Member Highlights
Scroll down to find out about some of our incredible MIAZS Members!
Justin Dickinson
February 16, 2026
Today, we'd like to introduce you to Justin Dickinson, a Senior Pinnipeds Trainer at Georgia Aquarium. He provides daily care and training for sea lions and harbor seals as well as educates guests and mentors junior trainers. He is also a founding member of the aquarium’s DEIB committee.
When asked why diversity in this industry is important, Justin told us, "Caring for wildlife is not the job of any one person or persons. Our partnerships with animals should reflect as much diversity as is present in our natural world. We have a duty to inspire the next generation of caretakers and conservationists even if we did not have those before us to provide the same inspiration."
Thank you for joining us in working toward creating a more diverse and equitable world, Justin! We couldn't be more stoked to have you join us in this mission.
Etienne Briddell
February 9, 2026
Today we would like to welcome Etienne Briddell to MIAZS, a young professional in the zoo and aquarium industry.
Etienne is currently a coordinator with the King Conservation Science Scholars, a teen engagement program, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. She is proud to be a part of the program and provide young adults in the Chicagoland area a space to explore and express their interest in conservation, nature as well people and animals. She is starting off in her career but is eager to be a part of a greater change in this industry to include more diverse voices.
Thank you for being a part of MIAZS, Etienne! We look forward to working with you in the important work of growing and uplifting people of color in this industry!
Dr. Tamara Kruse
January 26, 2026
Today, we would like to welcome Dr. Tamara Kruse to our ranks.
Dr. Tamara Kruse is currently the Director of Animal Health at San Anotnio Zoo. Her journey is much like the game of LIFE; she has traveeled to many different zoos for her career path, including Brevard Zoo, Indianapolis Zoo, Columbus Zoo and the Wilds, and ZooTampa. She is currently the jaguar SSP vet advisor and co-advisor to the canid/hyenid TAG group.
Dr. Kruse told us, "DEI is important in the aquarium and zoo science field because it allows representation of all kinds of people. The main goal for all working in this field is for the animals, as they do not care about race, ethnicity, sex, or abilities. By having all kinds of people represented, it can show not only a united front of the same goal, but also encourage and inspire future generations with the same passion and curiosity."
Thank you, Dr. Kruse! We couldn't agree more.
Welcome to MIAZS!
Samuel Ivande
January 19, 2025
We're here to highlight another one of our newest members. Please join us in welcoming Samuel Ivande, a Conservation Biologist at Indianapolis Zoo!
Sam is passionate about using birds as focal species to advance biodiversity conservation. With an academic and research foundation, he has extensive experience collaborating with professionals, citizen scientists, and local communities to implement conservation projects. Sam focuses on capacity-building, inclusive engagement, and sustainable natural resource management. As Conservation Coordinator (Birds) at the Indianapolis Zoo, he supports field conservation grant partners and provides coordination support for a global network of bird species experts within the IUCN Species Survival Commission. He values the opportunities bird conservation provides to travel, connect with diverse cultures, and promote global conservation efforts.
Kameryn Kimbrough
January 12, 2026
We're here to tell you about Kameryn Kimbrough, one of our newest members of MIAZS! Welcome, Kameryn!
While pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Biology at Kennsaw State University, Kameryn has been volunteering at Georgia Aquarium as a Greeter and in the Environmental Health Lab. When we asked her what representation means to her, Kameryn said, "In aquarium and zoo science, diversity, equity, and inclusion are crucial because they guarantee that the discipline is open and accepting to individuals with a range of experiences, perspectives, and skills.
Because their distinct viewpoints can lead to creative problem-solving and enhance the approach to education, conservation, and animal care, it is essential to include people with learning difficulties. People are more likely to feel inspired to pursue professions in science and conservation when they see themselves represented in this field, which is why representation is important. We build a more resilient and caring community that benefits people and wildlife by promoting inclusivity."
Thank you for your thoughtful words, Kameryn!
Welcome to MIAZS!
Jennifer Gallegos
December 29, 2025
To round out 2025, we would like to welcome Jennifer Gallegos to MIAZS!
Jennifer Gallegos completed an Interpretative Biology & Natural History major and an Animal Behavior minor at Frostburg State University and has been on her journey to achieve her dream of being a zookeeper.
She interned at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium where she had the opportunity to care for and enrich different animals such as beavers, kangaroos, wallabies and many others. Her favorite part of this internship was to train wallabies by using operant conditioning and create a bond with them by earning their trust.
Cinnamon Williams
December 21, 2025
We have another new MIAZS member to introduce to everyone! We would like to introduce you all to Cinnamon Williams, a General Curator at the St. Louis Zoo. As an industry professional of almost 30 years, Cinnamon has worked at many levels in the industry, including zookeeper, manager, curator, and general curator.
When asked about what representation and DEI mean to her, Cinnamon said, "As a young African American girl growing up in the inter-city, I had no idea that working at a zoo was an option for a career until I worked a summer job at my local zoo. Working with animals was something that I would not have ever seen as a career, until that zoo gave me an opportunity to learn. This proved to me that representation does matter and is necessary to provide those opportunities. Seeing people that looked like me was an important step in my career, showing me that it was possible to be promoted within the zoo field. I hope to do the same for other little girls that look like me."
David Zachary Bush
December 15, 2025
We are welcoming David Zachary Bush to MIAZS!
David Zachary Bush is a trailblazing young Black entrepreneur in the aquarium and aquatic science industry. As the founder of Go Fish, a licensed Aquarium store & Aquatic Science Program for K-12 underprivileged communities turned world-wide ichthyology service provider, he has redefined sustainable and ornamental aquaculture. David designs, installs, and maintains luxury aquariums and aquaculture systems, serving private clients, educational institutions, zoos & aquariums. His innovative work has been featured on Fish Tank Kings of National Geographic, and his social media presence under @ZacGoFish has garnered millions of likes. Passionate about aquatic conservation, David combines artistry and science to inspire and educate the next generation of aquarists.
Welcome, David! We agree with the importance of serving underprivileged communities by sharing the wonders of the zoo and aquarium world with them.
Jelani Reynolds
November 17, 2025
Jelani began her aquarist career in 2013. She was one of the first staff members to open the Florida Coral Rescue Center in 2020, helped hatch and raise 20+ juvenile zebra sharks, and presented at RAW.
She has worked closely with numerous high profile species such as lesser devil rays, giant pacific octopus, weedy sea dragons, and corals from the Florida Reef Tract.
Join us in celebrating Jelani!
Max Wright
November 10, 2025
Max Wright has worked at the Virginia Aquarium for four years, starting as a gallery educator before advancing to community engagement coordinator. Passionate about connecting people with nature, they’ve developed programs that inspire environmental stewardship and empathy for wildlife across diverse audiences. Now, they’re eager to deepen their impact by studying ecopsychology and environmental justice, with a focus on decolonizing conservation practices. Max envisions a future where conservation efforts center on inclusivity, equity, and the intrinsic relationship between mental well-being and the environment. Their ultimate goal is to create sustainable strategies that ensure a clean, healthy world accessible to all communities, for generations to come.
Here's what Max has to say about why diversity, equity, and inclusion matter in aquarium and zoo science: "Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential in aquarium and zoo sciences because, as biology teaches us, diversity is key to a balanced and healthy ecosystem. In human systems, diversity means acknowledging that not everyone’s experiences are the same. Equity ensures we address these differences and work with them rather than against them. Inclusion provides a platform for diverse voices to contribute meaningfully, making equity possible. Without DEI, our field risks becoming a monoculture—lacking resilience and innovation. And just as in nature, we know that monocultures are fragile and unsustainable. DEI strengthens our community and ensures long-term success."
Welcome to the MIAZS Community, Max!
You can follow Max on Instagram at: @theythem.max
Dr. Gregory Scott
November 3, 2025
Dr. Scott is the Senior Associate Veterinarian at the Georgia Aquarium. He attended veterinary school at North Carolina State University. Dr. Scott's veterinary career spans many institutions, including SeaWorld, the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program, the Aquarium of the Pacific, the North Carolina Zoo, the North Carolina Aquariums, and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.
When we asked Dr. Scott why DEIA and representation are important, he told us, "Aquarium and zoo science promotes important ideals in society. It is important that those ideals are shared with all members of society. Diversity in the field helps to ensure that. Diversity strengthens any industry that embraces it, so as someone committed to working in this field I see diversity as essential to its strength, impact, and health overall as a viable industry to work in. " We couldn't agree more!
Paige Vasser
October 27, 2025
Paige started off her career in the field at a wildlife rehabilitation center. This was her first time handling and caring for wildlife, which helped her get her foot in the door. She landed her first internship at an unaccredited zoological facility in North Carolina. She then completed the carnivores internship at Zoo Atlanta. She wanted more experience with large mammals, so she did her final internship at Caldwell Zoo in one of their mammals departments. All of these positions led to her earning her first full-time keeper job at Birmingham Zoo.
Welcome to MIAZS, Paige! We can't wait to see what you accomplish!
Lohwana Villasor Halaq
October 20, 2025
Lohwana Villasor Halaq is a Filipino-Arab-Canadian animal keeper, trainer, and primatologist renowned for her groundbreaking work with endangered wildlife. She made history as the first woman to flight-train a Philippine eagle, one of the world’s rarest and most powerful birds of prey.
In addition to her work with Philippine eagles, Lohwana has contributed to the conservation of Canadian wildlife, including polar bears, grizzly bears, black bears, cougars, wolves, and other notable North American species. An expert in breeding and hatching both birds and reptiles, she has been published in prominent reptile magazines for her work with snakes. Her expertise spans breeding programs, habitat protection and research. Lohwana actively advocates for wildlife through public speaking and awareness campaigns.
Thanks for all of your hard work, Lohwana, and welcome again to MIAZS!
You can follow Lohwana on Instagram @lohwana_halaq and on Tikok @lohwanahalaq
Léla Jamba
October 6, 2025
We welcome Léla Jamba to MIAZS! Léla is an experienced animal care and education professional with five years in the field, having worked at various institutions including the Canadian Wildlife Federation, the Calgary Humane Society, the Calgary Zoo, and Vancouver Aquarium.
When asked why diversity is important to the zoo and aquarium industry, Léla said, "By embracing diverse perspectives and backgrounds, these institutions can create experiences that resonate with a wide range of audiences, building greater community support and fostering empathy toward animals and ecosystems across cultures." We couldn't agree more!
Prisilla Zazueta
September 8, 2025
We would like to welcome Prisilla Zazueta (@_sillavanilla) to our membership!
Prisilla is a first-generation Latina from Atlanta who discovered her love for the ocean through trips to her family’s home country. This passion led her to pursue a degree in marine studies, seeking every opportunity to connect with ocean environments.
As an Environmental Educator who now leads her department, Prisilla is guided by a mission to increase ocean awareness and conservation, particularly by engaging and immersing minority communities. She is also dedicated to developing outstanding Environmental Educators at her institution, creating a legacy of stewardship and education in marine conservation.
Welcome to MIAZS, Prisilla!!
Erica Buckwalter
September 4, 2025
Today we are highlighting MIAZS member, Erica Buckwalter!
Erica Buckwalter is the Curator of Education at the Sunset Zoo in Manhattan, Kansas. Throughout her 14-year career, she has worn many hats—tour guide, naturalist, zookeeper—but she’s most proud of providing the representation of people of color in science that she did not see when she was growing up.
Welcome to MIAZS, Erica!
Mark Losavio
August 25, 2025
Today, we are highlighting MIAZS Member, Mark Losavio!
Mark Losavio (he/him) is the Aquarium Conservation Partnership’s Conservation Policy Manager. Mark is responsible for advancing ACP's conservation policy goals and working with ACP members to develop strategies and opportunities for policy action. He has shared the science and stories of our favorite ocean places with an international audience and has engaged in diverse communication experiences.
This has evolved into a passion for communicating scientific topics to a broader audience and using that to build partnerships between communities, advocacy groups, and government representatives. Mark holds a bachelor’s in marine science from the University of South Carolina and a master’s from Northeastern University.
Welcome to MIAZS, Mark!
You can follow Mark @shotgun_kelp
Keith Uyekawa
August 11, 2025
Today we are highlighting member: Keith Uyekawa. Check out his bio below!
Keith Uyekawa has over 20 years of experience in the industrial industry, with a particular passion for Zoo and Aquarium Life Support Equipment. Dedicated to advancing knowledge in this field, Keith enjoys teaching and mentoring those who share a love for Zoos, Aquariums, and the Animals they care for.
"It is important to highlight diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Zoo and Aquarium industry. Representation is crucial for inspiring the next generation, especially in fields like this where environmental stewardship and conservation play such an important role. By showing diverse voices and backgrounds, you’re helping create a more inclusive future in the industry and encouraging young people to see themselves as part of that change."
Genevieve Gonnigan
August 4, 2025
We would like to recognize one of our newest members, Genevieve Gonnigan!
Genevieve Gonnigan is the Vice President of Human Resources, People, and Culture at the Lincoln Park Zoo. She is passionate about fostering inclusive and equitable workplaces and driving organizational success through people-centric strategies.
Genevieve holds a Master of Legal Studies in Human Resources from Pepperdine University’s Caruso School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology from Loyola University Chicago. She is a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, currently serving on the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce DEAI Steering Committee.
Welcome, Genevieve! We are so excited to welcome you to MIAZS!
Aubrey Theiss
July 28, 2025
Today we are highlighting member: Aubrey Theiss!
Aubrey is a biracial, cisgender female who has a passion for uplifting marginalized people. She is an Animal Care Supervisor at the Seattle Aquarium with 10+ years of experience working with the Birds and Mammals Department. She was part of the original DEI council, which has now transformed into the Equity Team. Aubrey also participates in sea otter research. Combining her work with people and animals is her passion.
"Diversity, equity, and inclusion are important in the zoo and aquarium field because there are many systems of oppression that need to be torn down. There are marginalized groups that need to be uplifted. Representation that needs to be seen and retained. There are Western ideals that need to be unlearned. Focusing on why DEI is important and taking action on changing the culture of zoos and aquariums is my passion. It is what I lead with."