Short bio: Professor Roland Kays is a prominent figure in the field of animal ecology and biodiversity conservation. He holds the position of Head of the Biodiversity Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, a role he has maintained since 2012. Additionally, he is a Research Professor in the Department of Forestry & Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University. Professor Kays is well-known for his leadership in global research projects that focus on animal tracking and camera trapping, contributing significantly to the study of mammal ecology. His research spans across several fields including animal behavior, conservation, and ecological technology. Professor Kays is also a passionate advocate for public engagement in science, running citizen science programs and contributing to educational exhibits at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. He is involved in numerous collaborative databases like Movebank and Wildlife Insights, and he contributes to initiatives such as the ICARUS project, which uses satellite tracking to monitor animal movements. Professor Kays has published over 230 articles and is also known for his extensive work with students, advising numerous graduate and undergraduate researchers. Kays is an active member of the American Society of Mammalogists and The Wildlife Society.