Educational Initiatives

I bring into my research deep experience in formal education from past positions in college teaching in classrooms and in field settings. I have developed formal education programs at the undergraduate and graduate level focused on zoo-based conservation science. I've also worked in informal STEM education with Zoo Miami, helping develop interpretive strategies and conservation content for engaging exhibits.

REU Site in Conservation Science

There are few opportunities for college undergraduates to gain entry into zoo-based science careers. I received funding from the National Science Foundation to create a REU Site in Conservation Science at Zoo Miami - the first and only zoo-based REU Site. From 2021 through 2023, undergraduates from across the US joined the research team at Zoo Miami and conduct authentic, mentored but independent conservation research under the direction of staff from Zoo Miami and conservation biologists at Florida International University.

Graduate Zoo Conservation Biology

Graduate students often inquire about research careers in zoos, but few training opportunities provide exposure to zoo-based research. I created a graduate-level workshop course offered to graduate students at Florida International University. In this program, students receive training in ex situ conservation programs, in situ conservation activities, and conservation education in a zoo setting.