Mandi Schook is science operations director at Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, where she oversees animal and conservation science. A Florida native, Schook completed postdoctoral fellowships at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden’s Center for Research of Endangered Wildlife, studying reproduction and metabolism in equids, rhinos and cats.
“Mandi Schook is a brilliant thinker. As a welfare scientist by training, she applies her behavioral change theory as she builds high-performing teams, helps shape global strategy for animal welfare and conservation, and develops impact-driven initiatives,” said one person who nominated her.
They added: “Mandi is one of the most collaborative people I’ve ever worked with and she is willing to challenge status-quo thinking to find a better way. Mandi is thoughtful and often behind the scenes, but her keen observation skills make her the perfect person to weigh in on the systematic change needed to achieve more impactful outcomes. Mandi is a joy to work with and a gift to the zoological community.”