Hello, my name is Carlos Adames. I graduated with my BA. in History in 2019 from Florida Gulf Coast University. While I was in my Senior year, I was offered a job as the Cultural Programs Coordinator at the museum I did my internship at, IMAG History and Science Center. The museum merges history and science and has several Animal exhibits that I would soon become involved in the Life Support and Aquarium side of the Museum, as COVID would blur roles. I am currently the Director of Operations, and through this program, I want to continue to grow my leadership skills and also learn as much as I can in the field to work in other facilities and grow as much as I can.

Federal Civilian Worker with 16+ years of experience developing, implementing, and assisting with organizational needs and requirements. A proven record of accomplishment of using my excellent personal communication and organization skills to lead and improve many divisions within a large federal agency. I am a team player who is driven with excellent time management skills. I am often called upon for conflict resolution and public speaking. I am successful in creating relationships amongst local, state, and federal entities to develop multi-jurisdictional memorandums of understanding.

Broadly, I am interested in how nervous system organization produces complex animal behaviors. Specifically, my dissertation research uses behavioral, systems, and bioinformatic approaches to better understand cellular properties in the midbrain that underly acoustic communication in complex sensory environments.

I graduated with a Bachelors in Animal Health: Pre-vet with a concentration in small animal. I am currently working part time as a zookeeper and animal trainer at my local zoo as well as part time at my local shelter which is the largest in the state in New Jersey. My career goal is to one day open my own sanctuary.

Before starting the Professional Science Master's in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management program, I completed my B.S. in Zoology right here at Colorado State University. Through working in education at the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program and the San Diego Zoo, I have fostered a passion for conservation education and animal ambassadors. I hope to continue teaching my community not only about the diversity of life, but how we can all protect it.

I graduated from Colorado State University in 2022 with a bachelors in Zoology. I am a first year in the PSM program for Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management. I am eager to learn more about how to be a leader and improve the lives of animals through compassionate care and effective management. I look forward to experiencing the hands on opportunities and the exposure to professional career paths in the animal industry this program offers.

I joined the Professional Science Masters cohort in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management after completing my B.S. in Animal Sciences at Cal Poly SLO in 2025. Through the experiences in my undergrad I realized that I wanted to work with conservation in exotic animals, and possibly manage a zoo or non profit someday. Learning from this program is the best way to meet my goal, and make connections.

Educational Background: Graduated from SUNY Hudson Valley in Troy, NY in 2014 with Associate in Science. Graduated from SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY and earned my Bachelor in Environmental Biology in 2016 with Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology. Graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts with Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 2022; clinical/surgical rotations completed at University of Florida Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Career Background: Completed half year Internship with BluePearl Pet Hospitals in Tampa, Florida post DVM graduation. Worked in a 3-doctor primary care hospital that practiced general preventative medicine, reproduction medicine in cats and dogs and Traditional Chinese Medicine through 2023. Moved to Maryland in July 2023 and I began working as a staff veterinarian at an open admission (of all domestic species of animals) municipal animal shelter; in addition to population medicine and management we also provide community programs to the general public and support to investigators in animal welfare and cruelty cases. My goals while working through the Zoo, Aquarium and Animal Shelter Management PSM are to build and mold my leadership skills, learn and interpret animal behavior, gain outreach skills to better communicate with and offer programs/resources to the community, improve current shelter/community programs as well as develop new ones, assist in grant writing to better care for the needs of our organization, facility and population. Overall my main goal is better our organizations ability to give the animal population, staff, volunteers and general public in which we serve the best experience and resources possible.

Hi! I'm Ainsley, a Professional Science Master's student at Colorado State University. After earning my Bachelor's in Zoology from Oregon State University, I continued my professional animal lover journey by joining the Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management program at CSU. I am now in my second and final year of the program. While the majority of my experience was very husbandry, training, and nutrition focused upon starting my degree, I have learned that I really enjoy the more "people-focused" aspects of the field like interpretation, exhibit design, and digital marketing. I currently serve as the co-lead for our programs social media committee which serves as a great creative outlet while helping me gain interpersonal and technical experience. I just completed my capstone project, Evaluating Environmental Enhancement at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, under the Director of Animal Care and Wellbeing, Rick Hester. Outside of academics I am an avid crafter, sports fans, and enjoy playing both video and board games.

I'm interested in the molecular effects of abiotic environmental stressors in plants.

Hi! I'm Danielle, and I am so excited to be in this program. I am 30 years old and have spent the majority of my 20's in Veterinary Medicine as a technician and practice manager. I am hoping to make the switch to zoo medicine and focus on psychological enrichment for captive animals. A fun fact about me is that I have been to a zoo on every continent (except Antartica) and try to visit a zoo or aquarium wherever I travel.

I graduated from CSU in 2019 with a BS in Wildlife Biology and minor in Zoology. Since then, I have worked as a naturalist and environmental conservation jobs in Maui, HI and Southeast Alaska. My work primarily has focused on conservation of marine wildlife through ecotourism such as whale watching and scuba diving, which led me to pursuing my first masters degree in sustainable tourism through Arizona State. To follow up my MST program, I am excited to join the PSM program in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management so that I can continue to build leadership skill necessary to connecting people with nature in a sustainable way.

Ph.D. Student in the Knapp Lab interested in plant and ecosystem ecology and precipitation legacy effects

I started as a volunteer at Animal Friends Alliance, then worked in animal care and adoptions while in undergrad before joining the Accelerated Master's Program for Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management. I completed my capstone project at Cheyenne Animal Shelter which aimed to increase engagement with community services. I also assisted with managing the volunteer program. Currently working as a Graduate Assistant. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in animal behavior or shelter management.

PhD Candidate in Dr. Cory Williams lab studying the neuroendocrine circuits that drive seasonal feeding shifts in ground squirrels.

PSM in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management first year student and undergraduate Zoology fourth year student with a special interest in shelter animal behavior

I am an aquatic ecologist. I use biota (primarily insects) to look at response to disturbance in stream ecosystems. I am particularly interested in "life below the flow" or invertebrates living in the hyporheic zone.

I received my degree in 2023 from Arizona State University in Biological Sciences (Biological and Ecological Conservation) and I am now a second year candidate in the P.S.M. in Zoo, Aquarium and Animal Shelter Management. I conducted my capstone project at Tanganyika Wildlife Park researching clouded leopard behavior to introduce enrichment strategies with the intention of reducing the presence of stereotypic behaviors.

Hi, I'm EmmaLee. I have a BS in Biology: Ecology & Conservation. I have been working professionally in the zoo field since 2012. I have always wanted to be a zookeeper- so I guess you could say that I'm living the dream! I'm taking this program so I can learn how to be a better leader for my team.

I completed my B.A. degrees in Animal Studies and Psychology from Eckerd College in St.Petersburg, FL in three years. I also decided to minor in Marine Science since I also have a passion for the ocean. I took a gapr year in between my undergradute and drausate school where I was an Animal Care Specilaist. After working there, I decided I want to continue to work with exoctic animals in the future. I am now apart of the PSM specializing in Zoo, Aquarium and Animal Shelter Managment. With the completion of this program, I am hoping to acheive my career goals of having a higher leadership role in a zoological setting.

I work on the population & conservation genomics of birds 🙂

I joined this Professional Sciences Master's program after completing my B.S. at Tuskegee University for Animal Science with a focus in Wildlife in 2024. I joined this program with an interest in Wildlife, Conservation, and Sanctuary research. I am excited to figure out what program or research interests me during this program. I am also excited to make connections with my fellow cohorts and to make great connections for my future.

I am currently completing a PSM in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management at CSU. I graduated from UMASS Amherst in 2024 and interned at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, MA that summer and fall. I fell in love with the zoo and conservation world and decided to apply to this masters program to gain the skills to be a leader in the field.

Hello! My name is Jacqui, I’m a current first-year PSM student with a bachelors degree in Bioloigcal Sciences. Some of my experience varies between volunteering for animal shelters like NOCO Humane, and the Denver Butterfly Pavilion. I have also interned and worked for Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center where I got to handle squirrels, raccoons, and birds. This drove my interest in wanting to work with mammals and aiding in conservation/rehabilitation. My future career goals aren’t very clear right now but I am hoping to learn and explore that with this program!

I have worked from 2023-2025 as an AmeriCorps VISTA aiding university students and refugee communities with food insecurity in Fredericksburg, VA and I have recently moved onto working at an animal hospital after handing off my nonprofit projects to two fresh minds to build upon. I have a Bachelor's degree in Conservation Biology and a Graduates Certificate in Wildlife Conservation Actions and this Master's is my next step in my goal of working towards a position that focuses on the rehabilitation and conservation of reptiles!

Dani Goldenfarb is a second-year in the PSM program. She has a background in animal husbandry, veterinary medicine, research, and guest engagement at animal-related institutions. She worked with Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society to assess their tiger habitat in terms of interpretation for her capstone project.

Hi! My name is Bri Gomez and I am a graduate student in the Professional Science Masters program in Zoo, Aquarium, & Animal Shelter Management. I graduated with my B.S. in Biology from Colorado State University. I hope to one day work at an AZA-accredited facility in a managerial position after receiving my M.S. at CSU.

I got my undergraduate degree in Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech and am currently pursuing my PSM in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management through the online program. Most of my experience comes from management in dog daycare and boarding facilities, as well as dog training. I am excited to expand my formal knowledge of animal behavior to better the well-being of those in my care. I am also looking forward to further developing my training skills, with the hope of expanding my abilities into different fields.

I have received my Bachelor's of Science in Zoology and am in the PSM program for Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management. I am hoping to learn all the skills to become not only a better leader, but the best zookeeper I can possibly be. This will lead to becoming the best zoo veterinarian that I can be as well.

I am currently an Accelerated Master's Program student with Professional Science Masters in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management. I am still completing my B. S. degree in Zoology with potential plans to attend Veterinary School. I have a strong passion for animals of all shapes and sizes, as well as a desire to learn more about the natural world. I am not sure where this program will lead me, whether that's vet school, field research, or working in a zoo, but I am excited to learn and grow as a person!

I graduated from the University of Tennessee - Chattanooga in 2014 with a bachelor's of science in Biology, concentrating in zoology. I then went on to work for both the Memphis Zoo and Oklahoma City Zoo. In Memphis, I cared for their reptile house, aquarium, and nocturnal mammals house. I became the primary trainer for a large spotted genet and assisted a PHD student in her research and tracking of wild copperhead snakes. At the Oklahoma City Zoo, I was a carnivore zookeeper where my primary animals were coyotes, African Painted Dogs, and the nocturnal house. I switched to veterinary assistant with my municipal animal welfare facility in 2020 and continued that position for 4 years until I was hired on by the local humane society. My current role is as a pet placement coordinator where I help place animals in our rescue, with appropriate foster parents since our organization is mostly foster-based. I also breed Web-footed geckos, Pachydactylus rangei, and am hoping to increase its interest in the reptile world as well as educate the public on this interesting and not well-known bioluminescent species.

PhD student in Dr. Kate Wilsterman's lab interested in reproductive physiology and endocrinology

I graduated with my Bachelor's from CSU in 2025. I jumped straight into my Master's with the PSM program shortly after. I am currently interested in a zoo management focus. My PSM capstone proposal is still in progress.

I received my undergraduate degree in Biology from Boston University. I am currently employed at Sacred Herd Farm Sanctuary and volunteer at Philadelphia Metro Wildlife Center. Through this program, I want to obtain a career in Zoo management. Eventually, I want to open my own reptile rescue center.

Heide is a graduate student in GDPE (Graduate Degree Program in Ecology) in Alan Knapp's lab. Her research evaluates how microclimates under solar panels impact the presence and abundance of arthropods.

Hi! My name is Kali Kirkpatrick and I am a first year student working towards a Professional Science Masters in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management. My primary interest is in animal behavior and cognition.

I graduated from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas in 2024 with a degree in Zoo Science. Currently, I work at a zoo as a zookeeper with many different rare and heritage breed farm animals. At the zoo I participate in various types of animal management including helping to manage breeding groups and genetic pairings. Through this program I would like to eventually become a curator at a zoo or the director of a zoo or aquarium.

I am in my first year of the PSM Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management program. I completed my undergraduate degrees in Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of Montana, where I developed a deep love of animal behavior. After completing my undergraduate degrees, I completed various internships working with all kinds of animals including chimpanzees, cats (big to small), and exotic canines. I look forward to continuing to learn about animals and the best way to care for them in the PSM program.

I am an animal welfare and conservation professional with growing expertise in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management through the Professional Science Master’s program. As a graduate student, I have gained hands-on experience in animal shelter emergency preparedness, SOP development, and animal behavior, complemented by practical work with organizations like Humane World for Animals and Hawaiian Humane Society. Before joining CSU as a graduate student, I held senior leadership roles in Marketing Communications at the California State University, Office of the Chancellor. There, I built a proven track record in communications, leadership, stakeholder engagement, and operational management. I also have over twenty years of volunteer service at the Aquarium of the Pacific, where I have worked in animal care, conservation, development, and education. I look forward to combining my skills and experience with all that I am learning as a graduate student so that I can make a difference in the well-being of animals and the people who show up to care for them every day.

Ever since I was a child I have had a passion for animals and a desire to help them. I decided to focus my education on behavior and conservation to determine how best I could assist the animals around the world as well as in managed care. This has lead me to join the PSM program, and I cant wait to see where it takes me.

I am a current PSM student here at Colorado State University with a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University. I have been lucky enough to work with a variety of zoological associations, wildlife conservation efforts, animal shelters, and research efforts. I was a VSSP scholar with the CSU DVM program in 2024 and then continued my research on FIP with Dr. Samantha Evans into 2025. Through past experiences and the opportunity to become a published researcher, I have developed a deep love of laboratory and diagnostic work. Within that niche, I also am drawn to working with wildlife and exotics. Outside of my professional life I enjoy tabletop RPGs, dancing, and spending time at home with my spouse and cat.

I moved from Illinois to Colorado to join CSU's Zoology program and learn more about avian natural history, biology, and behavior. Throughout my time at CSU, I have had the opportunity to volunteer and intern for the Rocky Mountain Raptor program as well as intern with the National Aviary. After two years at the raptor center gaining valuable knowledge on avian behavior, enrichment, and training, I decided to join the AMP PSM in Zoo, Shelter, and Aquarium management. I hope with the newfound knowledge I learn through this program I will be able to aid a diversity of avian species under human care.

My passion is wildlife rehabilitation of native Colorado species. I value the impact that wildlife rehabilitation can have on a community as a tangible connection between humans and the natural world around them.

Hello, my name is Nicole. I am a second year PSM student. I have worked in various animal care and education roles thoughout my career. Over the summer I was an intern with the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program working with their educational outreach team. I hope to continue working in educational outreach after graduation.

I am a Ph.D. student in the Hoke Lab interested in animal communication and neural mechanisms during various social interactions.

I joined Colorado State University’s professional science masters cohort in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management at CSU two years after completeing my B.S. in 2022. I joined this program to further my knowledge on leadership in my field, through an internship with my undergrad university I found my passion for education and conservation with exotics. Post undergraduate graduation I joined an AZA acrediated facility called Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in the educational tours department, after moving to Colorado I then joined the Guest Engagement team at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance and have been with that team over a year!

My project has been tied into preexisting desalination/water pump research in Arabidopsis thaliana. The main goal of my research is to investigate the synthetic ‘pumping’ mechanism of the gene circuit by utilizing plant synthetic biology methods.

I graduated Brandeis University in 2023 with a B.A. in Biology. My previous experience includes being a member of a rigorous three-year Science Research Program affiliated with SUNY Albany, where I conducted research in the NYU Molecular Anthropology Laboratory analyzing the genome sequences of tarsiers to differentiate authentic mitochondrial sequences or nuclear pseudogenes. I have also done work using scan and focal sampling methods to analyze hamadryas baboon behavior in video samples. I am interested in the ultimate causes of many behaviors in animals, such as social behaviors, mating behaviors, foraging, and competition, and applying this to animals in captivity, specifically zoos. I am intrigued by the comparison between wild and captive animal behaviors, as well as the role of enrichment in captive settings and its effectiveness for emulating specific behaviors and skills, such as hunting and foraging behaviors, problem-solving, and play. I hope to gain insight into animal behavior in order to improve aspects of captive animal care and conservation in zoos and aquariums, such as breeding programs and preventing abnormal behaviors.

I have grown up surrounded by, and working with, many different companion animals. From doggy daycares to small animal veterinary clinics to livestock handling, I have done, and loved, it all! In recent years, I have had the privilege to travel to Africa to learn about animal behavior and conservation. That has inspired my interest in exploring the interface between those two fields, and more specifically, working with wildlife detection dogs.

I am a first year student in the PSM program. I have worked as an educator at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Wisconsin and I currently volunteer with the Elephants at the Denver Zoo. With this masters, I hope to develop leadership skills and start my career working within zoos.

Ashley Nelson earned her BA in Sociology at University of Colorado. During her program, she interned at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley, which launched a passion for neonatal kittens and TNR efforts. After gaining experience working as a veterinary assistant and starting a TNR program on the local Air Force Base, she now manages Denver Cat Rescue. Ashley hopes to grow the organization to be able to assist in more aspects of cat rescue while working with the unique aspects of completing adoptions out of a cat cafe.

Lysi has been in the zoological field since 2013. She has worked at various facilities in California, Hawaii, Arizona, Texas, and Namibia. Her experience lies primarily in husbandry, training, volunteer management, and informal education with over 150 species of animals across most non-aquatic taxa. Lysi is interested in animal wellbeing, training, conservation education, and sustainability. As a PSM student, she hopes to expand upon her leadership skills and become a managerial candidate skilled in creating a positive work environment. Lysi is currently Assistant Zoological Manager of Animal Outreach at the Dallas Zoo. Her capstone will be done with the Pangolin Conservation and Research Foundation in Namibia.

I'm originally from Pennsylvania and graduated from a small liberal arts college outside of Pittsburgh in 2022. After graduating college, I worked as an Animal Ambassador Keeper at the Lincoln Children's Zoo in Lincoln, NE. I worked with many different kinds of animals such as cheetahs, giant anteaters, serval, two-toed sloth, prehensile-tail porcupine, and more. I conducted programs with some of these animals to teach our guests about the different species and conservation efforts we supported at the zoo. I've always been interested in furthering my education, so in my search for graduate studies I found this program and made the move out to Colorado to continue learning about animals and animal management. I've never been to Colorado before, so I'm super excited to be here!

I joined CSU in 2022 as an international bachelor's student, primarily majoring in zoology, and as I progressed towards the completion of my degree, I added 2 minors and eventually also became a part of the PSM in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter management. I decided to pursue zoology as my bachelor's degree because I was fascinated by animals and their immense beauty since early childhood, as I grew up watching documentaries about them, and am passionate about conservation of animals and nature.

Sixth year PhD candidate in the Peers lab studying pigment biosynthesis and photo-physiology in diatom algae NSF Graduate Research Fellow

Rebekah is the Director of Animal Care and Education at Heritage Farm - a Smithsonian Affiliate Appalachian History Museum in Huntington, West Virginia. There, she celebrates the importance of native wildlife and encourages curiosity and care within each guest for the animals that live in their own back yards. Through this program, she hopes to grow her knowledge and connections to expand Heritage Farm's natural history components to include a wildlife rehabilitation center and wildlife park. For her capstone, she is working on designing a collaborative study on best practices for the enrichment of rehabilitated native wildlife that are now educational ambassadors in managed care. Specific species of interest for the study at this time are Virginia Opossums, Striped Skunks, and Red Foxes.

I am an undergraduate student at Colorado State University, majoring in zoology and minoring in conservation biology. I am pursuing my master’s in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management on the accelerated track. After completing a research internship at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo under a past PSM student, I knew this was the right program for me. I hope to have a career in conservation and education after I graduate.

I'm originally from North Dakota, but have been living in Oklahoma City for the last year and a half. My husband is from Littleton, CO and we've visited the state a few times since we began dating. I am currently an Ungulate Zookeeper at the Oklahoma City Zoo. I am excited to learn more about this field and see what opportunities will arise to help me better prepare for a role in leadership!

I am a grad student for the Professional Science Master's program in Zoo, Aquarium, and Shelter Management through the biology department at Colorado State University. Before attending CSU I went to Fort Lewis College in Durango Colorado and got a B.A. in Environmental Conservation and Management. throughout my life I have volunteered and worked at a few different animal shelters in Denver, I worked a little bit at the Denver Zoo, and I was an intern a few summers ago at Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center outside of Fort Collins. My passion is captive care and wildlife rehabilitation within rehab centers, zoos and aquariums, or wildlife sanctuaries. In the future I would like to work at any of these places being a captive care specialist or behavior specialist, and a wildlife rehab specialist.

I am a first-year accelerated master's student in the PSM program in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management. I am interested in pursuing a career combining zoo education and animal welfare. I am excited to learn more and develop my skills through this program.

After graduating from Washington State University with a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Ecology & Conservation, Becca moved on to Colorado State University to pursue a Professional Science Master's degree in Zoo, Aquarium, & Animal Shelter Management. Her professional interests lie in behavior, conservation, and zoo development. She is working towards becoming a zoo director in a conservation-focused zoo. This past summer, she partnered with ZooTampa at Lowry Park in Tampa, Florida, to increase exploratory behaviors exhibited by their Malayan tiger by adding olfactory enrichment from predators and prey. In this role, she worked with the Behavioral Husbandry team to create and edit resident zoo animal well-being forms as well as create a master enrichment document. Please email her at rebecca.renner@colostate.edu to arrange office hours or schedule a meeting.

I am a current undergraduate zoology student graduating in December of 2024. I have experience working with domestic dogs and cats in grooming and dog daycare as well working in wildlife rehabilitation. My career goals are working in a management position at a zoo.

Chance investigates plant-microbe interactions under extreme changes in climate.

I originally set out in my bachelor's to be a veterinarian, but, along the way, I discovered a deeper passion for Behavior in Animal Shelters. I found that what truly drives me is helping animals overcome behavioral issues and helping find them the perfect home. Through this experience, I learned that both animals and people just need the time, space, and support to heal. Uncertain of where to further my education, I turned to one of my undergraduate professors for guidance. With their support, I enrolled in a Professional Science Master's specializing in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelters Management at CSU. Through this program, I aim to deepen my understanding of animal shelter behavior and management.

I got my bachelor's degree at Mars Hill University. I majored in zoology and minored in political and environmental science. My previous experience in the field has been about animal behavior. In addition, I have assisted in data entry for various research projects. My career goals consist of managing research with animals at a zoo and or working at a wildlife rehabilitation center to better the welfare of the animals.

I'm 38 yo, veterinarian and have been working for the last 15 years in zoos around the world (Mexico, Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia). I'm expecting from this program to get a better understanding about managing an institution, which I hope will lead to better opportunities in the future.

Hello! I graduated with my undergraduate degree from Saint Francis University in 2024 and immediately started working at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium’s education department after graduating. I have degrees in marine biology and aquarium and zoo science, with a minor in psychology. That is my first official career in the animal field, however I did volunteer at a local animal shelter, intern at the Pittsburgh Zoo, and work at Saint Francis taking care of cats. My career goal is to work my way up the ranks and find a job at a zoo or aquarium in a leadership position. I believe this program will help me gain more knowledge and experience needed to achieve that goal.

I am a first-year AMP student in the Zoo, Aquarium, and Shelter Management program. I transferred to CSU from Prescott, Arizona, where I received an associate of science degree from my local community college. I have worked in animal husbandry throughout my professional career, mainly with agricultural livestock and domestic pets. Through this program, I hope to further my knowledge of exotic care and conservation so that I can work in animal conservation one day.

Interested in how abiotic drivers shape above- and belowground communities through plant-soil interactions. Working from the individual to ecosystem scale to elucidate mechanisms of change.

I joined the PSM program for Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management to combine the varied skills I have acquired over the years to help improve the care and welfare of captive animals, especially exotics, which often face neglect due to misunderstandings and misinformation.

Sammy's capstone project at CSU will be attempting aggression mitigation in a female red-ruffed lemur, especially in relation to another unrelated female. She will also be conducting a broad literature review of aggression mitigation in captive primates. Sammy has a BA in Biology and History from Hamilton College, where she researched my two theses on the effects of deer exclosures on small mammal populations and depictions of anthropomorphic mice in Victorian-era children's literature. Currently, she works as a zookeeper and leads her zoo's Safety Committee. Through the PSM program, she hopes to continue her career in zoos to eventually reach a curator position and have a greater impact on both the people and animals she works with. She has previous experience in several different animal care fields throughout her career, including various equestrian facilities, rescues, ranches, and ecology labs.

I have two different Bachelor's degrees, and multiple university-sponsored certificates in canine cognition. While at the University of Delaware I focused a lot on public science education, and I have experience with science writing and museum collections. After graduation I have worked in various animal fields, from DE Fish and Wildlife to pet care, retail, boarding/grooming, and ultimately spent the last several years working in several different roles in vet medicine while I obtained my second degree online. I also volunteer as a webmaster for a dog rescue network, and have been a member of a foster-based rescue since 2017. I recently relocated, and had to leave my job and rescue positions, so looking forward I am excited for the opportunity to participate in the PSM program as the next step in my professional journey.

I joined the Professional Science Master’s program specializing in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management after completed my B.S. in Marine Biology. Throughout my time at TAMUG, I developed an intrinsic passion for research that aids in wildlife conservation. I had the amazing privilege to intern at Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Sea Center Texas where I shadowed and worked with the biologists and hatchery technicians. During that time, I became more interested in learning about what it takes to ethically manage different species. My hope for this program is to continue to grow in the field of wildlife conservation and management while networking with fellow CSU graduate students, faculty, and other professionals in the field.

Greetings! My name is Rhianna Stratford. I am an online 1st year student in the PSM Zoo, Aquarium, and Shelter Management program. I am working on this masters in hopes of strengthen my chances to get into veterinary school since I plan to specialize in exotics. I currently work as a veterinary assistant/pet care assistant at Banfield Animal Hospital at Crestline and previously worked at SeaQuest Littleton as a husbandry caretaker for birds, mammals, and reptiles.

I joined the Professional Science Masters in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management after completing my B.S. degree in 2025. During my undergrad, I was the lead researcher on a project looking at Environmental and Biological Factors influencing Metacercariae Infestation rate in Logperch (Percina caprodes) in Wisconsin. I am hoping to achieve a higher understanding of the management aspect within the Zoo and Aquarium industry and how to successfully manage and operate non-profit organizations.

I am currently pursuing a biological science B.S degree at Colorado State University with an estimated graduation of May 2026. Concurrently, I am exploring my passion for animal care through the Professional Science Master's program in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Management, with an expected graduation date of May 2027. My freshman year of college, I attended the dolphin behavior and physiology program in Honduras, where I got to study and swim with dolphins! I also enjoy cooking and playing with my cat, Lele.

I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Zoo and Conservation Science at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa in 2016. Through that program, I was able to intern at a sanctuary with big cats and bears and later interned at the Ape Initiative in Des Moines. From that internship at Ape Initiative, I became a full-time employee for three years, where my love for animal welfare grew even greater. I am hoping this program will give me the tools I need to take charge of the broad animal welfare for many different species at a zoo one day and be able to improve the lives of the many different species we have in captivity.

A zookeeper and wildlife educator from Texas specializing in crocodilians, snakes, and other reptiles.

Senior bachelors student in Biology and first year Accelerated Master's Program student for Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management. Veterinary technician who has key interests in veterinary medicine and animal behavior. My current experience includes working with small animals, avian, reptiles, primates, and some wildlife in the veterinary field.

I am a current graduate student in Colorado State University's Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management program. I earned my bachelor's in Biological Sciences at The University of Alabama (2024), where I also researched the plasticity of learning and problem-solving in mangrove rivulus. After graduating, I completed a fisheries internship through the Arizona Conservation Corps. This position inspired me to pursue further education focusing on the interconnectedness of people and animals (specifically ectotherms)!

Hi! My name's Amelia and I am a senior working on my undergraduate in Zoology at CSU. I have also recently been accepted into the PSM program. I am so excited to be a part of this program! I have always loved working with animals, from volunteering at places like the W.O.L.F. Sanctuary to attempting to train my dog in my garage as a kid. With this program I intend to enter the wildlife rehabilitation and conservation career path. I love learning about animal behaviors and I think we can learn a lot about them and from them. I believe they, as well as their environment, should be protected and I am so excited to be a part of that.

I am a PhD Candidate in the Garrity Lab whose research centers on diversity, equity, and inclusion in science and natural resources. Specifically my work centers on critical conservation histories with a focus on ableism and sizeism in past and present outdoor experiences. I co-instruct a graduate level class about systems of oppression in science and I collaborate with the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources department in Warner College.