Tierra Smiley Evans

I am a veterinary epidemiologist at the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center (WHC) at the University of California, Davis. My research is focused on novel methods for non-invasive wildlife health diagnostics. I have developed several techniques for non-invasive viral surveillance in wildlife including a technique to recover herpesviruses from discarded chewed plants. I molecularly described the first beta and gamma herpesviruses detected in mountain gorillas and used discarded chewed plants to show the epidemiologic similarities between mountain gorilla and human herpesvirus transmission. I have experience leading wildlife health projects in Rwanda, Uganda, Nepal and Myanmar and now lead the WHC’s collaborative project with the government of Myanmar and the National Institutes of Health, investigating viral sharing between humans and wildlife in elephant logging camps in Myanmar.

Alison Jeffrey

I am a third-year veterinary student at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. My professional interests include wildlife, zoo, and conservation medicine. My long-term career goal is to contribute to the resolution of conservation issues surrounding threatened species both domestically and internationally by incorporating clinical work and wildlife research projects into a veterinary career. I am excited to be starting this career path by contributing to the study of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus in Asian elephants.

Janine Brown

I am a research biologist with over 30 years of experience conducting wildlife research that leads to better management and conservation of endangered species. I have developed techniques to measure hormones and other biomarkers in serum, plasma, urine, feces, hair and saliva of dozens of species, and in doing so have amassed an extensive database demonstrating the diversity of reproductive, health and stress response mechanisms that exist in the natural world. I am a world authority on elephants, and as the Reproductive Advisor to the Elephant Taxon Advisory Group, my laboratory plays a key role in ex situ management plans for Asian and African elephants in the United States. I also conduct collaborative research on reproduction, health and welfare of elephants in range countries, including Thailand, Sri Lanka, Laos and Myanmar, and provide advice and direct research assistance to improving management of captive elephants around the globe.

Zabe Ho

I grew up in the 'urban jungle' but was inspired by my grandfather U Chain Ho, the Chief Conservator of Myanmar Forest (1948-1962) and hence, fell in love with nature, the forest and elephants. I have been working in the Tourism industry as a French speaking tour guide since 2002. I operate an ethical, hands-off elephant/oozie educational experience (“Life in Oozie Village Ecohut” L.O.V.E.) at Elephant Hospital under the umbrella of Myanmar Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation.
This ethical tourism project creates opportunities for oozies and their families to learn new skills and feel a stronger sense of purpose in caring for this important endangered species. Visitors can observe elephants in their natural habitat and can learn about the unique relationship between the oozies and elephants who live in harmony with the forest. More recently, I have became involved with hosting and assisting in organizing educational workshops which can be of great benefit to the Burmese veterinarians who care for elephants. The workshops are designed to share international expertise on topics related to elephant management, diagnostics and clinical care.

Christine Molter

I am a staff veterinarian at the Houston Zoo in Houston, Texas and coordinate the zoo's EEHV collaborations. The Houston Zoo is a leader in the global movement to save wildlife and is dedicated to EEHV research, clinical case management, and international working group support. I earned my DVM at the University of Wisconsin in 2011 and completed a residency in Zoological Medicine through the University of California, Davis and San Diego Zoo Global in 2015. I became a Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine in 2016.

Maya Iyer

I am a second-year veterinary student at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. My interest in EEHV started at an early age, as I grew up in Houston, Texas following the work of the Houston Zoo and Baylor College of Medicine on captive and wild elephant health. My primary career interest is in zoological and conservation medicine, and I am excited to be involved in the furthering of EEHV research at this early stage in my career.