Author Bio

Short Bio (133 words)

A naturalist, artist, and author, Susan E. Quinlan brings a lifetime of nature exploration and research to her writing and illustrations. Trained as a wildlife biologist, with degrees from Colorado State University (B.S.) and the University of Alaska (M.S.), Quinlan conducted wildlife research in Alaska and also developed many educational materials about nature.  She went on to work as a naturalist guide for Lindblad Expeditions. This enabled her to explore and learn about diverse environments from the high arctic to rainforests, arid deserts to oceanic islands.

Quinlan’s previous books for young readers, published by Boyds Mills Press and Carolrhoda Books, have received awards and recognition from the International Reading Association, The Junior Library Guild, and the National Science Teaching Association and Children’s Book Council. Visit her website at: www.susanquinlan.com

Extended Bio (284 words)

A naturalist, artist, and author, Susan E. Quinlan brings a lifetime of nature exploration and research to all of her writing and illustrations. Quinlan trained as a wildlife biologist, obtaining degrees from Colorado State University (B.S.) and the University of Alaska (M.S.)  She worked many years in Alaska working for various federal and state wildlife agencies.  She conducted wildlife research in several parts of the state and developed award-winning educational and curriculum materials about Alaska’s natural history.  Quinlan went on to work several years as a naturalist guide for Lindblad Expeditions.  In this position, she learned about and explored diverse environments around the world, from the high arctic tundra to neotropical rainforests, arid deserts to oceanic islands. 

One Single Species: Why the Connections In Nature Matter is Quinlan’s fifth book for young readers.  Her previous books earned several prestigious awards including recognition from the  International Reading Association,  the Junior Library Guild and the National Science Teaching Association/Children’s Book Council. Her previous books include: The Case of the Mummified Pigs and Other Mysteries in Nature, The Monkey Who Fell From the Trees and Other Mysteries in Tropical Nature (both published by Boyds Mills Press), and Puffins, andCaribou (published by Carolrhoda Books).

After 30 years living in Alaska, Quinlan returned to her native Colorado in 2006.  Currently she juggles work as a conservation leader for Jax Mercantile with freelance work to share her passion for nature and conservation with others through writing, illustration, school programs and public speaking.  She and her husband live in the foothills of Colorado in a solar-powered home they built themselves. They both love to get outdoors to explore natural areas and continually learn about nature.