We value place-based research. Our goal is to deeply understand tropical river systems, the species that inhabit them, and the humans that steward them, using an assets-focused approach. This kind of work requires that we spend a lot of time in often-remote field locations, building relationships with collaborators and learning from those who hold knowledge about freshwaters. Most of our research has taken place in three primary geographies: the Western Amazon, South Florida (USA), and East Africa. We often pursue projects in other geographies as well, upon invitation from colleagues working there.