Kurt Ackermann received his BA in geography from Carleton University in 1991. He obtained his MSc in environmental management from Wye College, University of London in 2000. He is a Professor at the English Department of HokuseiGakuen Junior College in Sapporo, Japan, where one of his courses is a content-based geography course for non-native (Japanese) speakers of English. His current research interests include Hokkaido and Japanese wolves, the potential for their reintroduction, including habitat availability, tourism opportunities, and other socioeconomic impacts. His diverse research interests also extend to issues of sustainability, renewable energy, and rewilding.