Background: Nick’s dissertation was on the American eel. It was once the most numerous fish on the Atlantic Coast, but its population has become depleted in recent decades as a result of overfishing, dams, pollution, invasive parasites and other factors. He provided a roadmap for restoring this species and its habitats. He is the executive director of a 501(c)3 non-profit called EelTown.org and the president of Journal Editors of America LLC, where he helps scientists from around the world publish their work in academic journals and textbooks.