Dr. Allison Alberts is a conservation science leader with move than 30 years experience working globally to save endangered species.  She recently retired after 29 years at San Diego Zoo Global, where she served as Chief Conservation and Research Officer. Allison is known for her leadership in the development of innovative techniques for restoring critically endangered species to the wild. She is co-founder of the IUCN Iguana Specialist Group, past President of the International Iguana Foundation, and serves on the Advisory Board of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund.As a reptile and amphibian specialist, Allison has worked with endangered iguanas in Costa Rica, Cuba, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Fiji, as well as komodo dragons, sea turtles, desert tortoises, and native California plants, frogs, lizards, and snakes.  Her work has been recognized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Science Foundation, the American Association of Museums, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.  In 2015, she was honored with the Athena Pinnacle Award for excellence in recognition, promotion, and mentorship of women in STEM. She is an adjunct faculty member at San Diego State University, and has authored over 130 scientific articles and three books. Allison is a graduate of UC Berkeley, and obtained her in PhD in Biology from UC San Diego.