On Wednesday, Oct. 22, the Career and Conservation Workshop, hosted in partnership with the Detroit Zoological Society, gave students a behind-the-scenes look at careers in animal welfare, research and conservation. The event featured two speakers from the Detroit Zoo, Mark Vassallo, curator of amphibians, and Grace, director of animal welfare and research, who shared their career journeys, field experiences and advice.
Mark Vassallo began the session by outlining his path from studying biology in school to working on global amphibian conservation projects. His talk highlighted the critical work of the National Amphibian Conservation Center at the Detroit Zoo, which addresses the growing extinction crisis among amphibians.
Vassallo discussed international projects like the Wyoming toad and Puerto Rican crested toad reintroduction efforts, as well as the challenges of breeding endangered species and releasing them into the wild. He also mentioned more local initiatives, like mudpuppy monitoring in the Detroit River, the FrogWatch program, and a toad mortality study on Belle Isle aimed at protecting native amphibians.
“Indicator species like frogs and mudpuppies tell us a lot about the health of our environment,” Vassallo said. “When they struggle, it means our ecosystems are struggling too.”
Beyond fieldwork, he stressed the importance of public education and collaboration with universities and nonprofit organizations, noting that conservation is as much about people as it is about animals.
The second speaker, Grace Fuller, started by sharing her path into zoological research, starting with a psychology degree, then a master’s in cultural anthropology, and eventually a Ph.D. project in Kenya studying nocturnal primates. Her story showed students the value of varied backgrounds and how behavioral science can shape better animal welfare practices.
At the Detroit Zoo, Fuller oversees programs within the Center for Zoo Animal Welfare and Ethics, which studies animal behavior, stress indicators and environmental enrichment. She described how the zoo began formal animal welfare assessments in 2018, signaling a major shift toward more evidence-based care.
“Our goal is to understand what animals need to thrive, not just survive,” she said. “That takes research, compassion, and teamwork between animal care and science.”
Fuller also encouraged students to get involved through internships and volunteer programs. Roles including data collection, behavioral observation and assisting with research projects can provide valuable hands-on experience for anyone pursuing a career in conservation and animal science.
“Start where you can,” Fuller said. “Every bit of experience helps, and you never know where it might lead.”
Overall both speakers agreed that volunteering or interning at any level is important. A great first step could be working at a zoo, nature center, or local rescue program. They also highlighted their travel opportunities, field research and the personal fulfillment that comes from helping to protect and maintain wildlife.
“The zoo world is always changing,” Vassallo said. “New technology, new conservation challenges, new ways of connecting with people — it’s a field that demands both heart and adaptability.”
The Lunch and Learn concluded with pizza and a Q&A session, leaving students full and excited about the ever evolving field of zoo-based research and conservation.
