours each year, developing itineraries in consultation with other members of the department and enlisting outside tour operators to handle the logistical details.

In November 2004, Ian ran his first New York City marathon. Of taking on the 26.2-mile challenge, he said, "Despite having traveled to over 40 countries, I wanted to see the view coming over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge with 35,000 other people. I don't know any other human experience that quite matches that." He added, "But the best AMNH Expeditions come close!"

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