Heather R. Taft, Ph.D. - Conservation Biologist and Writer

I have had a passion for biology since I was a kid backpacking through the Sierras, skiing in Lake Tahoe, and camping throughout California.  I knew I wanted to spend my life helping protect these wonderful species I encountered in wild places.  I received my Ph.D. in Biology from the University of California, Riverside. The focus of my dissertation was on conservation genetics.  I also have an M.S. in Education from the University of Wisconsin - Stout.

I am now the Lead Faculty for Natural Science at Colorado State University - Global Campus.  I have also taught graduate classes in conservation for Project Dragonfly in conjunction with the Brookfield Zoo outside of Chicago, and San Diego Zoo Global.  I am also the chairperson for the Strategic Planning Committee withing the Society for Conservation Biology's Conservation Genetics Working Group.

I have three publications in peer reviewed journals. I have also discovered a passion for writing for the public. I have been published in several locations, including Science, Model Aviation, and on the Cheetah Conservation Fund website.  My current projects have taken me towards science-based books for kids.  I'm currently working on a children's chapter book, and have plans for more non-fiction books for kids and adults in the future.