A Path to a Career in Animal Conservation with Dr. Elena Ruggeri, PhD
Ever since childhood, Elena Ruggeri dreamed of working with animals. Today, she fulfills that dream as a scientist in the Reproductive Sciences department at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Throughout her talk, Dr. Ruggeri shared the story of her career journey. 
After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in veterinary biotechnologies at the University of Milano in Italy, she crossed the Atlantic to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University. She emphasized the importance of her professional network in helping her make that leap. At Colorado State, she focused on equine reproduction and area of expertise that would later prove invaluable.
Upon graduating, Dr. Ruggeri faced uncertainty. Her dream was to work at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, but her first application was unsuccessful. Undeterred, she joined Dr. Paolo Rinaudo’s laboratory as a postdoctoral scientist, where she studied sexual dimorphism in mice. Again uncertain of her next steps but unable to work for the Zoo, she accepted a position in a human embryo lab. Although she enjoyed the work, she longed to return to her true passion: animals. She stayed connected with colleagues at the Zoo, and within a year, a new scientist position opened. This time, she was offered the role showing that her persistence and dedication landed her dream job.
In the years since, Dr. Ruggeri has thrived at the Zoo. No two days are alike: some involve collecting eggs from rhinos in the field, while others are spent analyzing data or collaborating with wildlife experts worldwide. Currently, she is working to establish a protocol for retrieving eggs from the Southern White rhinoceros, with the ultimate goal of saving its critically endangered relative, the Northern White rhinoceros, from extinction. When asked how her team decides which species to prioritize, Dr. Ruggeri highlighted the importance of collaboration. By focusing on species where local experts are already engaged, Dr. Ruggeri’s team ensures that their efforts complement conservation work happening in native habitats.
Dr. Ruggeri also explained the broader mission of the Zoo’s reproductive sciences program, to preserve species that are threatened but not yet extinct. By maintaining genetic diversity, these species have a better chance to thrive. A key resource in this effort is the “Frozen Zoo,” the world’s most extensive wildlife biodiversity bank. It stores reproductive tissue from countless species, with a goal of preserving gametes which can be thawed and reintroduced to strengthen genetic diversity and reduce inbreeding.
Throughout her talk, Dr. Ruggeri returned to two themes, networking/collaboration and perseverance. Dr. Ruggeri maintained essential relationships with colleagues and mentors that helped in her career path and is integral to her work. Today, Dr. Ruggeri not only advances groundbreaking science but also embodies the determination required to protect Earth’s biodiversity for generations to come.