Who we are

Alonso Aguirre

Co-editor
Wildlife Trust, Palisades, NY, USA

Dr. Alonso Aguirre is Director for Conservation Medicine at Wildlife Trust, based in Palisades , New York . He is cofounder and executive committee member of the Consortium for Conservation Medicine. He serves as Clinical Assistant Professor at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and as Research Professor at Columbia University . After obtaining his doctorate in veterinary medicine he received a M.S. in wildlife biology and epidemiology and a Ph.D. in wildlife biology and protected areas management from Colorado State University . His experience includes a post-doctorate at Oregon State University and the National Park Service, a Visiting Professorship at the Wildlife Department, Swedish Veterinary Institute, Uppsala , and being a Veterinary Medical Officer for NMFS Protected Species Investigations heading a pioneering epidemiology program for Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles. Dr. Aguirre's research focuses on the ecology of wildlife disease and the links to human health, ecological health and conservation of biodiversity, and has been instrumental in revealing the impact of emerging diseases of marine wildlife populations. Dr. Aguirre has served as the Wildlife Disease Association Latin American Section Chair and President Elect of the American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians. He had advised the Center for Environmental Russian Policy, IUCN, Office International Des Epizooties, Diversitas, Smithsonian Institution, Institut für Zoo-und Wildtierforschung ( Berlin ), Institut Français de la Biodiversité ( Paris ), PAHO, Smithsonian Institution and UNEP among others. He co-authored the books 'Conservation Medicine: Ecological Health in Practice' and 'Helminths of Wildlife: A Global Perspective' and has published over 160 publications in peer-reviewed journals. As well as receiving the Harry Jalanka Memorial Medal from Finland - the most prestigious award in zoological and wildlife medicine - his work has received extensive media coverage in Bioscience, Conservation In Practice, Environmental Health Perspectives, the New York Times, Trends in Ecology and Evolution and international print TV and radio media.