Steven L. Peck was an associate professor of biology at Brigham Young University when this was written, where he teaches the history and philosophy of biology and bioethics. He has a PhD in biomathematics and entomology, and currently does research in theoretical mathematical ecology, the philosophy of biology, and insects. He blogs at byucommonconsent, a website designed "to provide a thoughtful, enjoyable, and reasonable place to post and discuss Mormon topics," and also runs his own blog, looking at science and faith, at sciencebysteve.net. He lives in Pleasant Grove, Utah, with his wife, Lori. They have five children.