Alexandra L. DeCandia, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow 
Center for Conservation Genomics & Center for Species Survival
Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute

Thank you for visiting my website! Each page contains information regarding my research, education, and outreach activities. As a researcher, I apply tools and concepts from molecular ecology, disease ecology, and conservation biology to inform wildlife management in captivity (e.g., black-footed ferrets) and the wild (e.g., Channel Island foxes and Yellowstone National Park wolves). As an educator, I apply a ​student-centered learning approach to actively engage students and trainees with material, while equipping them with the skills and confidence necessary to pursue scientific research and exploration. As a communicator, I share my love of science with elementary and middle school students through classroom visits, with the public through non-technical science writing, and with my colleagues through publication of peer-reviewed articles and presentations at scientific conferences. Outside of my work, my favorite activities include hiking (especially in National Parks!), exploring new cities, experimenting in the kitchen, and finding creative ways to be more eco-friendly.