Oliver Ryder

Oliver Ryder is the Kleberg Endowed Director of Conservation Genetics at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Oliver has dedicated their career to protecting and conserving wildlife.

Oliver began their journey as a Board of Directors member for the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy from January 2007 to March 2012. The Conservancy is a non-profit organization committed to implementing the San Dieguito River Park. This park spans 55 miles from Volcan Mountain near Julian to the ocean between Del Mar and Solana Beach.

In January 2004, Oliver became the Executive Vice-President for the American Genetic Association (AGA). The AGA is the oldest professional genetics society in the United States and was founded by Alexander Graham Bell. The AGA publishes the Journal of Heredity. Oliver remained in this position until December 2011. From 2003-2011, they were also responsible for leading the citizens’ advocacy group, Neighborhood 8A.

Oliver’s passion for conservation genetics began when they joined the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance in 2012. In their current role, they lead a team of scientists who are working to understand and protect the genomes of endangered species. Under their direction, the team has made significant progress in developing new techniques for preserving and restoring genetic diversity.

As a result of their work, Oliver has been recognized as a national leader in conservation genetics. Oliver has received numerous awards and honors, including the John C. Phillips Award from the American Genetic Association (2010) and the Henry Shaw Medal from the Missouri Botanical Garden (2012).

Oliver Ryder is currently a PhD student at UC San Diego. Oliver previously earned their Bachelor of Arts in Biology from University of California, Riverside.