This past weekend, the Wildlife Leadership Academy welcomed alumni back for an Advanced Educational Training (AET) focused on disease ecology! Designed exclusively for Academy alumni, this immersive weekend gave students the opportunity to explore a One Health approach, investigate wildlife diseases, and learn from professionals working to protect wildlife and natural resources.
Friday evening kicked off with students arriving at Fellowship Lodge, reconnecting with familiar faces, and meeting fellow alumni. After welcome activities and team building, students were introduced to the concept of One Health through a discussion led by Justin Brown, wildlife veterinarian and professor at Penn State. This approach explores the connections between human, animal, and environmental health, setting the stage for a weekend dedicated to understanding the complex relationships that influence ecosystem health.
On Saturday, students headed into the field to learn about chronic wasting disease (CWD), deer aging, and wildlife health technology. These activities introduced students to important aspects of wildlife health and the techniques professionals use to study and monitor wildlife populations. Students also explored drones and their applications in wildlife research and management, learning how technology continues to expand the tools available to conservation professionals.
In the afternoon, students turned their attention to chytrid testing with Professor Keely Roen from Penn State DuBois. Chytrid fungi are an important topic in amphibian disease research, and disease testing gives scientists a way to investigate potential threats to wildlife health. Students worked in small groups to capture, swab, and record data from salamanders on site. Their data were submitted to a lab for analysis, and the Academy will receive the test results in a few weeks!
Later, Thomas Allison from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) led a session on ticks, biodiversity, and climate, helping students explore the relationships between environmental conditions and ecosystem health. As evening approached, the learning continued outdoors! Students joined Allison for Exploring the Night, an opportunity to experience the natural world after dark. The busy day concluded around the campfire, where students could unwind, share stories, and enjoy time together before the final day of the program.
On Sunday morning, students worked in small groups on outreach projects to share what they learned with their families. After a weekend filled with new topics, field experiences, and conversations with conservation professionals, students headed home with fresh perspectives on the science behind wildlife and ecosystem health.
Advanced Educational Training weekends allow Academy alumni to continue building their conservation knowledge beyond their original field school experience. By connecting students with professionals and introducing them to specialized topics, these programs help young conservationists explore new interests and discover the many ways they can contribute to protecting wildlife and natural resources.
We are grateful to the instructors who shared their expertise and helped make this weekend possible. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and knowledge to give our alumni another opportunity to learn, grow, and connect through conservation!
2026 Advanced Educational Training: Disease Ecology Recap
Posted: October 17, 2026 by Katie Mace
This past weekend, the Wildlife Leadership Academy welcomed alumni back for an Advanced Educational Training (AET) focused on disease ecology! Designed exclusively for Academy alumni, this immersive weekend gave students the opportunity to explore a One Health approach, investigate wildlife diseases, and learn from professionals working to protect wildlife and natural resources.
Friday evening kicked off with students arriving at Fellowship Lodge, reconnecting with familiar faces, and meeting fellow alumni. After welcome activities and team building, students were introduced to the concept of One Health through a discussion led by Justin Brown, wildlife veterinarian and professor at Penn State. This approach explores the connections between human, animal, and environmental health, setting the stage for a weekend dedicated to understanding the complex relationships that influence ecosystem health.
On Saturday, students headed into the field to learn about chronic wasting disease (CWD), deer aging, and wildlife health technology. These activities introduced students to important aspects of wildlife health and the techniques professionals use to study and monitor wildlife populations. Students also explored drones and their applications in wildlife research and management, learning how technology continues to expand the tools available to conservation professionals.
In the afternoon, students turned their attention to chytrid testing with Professor Keely Roen from Penn State DuBois. Chytrid fungi are an important topic in amphibian disease research, and disease testing gives scientists a way to investigate potential threats to wildlife health. Students worked in small groups to capture, swab, and record data from salamanders on site. Their data were submitted to a lab for analysis, and the Academy will receive the test results in a few weeks!
Later, Thomas Allison from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) led a session on ticks, biodiversity, and climate, helping students explore the relationships between environmental conditions and ecosystem health. As evening approached, the learning continued outdoors! Students joined Allison for Exploring the Night, an opportunity to experience the natural world after dark. The busy day concluded around the campfire, where students could unwind, share stories, and enjoy time together before the final day of the program.
On Sunday morning, students worked in small groups on outreach projects to share what they learned with their families. After a weekend filled with new topics, field experiences, and conversations with conservation professionals, students headed home with fresh perspectives on the science behind wildlife and ecosystem health.
Advanced Educational Training weekends allow Academy alumni to continue building their conservation knowledge beyond their original field school experience. By connecting students with professionals and introducing them to specialized topics, these programs help young conservationists explore new interests and discover the many ways they can contribute to protecting wildlife and natural resources.
We are grateful to the instructors who shared their expertise and helped make this weekend possible. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and knowledge to give our alumni another opportunity to learn, grow, and connect through conservation!
Category: Youth Blog Tags: Advanced Educational Training, disease ecology, featured