Susan McConnell

Susan McConnell is a Professor of Biology at Stanford University, where she works on the formation of neural circuits during mammalian brain development. Her research accomplishments have resulted in her election to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. In addition to her scientific research, McConnell is an active wildlife photographer with published stories in Smithsonian and other magazines, as well as work exhibited in museums and galleries. At Stanford, she teaches an course on Conservation Photography, which is offered to students interested in the environment, conservation and sustainability. Through this course, students learn basic digital photography and the skills needed to create compelling images and photoessays, all with the goals of conservation advocacy. Finally, as a supporter of the Wildlife Conservation Network, McConnell has active interests in ongoing community-based conservation projects in Africa.