• Diana Dishman, M.S., Conservation Biologist

Diana is interested in promoting wildlife conservation in local communities and institutions through grass-roots research, training and outreach projects.  She has studied captive primate behavior, metals toxicity in aquatic species, and marine mammal population genetics in the Pacific Northwest.  She recently returned from the Philippines where she completed an internship focused on the conservation of dugongs and their critical habitats.

• Estefania Llaneza Garcia, M.S., PhD student

Estefania Llaneza serves PDX Wildlife as a staff scientist. In this position, she researches the accumulation of contaminants in the food web of the Lower Columbia River. In addition to her research, she teaches Principles of Biology and Cell Biology at PCC Rock Creek.

• Meghan Martin, M.S., PhD Candidate, Conservation Biologist

Meghan documents factors responsible for variation in reproductive success among animals. She works on incorporating a multidisciplinary perspective designed to contribute to improved management and conservation of animals and their habitats. This involves working closely with animal husbandry staff in formulating research questions and projects that benefit the species in the Oregon Zoo’s collection as well as the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda.

• Julia Ruppell, M.A., PhD Candidate, Conservation Biologist

Julia studies the ranging patterns, diet, and activity patterns of  wild crested gibbons in Laos. This project is being conducted in the Nam Kading National Protected Area (NPA) in Bolikhamxay Province of Laos using methods based on past behavioral ecology studies of other gibbon genera. She collaborates with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and students from the National University of Laos (NUoL) to educate local people regarding the status and ecology of species for the development of management plans for protected areas. Her current project will aid in the implementation and adaptation of gibbon conservation strategies.

• Isaac Sleadd, B.S., PhD Candidate, Molecular Biologist

Isaac studies adaptations for extreme environments in  cold-adapted Antarctic fish.  He is particularly interested in understanding how events at the molecular level can impact a species’ ecology.  This type of research is key to our ability to predict the effects of the coming change in global climate, particularly in the fragile Antarctic ecosystem.  Isaac recently returned from McMurdo Station, Antarctica where he was conducting his research.

• Jaima Smith, M.A., Primatologist

Jaima’s research focuses on the behavioral ecology of former pet gibbons in rescue and reintroduction programs, focusing specifically on  whether  gibbons are able to acquire the appropriate behavioral repertoire necessary for life in the wild after a period of rehabilitation. This research hopes to inform conservation policies aiming to preserve gibbons, and determine if the reintroduction of former pet gibbons will serve as a useful conservation tool for helping to prevent their extinction in the wild. In addition, her research aims to implement a more systematic and scientific approach to the reintroduction process in an attempt to ensure more successful releases of gibbons in the future.

• Nate Wintle, M.S., Environmental Toxicologist

Nate’s research focuses on environmental contaminants such as mercury, PCB’s, and DDT. He monitors both terrestrial and aquatic organisms for toxins in the Pacific Northwest and Sichuan, China. As a collaborator on the giant panda project with Meghan Martin, Nate also analyzes bamboo for total mercury, which is the main food source for the panda.