Sarah Johanson
Chisago City, MN
Education
- B.S. Biology – University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 2016
- Wildlife Ecology: Information and Education
- Biology and Captive Wildlife minors
Experience
- Zoo Sci Graduate Assistant – 2018 to present
- Animal Program Keeper at Oglebay Good Zoo – 2018 to present
- Naturalist Intern at Sierra Outdoor School – 2018
- Dolphin Care and Training Intern at Dolphin’s Plus Oceanside – 2017
- Raptor Educator and Intern at Raptor Education Group, Inc. – 2015 to 2016
- Northern Saw-whet Owl Banding and Research – 2014 to 2016
Research and Interest
Sarah’s thesis is entitled, “Empathy and its role in Education and Conservation Action among Zoo Guests”. She is looking at how different methods of educating members of the public about wildlife conservation leads to feelings of empathy and if that impacts what conservation action steps they are willing to do at home. Besides her thesis project, Sarah has also assisted with data collection and writing for a few other projects in Zoo Science.
As an Undergrad, she researched and studied aspects of Northern Saw-whet owl migration patterns and also did a study on Urban White-tailed deer behavioral patterns. Being an active member of The Wildlife Society, she presented her research nationally at their conferences in 2015 and 2016.
Her interests includes longbow archery, dance, painting, and camping.
Haley Wetzel
Wheeling, WV
Education
- B.S. Biology – Duquesne University, 2018
Experience
- Zoo Science GA – 2018 – present
- Marine Mammal Intern at Shedd Aquarium – 2019
- Apprentice at Oglebay’s Good Zoo – 2018
- Undergraduate Researcher – 2016 to 2018
Research and Interest
She is currently working on assessing sea otter and North American river otter husbandry to determine best practices for excellent welfare.
Raychel Sullivan
Laguna Hills, CA
Education
- B.S. Zoology – San Fransico State University
Experience
- West Liberty University Zoo Science Graduate Assistant – present
- Oglebay Good Zoo Apprentice – present
- California Wildlife Center Intern – 2018
Research and Interest
Raychel is still working on what her thesis will focus on, but she is interested in changing the public perception of spotted hyenas and further researching their advanced intelligence.
She also loves traveling and has traveled to Nambia and South Africa to assist in research studies, as well as Thailand to volunteer at an animal sanctuary.
Michelle Williams
Wheeling, WV
Education
- B.S. Biology – West Virginia University – 2019
- Women’s and Gender Studies minor
- Ecology and Environmental Science area of emphasis
Experience
- West Liberty University Zoo Sci Graduate Assistant – present
- Oglebay Institute Schrader Environmental Education Center Nature Day Camp Educator – summer of 2017, 2018, 2019
- Undergraduate Researcher at West Virginia University – 2017 to 2019
Research and Interest
Michelle’s current research interest is captive snake welfare. Her thesis will focus on target training false water cobras and studying the effects of UVB on pythons.
As an Undergrad, she studies the quantification of environmental DNA using spotted salamanders.
In her free time, she enjoys knitting, playing piano, and taking care of her four reptiles at home.
Sydney Ozersky
Ballwin, MO
Education
- B.A. Biochemistry/Molecular Biology – Hendrix College
Experience
- West Liberty University Zoo Sci Graduate Assistant – Present
- Oglebay’s Good Zoo Apprentice – Present
- Laboratory Technician in Genetics at Hendrix College – 2017 to 2019
- Undergraduate Researcher – 2016 to 2017
- ZooTampa at Lowry Park Animal Care Intern (Asian Gardens Department) – Summer 2016
Research and Interest
Sydney’s current research interest is in animal nutrition.
As an undergraduate student, she did genetic research focusing on transcription factors.
In her free time, Sydney enjoys walking her dog, playing sports, cooking, and hiking.