Who We Are
The Wildlife Research Alliance is dedicated to making the field of conservation behavior research more diverse and equitable. We study animal behavior as it relates to conservation, and we believe that the only way to advance this field is by breaking down the barriers to entry faced by many individuals from marginalized communities. Through fair living wages, assistance with purchasing field gear, accessible mentorship, and educational programs, the WRA is leading the charge on this important initiative.
Wildlife Research Alliance Mission Statement:
Our mission is to advance the field of conservation behavior and guide it to an equitable and diverse future by conducting innovative research in a variety of species and ecosystems while providing fully funded internship opportunities to individuals from underrepresented minorities and communities.
Meet our Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is comprised of individuals who bring a wide range of skills and experiences to the Wildlife Research Alliance with the common goal of a more equitable world.
Amber Lea Kincaid
Executive Director
Amber Lea has an MA in Animal Behavior and Conservation from Hunter College in New York, NY, which she put to use in a five-year marine animal stranding career before creating the Wildlife Research Alliance. She is committed to justice, equity, and representation in all spaces, especially in STEM fields. Her dream in life is to harness the excitement we feel for science as small children and use that to save the world.
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Elizabeth McLaughlin
Secretary
Liz brings almost a decade of experience as a project and operations manager in marketing, driving success across a spectrum of clients, including B2B, B2C, and non-profit organizations. Holding a BFA from Manhattanville College affords her ability to combine creative intuition with strategic prowess to deliver innovative marketing solutions. Originally from New England, Liz is dedicated to forging impactful connections and achieving excellence for the WRA’s digital marketing campaigns
Jouvay Pantophlet
Board Member
Jouvay has an MA in Animal Behavior and Conservation with a thesis focused on innovative solutions to Naked Mole-rat husbandry and improved welfare in captive settings. They have 10+ years of experience in animal care and 5+ years of conservation field experience for local NYC species.
They also help facilitate the American Association of Laboratory Animal Enrichment's Virtual Journal Club and have a long history of organizing and participating in events that advocate for Queer, and especially trans, rights.
Danielle Shields
Board Member
Danielle Shields brings a strong background in business development and nonprofit leadership to the Wildlife Research Alliance board. She has led community-focused initiatives at the local science and history museum and played a key role in scaling the startup men’s beard and hair care company, GIBS Grooming, through strategic growth and outreach. Passionate about conservation and active community building, Danielle regularly participates in trail clean-ups and nature-based events in Fort Collins, CO. Her work reflects a deep commitment to connecting people with the natural world and supporting sustainable, community-driven impact.
Jamie Abbt
Board Member
Jamie is an animal care and behavior professional, working in the field since 2011. Their experience includes zoo animal husbandry, municipal animal shelter work, private pet care, small scale agricultural production, large lab colonies, and veterinary medicine. Their journey began at Unity College, with a passion for animal behavior and wildlife conservation, which they currently study in their MA program at Hunter College.
In addition to their professional pursuits, Jamie is also a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in New York State and works closely with the Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. They are the administrator of a veterinary hospital and work toward creating a community-based approach to animal care and wildlife conservation through education and events.
Diversity Statement
The Wildlife Research Alliance was founded to address the need for equity and access in the conservation behavior field. We know that scientific discovery is better and faster with a diverse array of contributing minds, so we believe everyone should have a seat at the table, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, or ethnicity.