Ben Thwaits, Founder and Director
Ben has worked as a photographer, educator, social entrepreneur, and nonprofit executive for over 15 years, and his journey was an unusual one. After conducting his graduate research in neuroscience and ecology, and then working as a professional photographer, Ben launched the In a New Light therapeutic nature photography program, in which he guided hundreds of young people on high-adventure therapeutic nature photography expeditions around the US and abroad. He has also guided expeditions for college-age students to Costa Rica, the Caribbean, and Central America. To date, Ben’s students’ award-winning photos have been featured in over 60 exhibitions around the US, as well as on PBS, film, books, and other media. Recently, Ben has served as Executive Director of Duluth Sister Cities International.
Equal parts soft-spoken nerd and bold adventure-seeker, Ben’s passion is guiding people to the experience of feeling fully alive and the best versions of themselves. He lives near Duluth with his wife and two young boys, all of whom are endlessly patient with Ben’s fishing obsession. When not fishing, you can find him playing various musical instruments, reading, and exploring the region’s endless rivers and lakes with his family and two mischievous English setters who get away with it because they’re so cute. Check out Ben's TED Talk to learn more about his previous work.
Ben holds a BA in Biology and Neuroscience from St. Olaf College and a MS in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior with a minor in Neuroscience from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.
www.benthwaits.com