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. Each summer, 10 college undergraduates from across the US can join our conservation research team at Zoo Miami and conduct authentic, mentored but indpendent conservation research under the direction of staff from Zoo Miami and conservation biologists at Florida International University.

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.