Chris J. Mortensen, PhD
Host
Chris J. Mortensen, Ph.D., is passionate about animal conservation and continues to fight to save endangered species. While growing up in the Untied States of America, Chris is now a resident of New Zealand with his wife Pippa and his children.
The idea of the All Creatures Podcast began after reading “Has the Earth’s 6th Mass Extinction Already Arrived” in the world’s #1 scientific journal, Nature. A very poignant article detailing the rapid loss of biodiversity around the planet. Chris realized as an educator he had an opportunity to try and make a difference. When he was a scientist and educator at the University of Florida he started by educating his students on the global loss of biodiversity. He then transformed his research and began investigating endangered species reproductive physiology. While working with conservation scientist from around the world, his research involved Asian and African elephants, Florida manatee, Rock hyrax, White rhinoceros, to name a few.
Chris earned his doctorate from Texas A&M University with an emphasis on animal reproductive physiology. In 2015, he was awarded the Teacher of the Year award at the University of Florida and was heavily involved across campus working with a diverse cadre of faculty focused on implementing teaching innovations in the classroom. In addition, he is the instructor for the popular The Horse Course, a massive open online course offered through Coursera. Teaching the masses on animals and wildlife conservation is a major goal of his.
The All Creatures Podcast is now recognized as a top Science & Nature podcast that circulates around the globe. Both Chris and Angie believe educating others will be critical to maintaining a healthy and stable planet.
Angie M. Adkin, PhD
Host
Angie Adkin, Ph.D., graduated from University of Florida with her Ph.D. in Animal Physiology. Angie earned her Master’s degree investigating nutrition, reproductive physiology and offspring behavior/cognition in horses. Her Ph.D. research focused on plant-based estrogens (phytoestrogens) in animal feeds and how they impact reproduction in a host of species to include domestic animals and the Southern white rhinoceros.
Angie spent her childhood in South Haven, Michigan, surrounded by acres of rolling farms nestled quietly near the shores of Lake Michigan. Growing up in a family of third generation fruit farmers, Angie readily developed a love for the outdoors, nature, and all creatures, great and small. Angie attended Michigan State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in environmental biology and zoology. Always up for adventure and international exposure, she spent time traveling South America and Africa before starting her career as a zookeeper at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois.
As a zookeeper, Angie spent seven years learning about, caring for, training, and managing many species of both exotic and domestic animals – from reptiles, to dairy cows, to zebras and camels. While at the zoo, Angie assisted with several research projects that focused on assessing the behavior and activity of sable antelope, Grevy’s zebra and Sichuan takin.
Encouraged by the ever-evolving zoo industry and its need for science-backed solutions, Angie was driven to enhance her knowledge of scientific research and ungulate physiology in order to make a positive impact on zoo animal welfare.
This pursuit ultimately led Angie to earning her PhD from the University of Florida. Her graduate research has contributed directly to animal conservation efforts around the globe. Angie continues to work in education and is a recognized leader in the zoological community. She also continues to focus her scientific research in that is enhancing our current knowledge about wildlife reproduction, nutrition, welfare, management and conservation.
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