An author of textbooks in environmental science, Jay works to stay on top of a rapidly changing field and is constantly seeking to develop new and better ways to help students learn about the world around them. His college-level books are in their sixth and seventh editions, while other versions cater to high-school students, international audiences, and the burgeoning digital realm. To make science accessible and engaging for all readers, Jay draws on his teaching and research experience in ecology and evolutionary biology, his professional grounding as a journalist and science writer, and his personal passion and proficiency as a naturalist. He holds a B.A. degree from Yale University and M.S. degrees from University of Arkansas and University of Arizona, and has settled in Portland, Oregon.