Staten Island Zoo AFTER DARK

SIZ After Dark is your chance to visit the zoo after hours for an adult only evening of informative talks about contemporary conservation issues. The event includes animal presentations and a chance to meet scientists working to solve real-world issues. Enjoy cocktails and light refreshments surrounded by exotic animals in our beautiful zoo setting.

January 17 – Conservation Conversations: Oceans

Keynote Speakers:

Kim McKown, New York State  DEC  Crustacean Unit Leader - Kim McKown received her Masters degree from Stony Brook University in Marine Environmental Sciences.  She has worked for the Department of Environmental Conservation for over 30 years.  She began her career working in the Diadromous Fish Unit managing striped bass and Atlantic Sturgeon.  She is currently the leader of the Marine Invertebrate and Protected Resources Unit, better known as snails to whales.  Since 2004 her Unit has been working collaboratively with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County to monitor spawning horseshoe crabs in New York.

Dr. Elizabeth Suter, Department of Biological Sciences, Wagner College - Dr. Elizabeth Suter has been an Assistant Professor of Microbiology at Wagner College since 2017 where she teaches in the Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology, and Environmental Studies programs. She received a PhD and MS degree in Marine and Atmospheric Sciences from Stony Brook University and a BA degree from CUNY Hunter College in Environmental Studies. Dr. Suter's research focuses on microbial communities in aquatic ecosystems and the roles of microorganisms in mitigating, altering, or exacerbating pollution.