I am a trained biologist and veterinary technician with a passion for wildlife conservation, specifically conservation medicine; the intersect between wildlife, ecosystem and human health. My interests span primatology, marine science, veterinary medicine, public health, human-wildilfe interactions, community-based conservation, sustainable development, ecotourism and deforestation.
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. During this time I was fortunate enough to work with the Schusterman Group: Pinniped Cognition and Sensory Systems Laboratory at the Long Marine Laboratory, assisting world-renowned scientists set regulation standards on marine mammal noise pollution for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Positive reinforcement training with Pacific harbor seal, Sprouts at the Long Marine Laboratory, UCSC 2002.
I completed my Master’s in Primate Conservation at Oxford Brookes University in 2011. Working closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Conservation Through Public Health my independent research project focused on disease transmission risks between humans and mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.
Collecting saliva from gorilla family Habinyanja in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda 2011
Following my MSc I directed the Rwanda based nonprofit Art of Conservation, using the arts and creative learning to teach children and their families about living healthy. I was instrumental in the creation and continue to provide support to the local offshoot nonprofit Conservation Heritage-Turambe. I work with many nonprofits and professionals across the globe using conferences, events, publications, photography, film and digital media/marketing to share my experiences and knowledge.
How to get fresh saliva from mountain gorillas – Gorillas Across Africa workshop Ruhija, Bwindi 2011.
Between my formal education I have worked as a veterinary technician for over six years and lived in five continents. I am passionate about our world, exploring new places and cultures, meeting unique and extraordinary people, learning, photography and would like to improve the health and livelihood of our planet through work as a conservationist, scientist and filmmaker.
Please see Linkedin for a more comprehensive profile and connect with me! https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhanes
Filming Art of Conservation – Musanze, Rwanda 2013
Allison Hanes 