Exclusively designed for our WLA alumni, this unique weekend program offers an immersive experience exploring ecosystem health.
Below are a few highlights of the AET Disease Ecology curriculum.
DISCOVER THE ONE HEALTH CONNECTION
Explore how the health of wildlife, domestic animals, humans, and the environment are closely connected. Learn how diseases move through ecosystems and why understanding these connections is essential for protecting both wildlife populations and public health.
BECOME A WILDLIFE DISEASE DETECTIVE
Get hands-on with real wildlife disease investigations by participating in Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) sampling and testing techniques. Learn how biologists collect samples, monitor outbreaks, and use science to guide wildlife management decisions.
EXPLORE THE SCIENCE OF DISEASE
Compare the anatomy of different wildlife species to better understand how diseases affect animals in unique ways. Investigate parasites, pathogens, and other factors that influence the health of wildlife populations
TECHNOLOGY IN THE FIELD
Discover how emerging technology is transforming wildlife disease research. Watch a drone demonstration and learn how aerial surveys, mapping, and remote sensing help scientists monitor wildlife and detect disease across large landscapes.
Advanced Educational Training – Disease Ecology is a Wildlife Leadership Academy initiative in partnership with the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS).
ADVANCED EDUCATIONAL TRAINING
DISEASE ECOLOGY
THE DETAILS
WHO
Alumni under the age of 18
WHEN
October 9-11, 2026
LOCATION
Madisonburg, PA
TUITION
$150
*Scholarship support available
Exclusively designed for our WLA alumni, this unique weekend program offers an immersive experience exploring ecosystem health.
Below are a few highlights of the AET Disease Ecology curriculum.
DISCOVER THE ONE HEALTH CONNECTION
Explore how the health of wildlife, domestic animals, humans, and the environment are closely connected. Learn how diseases move through ecosystems and why understanding these connections is essential for protecting both wildlife populations and public health.
BECOME A WILDLIFE DISEASE DETECTIVE
Get hands-on with real wildlife disease investigations by participating in Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) sampling and testing techniques. Learn how biologists collect samples, monitor outbreaks, and use science to guide wildlife management decisions.
EXPLORE THE SCIENCE OF DISEASE
Compare the anatomy of different wildlife species to better understand how diseases affect animals in unique ways. Investigate parasites, pathogens, and other factors that influence the health of wildlife populations
TECHNOLOGY IN THE FIELD
Discover how emerging technology is transforming wildlife disease research. Watch a drone demonstration and learn how aerial surveys, mapping, and remote sensing help scientists monitor wildlife and detect disease across large landscapes.
Ready to catch the bug for disease ecology?
Advanced Educational Training – Disease Ecology is a Wildlife Leadership Academy initiative in partnership with the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS).