Marisa Shender

About

Marisa graduated from Michigan State University in 2008 with a degree in zoology. Her passion for animal behavior led her to Lincoln Park Zoo, where she began as an intern studying ape behavior and space use as part of the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes. During this time, she contributed to the field by assisting with digitizing field notes from Gombe National Park in Tanzania and organizing ethograms form various species to develop an online database.

This internship evolved into a full-time role as a research coordinator, where Marisa played a pivotal role in advancing the center’s work on ape conservation and research. Today, as the Zoo Programs Manager, she oversees the research committees and chairs the zoo’s Institutional Review Board, ensuring ethical standards are upheld across research projects.

In addition to her committee responsibilities, Marisa manages the zoo’s Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation process, conducting regular walkthroughs of the facilities to ensure the zoo meets the rigorous standards required for accreditation. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in bioethics at Ohio State University to further her expertise in ethical considerations within animal care and conservation.

Marisa’s dedication to both research and ethical practice continues to drive the zoo’s mission to inspire, educate, and preserve wildlife.