Jared Diamond is an American scientist and author. Trained in physiology, and having published on ecology, anthropology, and linguistics, Diamond's work is known for drawing from a variety of fields. He is currently professor of geography at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Among his awards are a Pulitzer Prize and an International Cosmos Prize. Diamond splits his time between teaching at UCLA, researching birds of the Pacific islands, writing books about human societies, and promoting sustainable ecological practices. He formerly had a secondary career path in physiology and biophysics.