Alexander von Humboldt was the most famous scientist of the 19th century. His writing influenced generations of scientists and artists including Charles Darwin, John James Audubon, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. As part of our ongoing investigation of nature as the consilience of art and science, we will follow von Humboldt’s five-year journey to South America and his resulting groundbreaking scientific studies and published books.

Faculty Bio

Eric J. Simon, Ph.D. has been a professor of Biology for over 25 years. An avid traveler and award-winning photographer, Eric leads educational international trips for both undergraduates and lifelong learners. Prof. Simon earned his Ph.D. at Harvard and is the author of a widely used series of college biology textbooks used by students in over 40 countries.

This is a Best of OLLI Course

• Best of OLLI courses are popular courses recorded a previous term
• Videos are available to watch the moment you sign up through Dec 31
• Available for $75 to Annual Plus, Premium Plus, Best of OLLI and Fee Assistance members. Learn about membership.
• Current Annual and Premium members can upgrade to Annual Plus or Premium Plus for an additional $10

 Member Praise for Eric Simon

Extremely engaging instructor who clearly loved his topic and was very knowledgeable. His enthusiasm was contagious. Very receptive to questions — would start each class by answering questions he'd received and researched.

Thoroughly engaging presentations which were organized, lively and moved at a good pace. I appreciated Professor Simon's enthusiasm, clarity and sense of humor.

Faculty Q&A

• Read an interview with Eric Simon from our archive.