Let’s meet Megan! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’ve always had a love for animals especially monkeys. I graduated college with a degree in marine biology and environmental science but didn’t really have an idea of what I wanted to do. I started working in a research lab just as a caretaker with the NHPs and finally found my direction. From there I started working my way up the ladder to become an animal behaviorist. I found ABI and the laboratory animal behavior certificate that was offered and the courses seemed very interesting and like it would help me get to my goal. 

How did you benefit from your experience at ABI?

I learned a ton and it ultimately help me advance in my career and land my current job as an animal behaviorist with ~2000 NHPs in our care. I am also continuing to take courses with ABI to further my education and career.

What was your favorite course?

My favorite class has to have been the Primate Behavior and Enrichment I learned a lot of very useful knowledge I was able to translate into my work.

How did you complete your field experience?

Lucky I was able to use my job as my field requirement, I was working in a lab facility as a caretaker during my field requirement but through the time of getting my certificate I was a caretaker, vet tech, and behaviorist all in the research lab field dealing with NHPs and I was really able to apply what I was learning to my work. 

What have you been doing since you graduated from ABI?

Since graduating from ABI I have finally become an animal behaviorist and I’ve had many work advances because of the certification. I’ve been able to apply what I’ve learned in these courses to my career which has help tremendously. 

Would you recommend ABI to others?

I would recommend ABI to others the structure is excellent, the fact that it’s online allowed for me to work and still be able to take courses. All the professors were excellent and the knowledge obtained from these courses translated into my career.