Conservation Cast

During the third episode of the Conservation Cast, Maya had the incredible opportunity to speak with Ellie Armstrong, a 4th Year PhD candidate at Stanford University. Armstrong's research involves applying genetic tools to answer conservation questions in particular, 1) can genetic testing be used to collect in-situ samples to remove or minimize animal stress?, 2) how can the technology be used to track and combat the illegal animal trade? and 3) how do changes in big cat dispersal patterns affect the genomic landscapes of threatened and endangered cat species?. The duo discussed Ellie's career, the effect illegal poaching and cat trading have on population numbers and some of her career highlights including being the first scientist to sequence a full lion genome.

Exotic Feline Rescue Center

Maya’s community raised $1571 for the Exotic Feline Rescue Center, one of the largest rescue centers in the United States providing forever homes for exotic cats that have been abused, abandoned or rescued.

Episode 02

During the second episode of the Conservation Cast, Maya spoke with Joe Siegrist, a former teacher, zookeeper, and the current President/CEO of the Purple Martin Conservation Association. The duo discussed a variety of topics including the important role Purple Martins play in their ecosystems as aerial insectivores and the challenges conservation efforts face. Another noteworthy point of discussion involved some of the exciting and novel research projects the organization has commenced with citizens and scientists to understand the causes of declining population numbers and what can be done to arrest this downward trend.

Purple Martin Conservation Association

Maya’s community raised $703 for the Purple Martin Conservation Association, an organization using scientific data collection, public education and wildlife management techniques to aid in the conservation efforts of Purple Martins.

Episode 01

During this inaugural episode of the Conservation Cast, Maya is joined by Connor O'Brien from the American Eagle Foundation (AEF). Prior to joining AEF in 2017 and serving as their Digital Marketing Specialist, O'Brien worked full time at an animal hospital while acquiring a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Throughout the podcast connor introduced the community to some of AEF's bird ambassadors including Jupiter the Barn Owl and Challenger the bald eagle. The duo discussed the conservation challenges bald eagles and birds of prey face and the important role social media websites such as twitch.tv play in spreading conservation awareness. Another topic of conversation was the organization's decision to move away from repopulation and rehabilitation efforts and to focus more on conservation and education efforts.

American Eagle Foundation

Mayas community raised $3010 for the American Eagle Foundation, an nonprofit organization founded in 1985 in Tennessee dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the Bald Eagle and other birds of prey.