My name is Ruben Goforth I'm an
associate professor of aquatic ecology
at Purdue University. For me the biggest
part of my sort of inspiration here is
from an educational standpoint and how I
can inspire students to become new
leaders in the world of ecology
biodiversity and natural resources. We need that desperately.
This is an opportunity for me to 
scout out places that I can
take students in the future. The
snorkeling here is just phenomenal and
I'd love to bring students so snorkeling
and diving here. But you get students out
into the field where they can interact
directly with the ecosystems they would
really benefit greatly from it. I am
taking lots of pictures. I think I've
shot over 2,500 pictures so far so that
I can share those experiences with
students and beyond. Galapagos is an
amazing adventure. It is as close as you
can get in this day and age to being in
places that are very similar to what
they were like hundreds of years ago. You
can't say that for a lot of places in
the world anymore. You know the Galapagos is an experience it is transformational
in terms of my appreciation for the
natural world and that's saying a lot
because the natural world has been my
passion for my entire life.
It's just it's inspiring.
you
