Amanda Flannery

Majored in Conservation Biology
Miami University , Class of 2018
From Glendale Hts, Ill.

I am a graduate of Miami University's Project Dragonfly Advanced Inquiry Program, earning my Master's in Conservation Biology. My primary focus has been the conservation of sharks. I have had the opportunity to work in the field with the Shedd Aquarium's Marine and Island Ecology Lab in the Bahamas in May 2016, working on several projects including the larval fish project, queen conch study, and the Northern Bahamian Rock Iguana study. In November of 2017 I traveled to Baja to intern with Whale Shark Diaries on a whale shark photo identification project. Back at home, I've been fortunate to volunteer, intern, and work for several AZA accredited institutions including Shedd Aquarium, Brookfield Zoo, and Cosley Zoo. In April of 2017, I launched my shark conservation and education blog: An Ocean for Sharks (oceanforsharks.wordpress.com). To expand my reach I also created a Facebook Page (Facebook.com/AnOceanForSharks) and Instagram (@oceanforsharks). In July 2018, I started a business venture, Shark Spot on Etsy, which has allowed me to blend my art with conservation.

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Education

Miami University
North Central College

Amanda in the News

Amanda Flannery Awarded Degree from Miami University

Amanda Flannery of Glendale Hts was among more than 1,000 students from Miami University who received degrees during fall commencement exercises Friday, December 14, 2018, at Millett Hall. Flanner...

February, 04 2019 - Verified by Miami University

Conservation leader Amanda Flannery finishing master's studies

Glendale Hts, Ill., resident Amanda Flannery has been applying the tools of science, education and conservation to become a leader in the conservation community. In mid-December 2018, Flannery is e...

December, 11 2018 - Verified by Miami University

Amanda Williams accepted into master's degree program through Miami University's Project Dragonfly

Glendale Hts, Ill. (60139) resident Amanda Williams was recently accepted into the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) and will be taking classes toward a Master of Arts degree in biology from Miami Un...

September, 02 2016 - Verified by Miami University

Work Experience

Founder and Designer at Shark Spot

Blending my art with conservation: it's Conservation with a Splash of Color

July 2018 - Present

Seasonal Zookeeper at Cosley Zoo

Responsible for daily care and management of domestic and wild animal collections native to Illinois which included reptiles, amphibians, songbirds, raptors, and several large and small mammal species. Knowledgeable in the use of targeting, shifting and operant conditioning techniques to gain positive behaviors from animals. Implemented a behavioral observation and data analysis protocol for interns and volunteers.

January 2018 - May 2018

Conservation Intern at whale shark diaries

Field research study of transient and resident whale shark populations in La Paz Bay using photo identification techniques. Experience freediving, underwater photography, and boat skills. Used computer photo analysis to compare identification markers.

November 2017 - December 2017

Animal Care Intern at Cosley Zoo

Worked side by side zookeeper staff and independently to perform routine feeding, cleaning and general husbandry for domestic and wild animals. Implemented enrichment activities designed to maintain their quality of life and improve their overall physical health and conditioning. Knowledgeable in the use of targeting, shifting and operant conditioning techniques to gain positive behaviors from animals.

July 2017 - November 2017

Founder and Blogger at An Ocean For Sharks

Informal education blog platform with the goal of promoting shark conservation initiatives. Follow at https://www.oceanforsharks.wordpress.com/

April 2017 - Present

Animal Welfare Research Intern at Chicago Zoological Society- Brookfield Zoo

Responsible for collecting behavioral observation data for 60 mammalian carnivore species over an 8 week period, analyzing data, correlating curator reports, and presenting the data before senior staff. Managed independent research project into inter/intra species personality. Responsible for newborn okapi calf behavior observations.

January 2017 - June 2017

Animal Care Volunteer at Cosley Zoo

Worked side by side with zookeeper staff to perform routine feeding, cleaning and general husbandry for domestic and wild animals.

September 2016 - December 2016

Projects + Publications

Winifred the Wondrous Whale Shark

Winifred the Wondrous Whale Shark shares the experiences of a marine biologist, Amanda, and Winifred the whale shark. Through the simple, visual narrative, Amanda individually recognizes and tracks whale sharks, and follows Winifred, as Amanda tries to learn more about Winifred’s mysterious life. It aims to excite young readers about marine biology and develop positive attitudes surrounding sharks. It is an excellent entry-level book for families with young children to enjoy, filled with hand-painted illustrations to captivate readers.

Publications

Curriculum Vitae

Resume

Badges Awarded