Rodolfo Tello is an anthropologist who has worked extensively with indigenous peoples of the Peruvian rainforest. In addition to the Wachiperi, he conducted research about social and environmental issues among the Awajun, Nahua, and Quechua-Lamista. He was also responsible for implementing the safeguard policies on indigenous peoples of a multilateral organization in countries such as Bolivia, Guatemala, Argentina, and Paraguay. He holds a PhD in anthropology from American University and has a master's degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. He was a Fulbright scholar and currently works as a consultant for an international development organization. He is also a general aviation pilot and occasionally teaches university classes on cultural anthropology.