CMZ-CWRU program

in Applied Research & Conservation Science

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.

CMZ PIs & Staff Scientists

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

PARTNERS Advisors & Investigators

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

CMZ Zoological Programs Team

Andi Kornak, Director of Zoological & Veterinary Programs

Mike Selig, D.V.M., Head Veterinarian

Research Collaborators

Stephen Mather, GIS Manager - Cleveland Metroparks

cmz-cwru ph.d. program - lukas advisees & co-advisees

maura plocek

Ph.D. Candidate

Primary Advisor: Dr. Noah Dunham (CMZ/CWRU)

Co-Advisors: Dr. Pam Dennis (CMZ/CWRU), Dr. Diana Koester (CMZ/CWRU), Dr. Kristen Lukas (CMZ/CWRU)

Research interests: Dietary variation of zoo-housed colobine monkeys with implications for health and management.

graduates of the cmz-cwru ph.D. program - lukas advisees & co-advisees

Dr. Kaylin Tennant (2024)

Post-Doctoral Fellow, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Primary Advisor: Dr. Pam Dennis

Co-Advisors: Dr. Elena Hoellein Less, Dr. Mary Ann Raghanti (Kent State University), Dr. Mark Willis (CWRU), Dr. Kristen Lukas

Dissertation: Investigating the relationshiop between insulin and regurgitation and reingestion in zoo-housed gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)

Dr. Charles Ritzler (2022)

Animal Welfare Scientist, Brookfield Zoo

Primary Advisor: Dr. Diana Koester

Co-Advisors: Dr. Pam Dennis, Dr. Jessica Fox (CWRU), Dr. Kristen Lukas

Dissertation: Innovative design and novel methods: A two-pronged approach to understanding the effects of zoo habitat design on animal welfare.

Dr. Laura Bernstein-Kurtycz (2021)

Conservation Coordinator, Little Rock Zoo

Primary Advisor: Dr. Kristen Lukas

Co-Advisors: Dr. Diana Koester, Dr. Rebecca Snyder (Oklahoma City Zoo), Dr. Jennifer Vonk (Oakland University), Dr. Mark Willis (CWRU)

Dissertation: How do bears fare? An investigation of the effect of the zoo environment on bear welfare.

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.

graduates of the cmz-cwru M.S. program - lukas advisees & co-advisees

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

cmz-cwru Capstone students:

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)

other cwru biology graduates advised by cleveland metroparks zoo scientists

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

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