Nalini Nadkarni: The tree-climbing scientist who brings plants
to prison Scientist teaches inmates about conservation,
sustainability Nalini Nadkarni is a pioneer in tree canopy
research and co-founder of the Sustainability in Prisons
Project, which aims to teach inmates about ecology. Why you've
heard of her: You probably haven't. Unless you're a tree-
climbing scientist or an inmate in Washington state (more on
that soon). Oh - or you may have seen "Heroes of the High
Frontiers," an Emmy-winning National Geographic film. She's in
that. Or maybe you were one of the lucky few to get your hands
on the "Tree Top Barbie Doll" she developed. Why she matters:
She helps bring science to the masses. Not only is she
conducting groundbreaking research from the mysterious and
under-researched tops of 200-foot-tall trees, she also has made
it her mission to share her wisdom about science and nature with
everyday people. One stark example: In 2002, she helped launch
Washington's Sustainability in Prisons Project, a collab