The OKC Zoo and Botanical Garden sends this information as posted below:
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden recently welcomed two new researchers to its education team.
Drs. Daniella Biffi and John Chancey began working in the OKC Zoo’s Education Department in April and May.
“Effective education is vital to the OKC Zoo’s conservation mission. To achieve this, we need robust evaluation of our educational programs and conservation messaging,” said Rebecca Snyder, OKC Zoo’s Chief Mission Programs Officer. “We were fortunate to add two talented scientists, Dr. Biffi and Dr. Chancey, to our team to lead these evaluation efforts.”
Dr. Biffi is an interdisciplinary biologist and science education researcher. She earned a Master’s degree in Biology and a doctorate in Science Education from Texas Christian University. Recently, she worked on sustainable seafood issues in Peru. Her previous work focused on marine otters, Texas horned lizards, and multimodal communication in science education.
As a member of the Zoo’s education team, she will focus on the Making Tracks Program, sponsored by Bob Moore Subaru, that aims to provide learning experiences for all Oklahoma third grade classes to engage with the Zoo’s new Expedition Africa, as well evaluating other educational programs.
Originally from Moore, Oklahoma, Dr. Chancey earned an associate’s degree from Oklahoma City Community College, a bachelors and doctorate from the University of Oklahoma, and a masters of education from the University of Central Oklahoma. Their work focuses on improving educational outcomes through psychology, including conceptual changes and transformative experiences. They’re especially interested in dispelling myths about zoos and conservation while making education more engaging and meaningful.
“Conservation education empowers people of all ages to make a difference in their communities,” Chancey said. “That’s the kind of work I want to be part of.”
The Oklahoma City Zoo’s regular daytime hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry at 4 p.m. Now through Labor Day, ZOOfriends members can enter early at 8:30 a.m. to beat the heat. Avoid the entry lines and purchase advance Zoo admission tickets online at okczoo.org/tickets. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the OKC Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District.
Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. Zoo more with a ZOOfriends membership! As a ZOOfriends member of the Oklahoma City Zoo, enjoy free admission for 12-months, plus additional benefits and discounts. You will also be supporting the Zoo’s animal family, education programming, and conservation initiatives both locally and globally. Join or renew today at www.okczoo.org/membership.
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