Michelle Szydlowski

Education

Ph.D. in Anthrozoology

Biography

... spent decades teaching in public schools, zoos, museums, and veterinary colleges before following her passion and obtaining a Ph.D. in Anthrozoology. Her early research focused on how novel practices in ecotourism impact community-based conservation efforts for rhinos and elephants in Nepal. Michelle’s current research focuses on captive elephants in Nepal, their health and welfare, and the health and welfare of the members of marginalized communities who care for them.  This research includes an examination of governmental, NGO, and INGO programs which purport to help captive elephants and how their interactions impact both population-level health and individual elephant lives.

When not teaching, Michelle can be found speaking or writing about her work in Nepal, conservation, anthrozoology, and neurodiversity (from student and teacher perspectives). Michelle also serves on the boards of animal-based non-profits, and co-hosts The Anthrozoology Podcast and Anthrozoology Speaks, platforms for discussions about complex species relationships.

As a long-time believer in experiential, real world education, Michelle is thrilled to join the faculty of Project Dragonfly! Finding a program that combines passion for education with opportunities to influence sustainability and ecological change is a dream come true. Like Project Dragonfly, Michelle believes building global relationships is key to personal and professional development.