Paula DiPerna

Paula DiPerna is a widely published author, strategic policy consultant, and executive. She has traveled globally, and worked closely with explorer and environmental pioneer, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, writing and co-producing numerous documentary films based on the expeditions of the legendary ship, "Calypso." She has written non-fiction books on diverse subjects, including the book "Cluster Mystery: Epidemic and the Children of Woburn, Mass." (C.V. Mosby) the first book written about an infamous leukemia cluster possibly associated with contaminated drinking water, which has become a touchstone of environmental epidemiology. Other non-fiction books include "Oakhurst: The Birth and Rebirth of America's First Golf Course" (Walker and Company) about a group of eccentric golf-lovers in West Virginia who created America's first designed course; and "Juries on Trial," about the evolution of the jury system and its modern challenges. Her novel, "The Discoveries of Mrs. Christopher Columbus: His Wife's Version" (Permanent Press) is the fictional journal that might have been written by the well-born Portuguese wife of the Italian explorer. DiPerna has also been widely published on subjects ranging from traveling in the Amazon to the pleasures of analog time in global newspapers and magazines such as Forbes.com, Womens E.News and the New York Times. She has served in several key executive roles in the philanthropic, non-profit and private sector, including the pioneering Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), has taught writing at various colleges and universities, and is a frequent media panelist and public speaker. For more information see, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paula_DiPerna