Michael Lopatka has a BSE degree in Environmental Engineering and a Master's degree in Biology.   After receiving his Environmental Engineering degree he was a partner in an international engineering firm.  There he was involved in the design of environmental treatment facilities, lake and soil assays, and preparation of environmental impact assessments.   He was the Continuing Education Director at the Orlando Science Center where he set up and conducted numerous environmental workshops for teachers.  He has experience teaching at the high school and college levels and he has taught A.P. Environmental Science.  In addition, he has administered teacher workshops and is very familiar with the A.P. Environmental Science curriculum.  Besides his publishing career, he still interacts with teachers and students.  As a judging captain for both local and state science and engineering fairs and through his international travel programs, where high school students earn college credit through hands-on learning, he continues to pursue his primary  interest - education.  He has guided over 30 international environmental expeditions,   presented at State and National conferences, and authored five books.  Michael writes for major textbook companies and periodicals.  Among his numerous awards Michael was presented with the National Science and Technology Teacher of the Year and  he received the honor of  Florida Environmental Teacher of the Year .