Charles grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a forested region bordering the Great Lakes. Exploring the woods and waters of the Midwest, he fell in love with wild places and the creatures that call them home. Charles studied biology at St. Olaf College in Minnesota, where he conducted and published research on the conservation genetics of softshell turtles. He went on to receive a dual master's degree in environment and natural resources as well as natural science education from Teton Science Schools and the University of Wyoming. His graduate thesis covered effective science journalism, which spurred a career in science communication and outdoor education over the past decade.

Charles is a photographer, videographer, writer and educator whose work strives to connect people with wild places. He founded Twolined Studio LLC, a multi-media design studio grounded in storytelling, which combines art and science to inspire action. He recently led the development of an exhibit on climate solutions at The Wild Center in Adirondack Park. Charles is excited to return to his roots as an educator and combine his love for ecology and nature exploration as a Nat Hab Expedition Leader in U.S. national parks.

Charles is a musician and an avid reader and lives happily in the heart of the Adirondacks with his wife and dog. They love backyard strolls as much as backcountry excursions, and they're never far from paddling their canoe or walking in the woods.