Dr. Rick Bein is a professor of geography in the School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI and an adjunct professor of geography at Moi University in Kenya. He earned a B.A. from the University of Colorado in 1969 and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida in 1974. Bein joined IUPUI's faculty in 1978. His research focuses on tropical agriculture and environments. He has received several awards for his work, including the IUPUI Chancellor's Faculty Award for Excellence in Civic Engagement in 2009, the Legion of Honor Award for lifelong service to K-12 Geographic Education in Indiana from the Geography Educators Network of Indiana in 2008, and the Distinguished Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, Research and Service from IUPUI in 1982¹. Additionally, he is a board member with the Geography Educators Network of Indiana (GENI), Marion County Soil & Water Conservation and Indiana Partners of Americas. Dr. Bein, one of GENI's Founders, was recently recognized as an IUPUI Department of Geography Professor Emeritus upon his retirement from the university.