Environment and Health Seminar Series: One Health in Action: Wildlife Conservation and Disease Prevention in a Changing World with Dr. Sarah H. Olson
When and Where
Speakers
Description
The School of the Environment invites you to virtually attend this seminar led by Dr. Sarah H. Olson, as part of our 2026 Environment and Health Seminar Series.
Register here to attend online.
About the Seminar
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), a global nonprofit organization with locally-led offices in over 50 countries, saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, capacity building and inspiring people to value nature. A pioneer of the One Health movement, WCS has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation and wildlife health since it was founded, recognizing that intact, functional, and resilient ecosystems provide the foundation for life, health, and well-being for all on our planet. The WCS Health Program (HP) is recognized as a global leader in health-conservation initiatives, implementing interdisciplinary, multi-sectoral programs around the world to prevent, detect, and respond to diverse health threats to wildlife, domestic animals, and people from a local to global scale. Dr. Olson works at the interface of wildlife, domestic animals, and human activity where the opportunity for infectious disease spillover, AMR, environmental pollution and other disruptions to ecosystems and health is greatest, and where proactive approaches can optimize benefits for all. This talk will focus on WCS’ research to address conservation and infectious diseases threats in a rapidly changing world.
About the Speaker
Dr. Sarah H. Olson (LinkedIn)
Dr. Sarah Olson is the Director of Health Research for the Wildlife Conservation Society. She trained in environmental studies and public health, researching the influence of deforestation and the environment on human malaria. More recently her research focuses on front-line wildlife conservation and One Health challenges, including the wildlife trade and emerging infectious diseases, high consequence pathogens in great apes and bats, avian influenza in wild birds, and white-nose syndrome in North American bats. She applies that diverse research experience investigating and mitigating wildlife health and zoonotic disease threats, often associated with anthropogenic drivers, and helping grow sustainable and effective wildlife health surveillance systems.