New Zealand Conference Bite-Sized Interviews: Miranda Brauns

Miranda Brauns is passionate about leveraging ethology to develop effective strategies for animal care, conservation, and sustainability. Her career goal is to apply behavioral-based approaches to advance animal welfare, particularly focusing on species in the wild and under human care. Miranda finds joy in working with diverse species and exploring topics such as enrichment use, habitat space utilization, and social dynamics. She believes in the power of public outreach to drive meaningful change and aims to inspire others to become advocates for animal welfare. With a background in advanced scientific methods, behavioral research, and zoo policies, Miranda holds a Master of Science in Animal Biology with a specialization in behavior and welfare, along with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a focus on ecology and conservation. Miranda gained valuable experience at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, where she developed a deep understanding of zoo operations and Species Survival Plans. Internships at Disney's Animal Kingdom and the Duke Lemur Center further honed her skills in studying animal behavior. Through her work, Miranda is dedicated to promoting the role of zoos in animal sustainability, conservation efforts, and public engagement. She is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of animals and is proud to be part of a community striving to enact meaningful change.