Professor Rowan

Professor Rowan (Japanese: ナナカマド博士, Nanakamado-hakase) is a prominent Pokémon Professor in the Sinnoh region of the Pokémon world, specializing in the study of Pokémon evolution. He operates a research lab in Sandgem Town, Sinnoh, and provides starter Pokémon to novice trainers, including the Grass-type Turtwig, Fire-type Chimchar, and Water-type Piplup. Professor Rowan has a serious demeanor, contrasting with the more cheerful personalities of previous Pokémon Professors, but he is actually a kind and patient individual. He is an old friend of Professor Oak from the Kanto region, with whom he once collaborated on the research of the Pokédex system. Professor Rowan believes that Pokémon evolution is not only a growth process, but also a way for "incomplete" life forms to become "more complete." He is also deeply interested in the implications of evolution on Legendary Pokémon. In the anime, Professor Rowan makes multiple appearances, assisting the main characters with various issues. He is not only an outstanding researcher but also an important mentor, contributing significantly to the ecology of Pokémon in Sinnoh and the development of trainers.