About me

• Senior Zoologist, Dallas Zoo, in the USA
• Studied: MSc Zoo Conservation Biology, 2019

About my career

I’ve always wanted to study abroad and experience a new perspective of learning. When researching degree programmes, I wanted to do something zoo based and Manchester Metropolitan was one of the few schools that offered exactly what I was looking for. The collaboration with Chester Zoo was hard to pass up along with the chance to do a field course in Tanzania, which is by far my favourite experience. 

My first job after graduating was an On-Call Zoologist position in the North Savanna at Dallas Zoo. This position involved the care of African Savanna hoofstock including reticulated giraffes, greater kudu, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, ostrich, guineafowl, and warthogs. With my degree, I stood out among other candidates which ultimately lead me to being hired.

I am currently a senior zoologist of carnivores at the Dallas Zoo. On a daily basis I help take care of African lions, African painted dogs, cheetahs, Asian small-clawed otters, giant anteaters, and Sumatran tigers. My main responsibilities are assessing and improving animal welfare through daily husbandry, enrichment, training sessions, and medical procedures along with mentoring interns and young zoologists that are new to the field.

I gained many skills through my programme at Manchester Met, but the skill I use the most is exhibit design. In our zoo module, we had a few classes over exhibit design along with a big project. Since then, I’m always looking for ways to improve an exhibit for our animals and finding ways to make it more dynamic and interactive for them.

My top tip for students

My top tip for students trying to find a job is to not to be afraid of rejection, to put their name out there as much as possible, and to use their resources.

I’m inspired by

I am inspired by the passion for conservation that my lecturers and fellow peers displayed while at Manchester Metropolitan University. Through their passion, it inspired me to succeed and make a difference in my field.

Why I love Manchester Met

I loved the learning culture at Manchester Metropolitan University. I found the tutors to be personable and approachable along with my fellow peers.

In my programme, I was lucky enough to partake in a field course in Tanzania. It helped me utilise the research techniques that we learned in the classroom and put them to the test in a field setting. Since then, I’ve used some of these techniques in a zoo setting to help monitor our animals’ welfare and behaviour. For that, I’ve become a better zoologist.

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