Dr. Neeti Bathala is an Associate Professor of Ecology and Environmental Sciences at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Her research has brought her across the world, studying everything from bottlenose dolphins in Greece to sea turtles in Costa Rica. Neeti's academic efforts involve research and teaching to make science accessible and enjoyable to all. Moonlight Crab Count is her debut picture book. Neeti lives in New Jersey and is an avid gardener, creating diverse ecosystems with native plantings. She spends her summers at the Jersey Shore where she is active in local conservation efforts of horseshoe crabs and other marine animals.