52nd Annual AAZK National Conference
Conference Program
Professional Certificate Courses
- AAZK Professional Certificate Courses (PCC) are 12-hour educational courses, taught by subject matter experts. At the conclusion of the 12- hour instructional period, a written test is issued, and professional certificates are awarded for those who pass each test and attend all 12 hours of the course.
- Courses are primarily classroom based learning, but some courses may spend time outside of the classroom setting. All PCC Courses will occur from 1:00-5:30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Workshops
- AAZK conference workshops explore a range of topics related to animal care, zoo operations, and conservation. Each day of the conference, workshops will be offered concurrently in the afternoon sessions.
- Attendees who sign up for an AAZK Professional Certificate Course (PCC) will not be able to attend any workshops.
- Attendees may only register for a maximum of two (2) limited workshops (60 participant workshop).
Paper and Poster Presentations
Authors will be allowed 15 minutes for a presentation with five minutes of Q & A immediately following.
- Presentations are scheduled in the main ballroom or during concurrent, themed sessions for a more intimate setting.
Kathayoon Khali
Senior Vice President of Conservation, Education, and Sustainability at the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks
Our keynote speaker is Kathayoon Khali. Shel is the Senior Vice President of Conservation, Education, and Sustainability at the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks. Kathayoon has worked in the zoo and aquarium world as an educator, keeper aide, volunteer, evaluator, researcher, and manager for since 2000. Kathayoon holds a Ph.D. in Learning Sciences from Stanford University, a Masters in Environmental Science from Yale University, and a B.A. in Biology from Claremont McKenna College. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Kathayoon is also a professor for Project Dragonfly at Miami University of Ohio. She loves beaches, mountains, cats, crafts, and running.
Call for Program Content
Share your expertise while contributing to the programming at the AAZK National Conference.
Professional Certificate Courses
AAZK’s PCCs are a great opportunity to expand depth of knowledge and participate in professional development.
Become an AAZK member today
Unlock your potential and join a thriving community of animal care professionals dedicated to making a difference.