THE TEAM

BAPP began in 2007 when Zara McDonald, Executive Director of Felidae Conservation Fund, and Dr. Chris Wilmers, an Environmental Ecology Researcher at UC Santa Cruz, decided to work together to create an innovative merging of research and education. This unusual mix of skills enables the project to leverage its scientific insights to change public attitudes, and produce maximum conservation benefits for the local environment.

Zara McDonald - Co-Founder
Felidae Conservation Fund, Founder & Executive Director
Zara directs the project's overall impact, including conservation strategy and community education, and is also closely involved in the development of research goals and methodologies. She provides critical operational expertise and support to the field research, and is currently working to initiate the Phase-2 field study in the East Bay.

Dr. Chris Wilmers - Co-Founder, Principal Investigator for Santa Cruz research
University of California at Santa Cruz, Assistant Professor
Chris directs the ongoing field research in Santa Cruz, and he develops and evaluates the scientific principles that guide it. He is responsible for the data analysis and research reports produced from the study, and is responsible for field protocols and animal welfare during field activities.

Paul Houghtaling - Field Biologist
University of California at Santa Cruz
Paul is responsible for hands-on field activities including tracking and capture of study cats, downloading collar data, setting up motion-sensing cameras, and examining kill sites.

Cliff Wiley - Tracker and Capture Expert
California Department of Fish and Game
With over 30 years experience tracking and capturing pumas, Cliff is a highly skilled houndsman who conducts field activities including tracking, captures, and radio telemetry.

Michael Land - Development Director
Felidae Conservation Fund
With a background in online media and interactive entertainment, Michael is responsible for developing the project's online technologies, including the interactive web portal and the educational game.

Craig Schroeder - Outreach Manager
Felidae Conservation Fund
Craig manages the project's relationships with community organizations related to education and outreach. He plans events and activities, develops school-related programs, and communicates with teachers and local organizations.

Ally Nauer - Development Manager
Felidae Conservation Fund
A recent graduate in Environmental Science and Ecology, Ally manages a variety of programs and activities, including events, presentations, marketing materials, the Felidae website, and communications with many local organizations.

Peter Corkey - Educational Program Manager
Felidae Conservation Fund
Peter manages the Cat Aware Education Program. He coordinates with educators to schedule the Program activities and leads the Program activities.