Dr. Emma Thompson, Taronga Conservation Society, Australia
Dr. Lauren Cole, Taronga Conservation Society, Australia
Oceania
In 2018, Taronga Conservation Society Australia (TCSA) opened the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning. The first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, TISL brings scientists, educators and students together under one roof to undertake research, teach and learn. With teaching and research labs, lecture theatre, seminar rooms and state of the art immersive classrooms, plus a World renowned zoo outside the front doors, our education facilities are second-to-none. Taronga’s education portfolio fit straight touting curriculum-based school activities plus the Taronga Training Institute providing accredited training in captive animals and animal studies.
But there was something missing, a gap in Taronga’s education portfolio, a Bachelor’s degree. In 2019, TCSA formed an Education Alliance with the University of Sydney to offer undergraduate students the unique opportunity to embark on a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Taronga Wildlife Conservation) degree. A degree to inspire and empower students to become the next generation of wildlife conservation professionals and influencers, collectively securing a healthy future for wildlife and people.
This degree is a collaboration between two of Sydney’s most iconic institutions, with students benefitting from world-renowned experts and leaders at both. Working alongside our colleagues at the University of Sydney, we design and deliver transformative education experiences with lectures, practicals and fieldwork taking place at the university, Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, NSW. Our joint commitment to the Education Alliance ensures students are provided with the expertise and skills to be job ready for their forthcoming careers.
Speaker Biography
Emma Thompson has been the University Program Coordinator and Lecturer for Taronga Conservation Society Australia since the launch of the Taronga Wildlife Conservation Bachelor’s degree in 2019. With a PhD in, and love of, marine biology, passing on her knowledge by inspiring and engaging students has always been a passion. Leading a small team, and working alongside colleagues at Taronga and the University of Sydney, Emma designs a delivers unique student learning experiences. And gets to witness firsthand the amazing conservation work at Taronga.
Lauren Cole serves as Associate Lecturer for Taronga Conservation Society Australia. In this role, she works closely with Taronga and the University of Sydney to design and deliver an undergraduate degree in wildlife conservation. Lauren is passionate about conservation and has focused her career on inspiring the next generation of conservation champions. Prior to her time at Taronga, she has worked as a researcher and education coordinator at numerous academic and conservation organizations both in Australia and the USA. Lauren holds a PhD Aquatic Ecology, a BSc in Marine Biology and is currently completing a MEd in Conservation Education.