Wikfors holds a Ph.D. in marine biology, with a focus on marine phytoplankton, which he applies to his position as Supervisor Research Fisheries Biologist with the Northeast Fisheries Center of the National Marine Fisheries Service. His interest in the 38th Voyage, however, focuses less on his scientific background but more on his more than four decades as a composer and performer of traditional folk music from cultures around the world. He has written more than 200 songs and currently plays throughout New England with different bands, performing a variety of music on several instruments, from country to contra dance. In particular, Wikfors founded “Walkingwood Mandolin Quartet” in 2001 and their first CD came out in 2010.