Ryan Valdez

Ryan Valdez has a diverse and extensive work experience in the field of conservation science. Ryan is currently serving as the Senior Director for Conservation Science at the National Parks Conservation Association, where they lead a team in applying multidisciplinary science to protect US national parks. Ryan has also held the position of Director of Conservation Science at the same organization, where they built science resources and collaborated with conservation partners. Prior to their work at the National Parks Conservation Association, Ryan worked at George Mason University as a Course Instructor and Academic Director for the Kenya Wildlife & Conservation study abroad program. Ryan also served as a lecturer and TA for ecology courses at the university. Earlier in their career, Ryan worked at the Smithsonian Institution as a Doctoral Research Fellow, studying the impacts of anthropogenic activities on wildlife in Kenya, and as the Director of Amazon GIS, where they created an interactive mapping platform for improved decision-making in the Amazon basin. Ryan also worked as an Exhibit and Research Fellow at the Smithsonian's National Zoo, engaging visitors and managing projects related to conservation biology. Ryan's early work experience includes positions as a Seasonal Biologist at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where they conducted research and monitoring on wolf populations in Minnesota and participated in sea turtle conservation efforts in Mexico. Throughout their career, Ryan has demonstrated a strong commitment to conservation and has utilized their expertise in science and research to protect natural resources and educate others about the importance of environmental conservation.

Ryan Valdez has a comprehensive education history that begins with their enrollment at Texas Southmost College from 1988 to 1990, where they pursued basic coursework in Biology, General. Following this, they attended Texas A&M University from 1990 to 1993 and obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Wildlife Ecology. Seeking further specialization, Ryan then attended Yale University from 1994 to 1996, where they earned a Master of Forest Science (MFS) degree in Conservation Ecology. Lastly, Ryan pursued their Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Environmental Science at George Mason University, completing their studies in 2015. Overall, Ryan Valdez's educational background demonstrates a strong focus on the fields of Ecology, Conservation, and Environmental Science.