Dr. Maddie Balman is an eco-evolutionary biologist who has primarily worked with salamanders. She earned her PhD at Case Western Reserve University. Her research involved understanding the interactions between host organisms and the environment in shaping the microbiome. She is particularly interested in urbanization and other types of anthropogenic change. She is deeply passionate about equitable, evidence-based education and has worked with every stage of learner, from kids as young as three to adults in their forties.