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Martha is the Conservation Impact Manager at the Houston Zoo where she is responsible for evaluating and collecting results from the Zoos’ and conservation partners’ work to save wildlife. Raised in rural Western New York, most of her childhood was spent outdoors - exploring nature, climbing trees, and bringing wildlife home! Although connected to animals, she never considered a career in wildlife conservation a viable option. Fascinated by human culture, she graduated from Lafayette College with a BA in International Affairs and Spanish. Following her undergrad and building from experience mentoring kids of all ages, she worked as an educator, which eventually led her to a position in the education department of the Houston Zoo. Her experience in an educator role solidified her passion for connecting people to wildlife. After 3 years teaching and designing educational programs she moved into the conservation depart of the Houston Zoo. Martha feels fortunate to be surrounded by more than 450 staff working to save wildlife at the Houston Zoo, in addition to the more than 30 field conservation partners the Zoo works with globally. She is interested in the use of social and behavioral sciences, how conservation psychology can become a major tool to protect wildlife, and how zoos and aquariums can engage their guests to be agents of change for the protection of species.