Richard P. Reading, Ph.D.- Conservation Biology Director

Dr. Reading is the founder and director of the Denver Zoo's Department of Conservation Biology. Rich holds a Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology from Yale University and Master's degrees in Environmental Studies, Wildlife Ecology, and Philosophy. In addition to his position with the Denver Zoo, Rich is an Associate Research Professor at the University of Denver and holds Adjunct Faculty positions at Colorado Sate University and the University of Montana. Dr. Reading also serves on the board of trustees for several environmental organizations.

Areas of Expertise: Dr. Reading works on interdisciplinary techniques of conservation biology. His areas of interest include grasslands conservation, endangered species conservation, species reintroductions, values and attitudes toward wildlife and conservation, and improving policy approaches to conservation. Currently Dr. Reading's research focuses on native Mongolian ungulates, specifically Bactrian Camels and Argali Sheep. He is also heavily involved in the conservation of Black-tailed prairie dogs.


Dave M. Augeri, Ph.D. - Coordinator of Conservation Biology

Dr. Augeri is the coordinator of Conservation Biology at the Denver Zoo. Dave holds a Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Cambridge, a Masters degree in Ecology and Forest Sciences from Colorado State University with additional interdisciplinary Masters work in Environmental Studies at Yale University, and a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Geology from Colby College. In addition to his position with the Denver Zoo, Dave is an Associate Research Professor at the University of Denver and holds an Adjunct Faculty position at Colorado State University. Dr. Augeri also serves as a field supervisor and committee member for graduate students at other universities in the U.S. and abroad, advises on research and conservation projects around the world, and is on the Board of Trustees for several environmental organizations.

Areas of Expertise: Dr. Augeri conducts research on population dynamics, inter-specific interactions, wildlife-habitat relationships, and the effects of biogeography, habitat fragmentation, and human disturbance on animal and community ecology. Dr. Augeri's current research is focused on large and medium-sized carnivores in Southeast Asia and the Americas, Asian elephants, and community dynamics. Dave is also working on improving models and non-invasive wildlife study techniques that can be used for more accurate population estimates, long-term monitoring, and landscape-level conservation. Results of his work are applied to species and landscape conservation plans, reserve designs, public education and training programs, and environmental policy.


Amy L. Masching - Conservation Specialist

Amy holds a B.A. in English with a concentration in Editing and Publishing from the University of Illinois and a Masters certificate in Nonprofit Management from Regis University. Amy's work with the department includes editing, research assistance, outreach, education, and office management.

For more information on Conservation Biology please contact amasching@denverzoo.org.

Currently Denver Zoo is not accepting unsolicited proposals for research.