Michael Noonan, PhD, is a retired professor of biology whose past research focused on animal behavior. As a filmmaker, he strives to inspire the next generation with visions of the natural world so that they become passionate about wildlife conservation.

Dr. Noonan retired in 2019 from a 40-year career as a professor of Psychology, Biology, and Animal Behavior at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY. At Canisius, he taught, traveled, and created documentary films on forest ecology, elephants, chimpanzees, wolves, beluga whales, tigers, and other big cats, birds of all feathers, and many other animal species all over the world. His photos and videos of wildlife and people have won laurels at prestigious national and international film festivals.

Since moving to Friday Harbor, he has donated his professional photography and videography skills to help the San Juan Preservation Trust create more than 15 videos.