Dr. Pearson has repeated this ritual all over the world, from Alaska to Peru, Brazil to New Zealand. To Dr. Pearson, the best part of his career in science has been this opportunity for world travel, to see different cultures, learn new languages, and see so much of whats over the horizon. When hes back home at Arizona State University, Dr. Pearson spends much of his time teaching, or planning educational workshops around the world. Hes a fortunate scientist because he doesnt need to spend great portions of his time writing requests for money from the government or scientific organizations; royalties from his workshops and travel guides provide most of the funds he needs for his travels and research.

David Pearson stands in front of his map of the world with the hundreds of push-pins noting the location of all the areas he has traveled in order to chase his favorite animal - the tiger beetle.

Dr. Pearsons biggest piece of advice for young scientists, or anyone who hasnt yet found their path, is to actively try and discover their passion. Perhaps it will be a television program, a voice on the radio, a favorite teacher, or a newspaper article that makes someone realize what their passion is, what they want to do in life. The key to being in the right place at the right time is, ultimately, to be in many places, to explore many things. Dr. Pearson found his path in his teenage years, when he left his Minnesota home at age 17 for Los Angeles, where, in between various jobs, he met the people who would lead him into a career in science.

One of the greatest joys in the world, according to Dr. Pearson, is to get paid for something you would do as a hobby. But first, you need to go out and discover what that hobby would be.