Our Teaching Staff

I’m Carolina Hernandez Riano, a Lecturer in Conservation Science with a background in veterinary medicine from Colombia. I teach on the ‘Conservation Biology’ and ‘Ecology and Environmental Systems’ (FdSc IWC) courses and supervise UWE students at an undergraduate and master’s level.

Conservation has always been an integral part of my job, from identifying species to rehabilitating wildlife for release in Colombia and the UK. This led me to turn my attention to habitat restoration and management, as well as community engagement. At BZS, I lead a project on human-elephant coexistence in the Equatorial Guinea programme as well as teaching, and supervising students. I’m passionate about connecting people with wildlife and raising awareness of biodiversity loss. Inspiring future conservationists and fostering hope in this challenging field is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.

You can read more about my work here.

I am Oliver Beasley, a Lecturer and Project Manager at Bristol Zoological Society, where I support wildlife conservation efforts in Tanzania. My current work focuses on protecting the Critically Endangered turquoise dwarf gecko (lygodactylus williamsi) in the Kimboza Forest Reserve through habitat restoration, as well as monitoring populations of the Endangered Sanje mangabey (Cercocebus sanjei) in the Udzungwa Mountain region.

As an active primatologist, I also lead the Primate Ecology and Conservation undergraduate module at the University of the West of England (UWE), where I bring my fieldwork directly into the classroom to help students connect theory with real-world practice to show students clear pathways into careers in primatology.

I was honoured to receive the Primatology Educator Recognition Award through the Primate Society of Great Britain, which was especially meaningful as it was supported by recommendations from my students. I also speak openly about my experience with dyslexia, and I’m committed to challenging stigma and promoting inclusive, supportive learning environments for all.

You can read about my recent research here.

I’m Ricardo Lemos de Figueiredo, a Lecturer in Conservation Science at Bristol Zoological Society. I teach on the ‘Animal Behaviour for Wildlife Conservation' module (FdSc IWC), Communication for Conservation (MSc AWC), and Zoos and Aquariums in Society (BSc ZMC) and supervise University of West England and University of Bristol students at undergraduate and master’s levels. I also manage the ex-situ conservation project in the Philippines, supporting two breeding centres working with threatened native species such as the Visayan warty pig and the Negros bleeding-heart dove.

Originally from Lisbon, Portugal, my passion for wildlife began in my teenage years when I volunteered at my local zoo. It was there that I learned about the incredible diversity of species and the threats they face, and where I first realised the powerful role zoos can play in conservation. My background includes applied animal behaviour research, ex-situ conservation, animal husbandry and welfare, and science communication. I’m also the founder of The Zoo Scientist, a platform dedicated to sharing zoo-based science and conservation.

I believe that the future of conservation lies in collaboration. To make a real impact, we need to bring together people, organisations, and communities with diverse expertise — because working together is the most effective way to protect wildlife and biodiversity.