Van is a freelance journalist and naturalist with a degree in wildlife biology and ecology from the University of Guelph in Ontario. He grew up on the north shore of Lake Erie, and the sound of its waves still echoes in his mind. An avid foodie, spinner, and weaver, he lives with his partner in Waterloo, Ontario. He is research editor for Gluten-Free Living magazine, and more of his writing can be found at vanwaffle.com.