Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has partnered with the biology department at Case Western Reserve University since 2003 to train undergraduate and graduate students in applied research and conservation science. All seven PhD graduates produced through this program to date are employed at zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums as research, animal care, and/or conservation professionals. Together we are shaping the future of zoos and aquariums with leaders who have strong foundational training in science as well as practical team-based management experience available only through unique, integrated, and long-term partnerships like the CMZ-CWRU training program.
Laura Amendolagine, Endocrinology Lab Manager
Patricia M. Dennis, DVM, Ph.D., Dipl ACZM, Epidemiologist
Noah T. Dunham, Ph.D., Research Curator
Kym Gopp, M.S., Conservation Curator
Diana C. Koester, Ph.D. , Research Curator
Elena H. Less, Ph.D., Associate Curator of Animals
Andrew Loudon, Ph.D., Post-doctoral Fellow
Kristen E. Lukas, Ph.D., Director of Conservation & Science
Jessica Fox, Ph.D. - Case Western Reserve University
Katherine Krynak, Ph.D. - Ohio Northern University
Mary Ann Raghanti, Ph.D. - Kent State University
Roy Ritzmann, Ph.D. - Case Western Reserve University
Rebecca Snyder, Ph.D. - Oklahoma City Zoo
Tara S. Stoinski, Ph.D. - Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
Mark Willis, Ph.D. - Case Western Reserve University
Jennifer Vonk, Ph.D. - Oakland University
Andi Kornak, Director of Zoological & Veterinary Programs
Mike Selig, D.V.M., Head Veterinarian
Stephen Mather, GIS Manager - Cleveland Metroparks
Dr. Austin Leeds (2019)
Research Manager, Disney's Animal Kingdom
Primary Advisor: Dr. Kristen Lukas
Co-Advisors: Dr. Pam Dennis, Dr. Mandi Schook, Dr. Mark Willis (CWRU)
Dissertation: A physiological evaluation of social bonding in western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla).
Dr. Bonnie A. Baird (2018)
Animal Welfare Scientist, Woodland Park Zoo
Primary Advisors: Dr. Mandi Schook and Dr. Kristen Lukas
Co-Advisors: Dr. Chris Kuhar, Dr. Pam Dennis, Dr. Mark Willis (CWRU)
Dissertation: Ambassador animal welfare: Using behavioral and physiological indicators to assess the well-being of animals used for education programs in zoos.
Dr. Jason D. Wark (2015)
Animal Welfare Scientist, Lincoln Park Zoo
Primary Advisor: Dr. Kristen Lukas
Co-Advisors: Dr. Pam Dennis, Dr. Mark Willis (CWRU)
Dissertation: The influence of the sound environment on the welfare of zoo-housed callitrichine primates
Dr. Grace A. Fuller (2013)
Manager of Applied Animal Welfare Science, Detroit Zoo
Primary Advisor: Dr. Kristen Lukas
Co-Advisors: Dr. Pam Dennis, Dr. Chris Kuhar, Dr. Mary Ann Raghanti (Kent State University), Dr. Mark Willis (CWRU)
Dissertation: The night shift: Lighting and nocturnal strepsirrhine care in zoos.
Dr. Elena Hoellein Less (2011)
Associate Curator of Animals, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Primary Advisors: Dr. Kristen Lukas and Dr. Pam Dennis
Committee: Dr. Chris Kuhar, Dr. Mary Ann Raghanti (Kent State University), Dr. Mark Willis (CWRU)
Dissertation: Adiposity in zoo gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla); The effects of diet and behavior.
Jason Wagman, M.S. (2015)
Exotic Pet Amnesty Program, Florida Fish & Wildlife CC
Primary Advisor: Dr. Mandi Schook
Co-Advisors: Dr. Kristen Lukas, Dr. Mark Willis
Thesis: The effects of feeding enrichment on behavioral measures of welfare in four bear species.
Isabelle Cless, M.S. (2015)
Adoption & Intake Coordinator, MSPCA-Angell
Primary Advisor: Dr. Kristen Lukas
Co-Advisors:. Dr. Roy Ritzmann, Dr. Mark Willis
Thesis: A dissection of pacing in zoo-housed polar bears: How details of the behavior can suggest motivational and causal factors.
Christine Cassella, M.S. (2012)
Women's Health Advocate, Herbalist, & Birth Worker, Resilient Birth & Botanicals
Primary Advisor: Dr. Kristen Lukas
Co-Advisors: Dr. Pam Dennis, Dr. Mark Willis
Thesis: Relationships among captive orangutan diets, undesirable behaviors, and activity: Implications for health and welfare.
Jenni Mueller, M.S. (2008)
Primary Advisor: Dr. Kristen Lukas
Co-Advisors: Dr. Pam Dennis, Dr. Mark Willis
Thesis: Seasonal changes in behavior and exhibit use of captive African elephants (Loxodonta africana) and black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis)
Poorna Chowdry D.V.M., M.S. (2006)
Veterinarian, VCA West Los Angeles Animal
Primary Advisor: Dr. Kristen Lukas
Co-Advisors: Dr. Pam Dennis, Dr. Mark Willis
Thesis: Monitoring of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites and reproductive hormones in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo throughout separation and reintroduction of males and females
Xavier Francis (2019): Gorilla behavior in response to diet changes at CMZ. (Supervisors: Kaylin Tennant, Pam Dennis, & Kristen Lukas)
Erin Deasy (2016): Identifying best practices for compelling Zoo visitors to take action for wildlife conservation. (Supervisors: Kristen Lukas & Kym Gopp)
Janny Evenhuis (2015-2016): Developing techniques for studying effects on locomotion of a novel skin disease in Giraffa camelopardalis. (Supervisors: Kristen Lukas & Roy Ritzmann)
Heather Voss-Hoynes (2011-2012): Analyses of stereotypic behavior in bears. (Supervisors: Kristen Lukas & Roy Ritzmann)
Geoffrey R. Browning, D.V.M. M.S. (2012)
Zoological Medicine Resident, UC Davis/San Diego Zoo Global
Advisor: Dr. Pam Dennis
Other Committee Members: Dr. Chris Kuhar, Dr. Mandi Schook
Thesis: Salivary biomarkers of acute stress and insulin sensitivity in nonhuman primates.
Michelle Kane-Sutton, M.S. (2010)
Interim CEO/Board Member, Greater Cleveland STEM Foundation
Advisor: Dr. Pam Dennis
Other Committee Members: Dr. Joseph Koonce, Dr. Pete Zimmerman
Thesis: Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) infection in Lake Erie yellow perch, Perca flavescens