JIM

Jim Kurpius is a biologist, teacher, and guide. He grew up in the Bay Area and has spent much of his life along the coast between San Francisco and Santa Cruz. Jim completed his Ph.D. at UC Berkeley in Integrative Biology and graduated from UC Santa Cruz, earning a BA in biology. His research interests range from population genetics to paleontology and focused on evolutionary patterns of marine invertebrates in both fossil and living species. He believes that making connections with people is at the heart of teaching and guiding.

Jim is a former professional whitewater river guide, sea kayak guide/naturalist, research diver, and ski instructor. He lives out at the beach in San Francisco, is raising two kids, and enjoys surfing, kayaking, backcountry travel, and adventures of all sorts.