Her Story
About Zeinab
Zeinab Haidar is a wildlife biologist, biogeographer, and research coordinator with more than 15 years of experience in wildlife and ecological science across North and Central America. Her work spans diverse ecosystems and taxonomic groups, with a particular focus on bats, amphibians, reptiles, and plant communities. She has developed specialized expertise in bat biogeography, phylogenetics, and genetic approaches to species identification, while also contributing to broader ecological fields such as restoration ecology, water systems, and organismal biology. She is currently transitioning from independent consulting into a research-focused role involving bat genomics work in a university lab setting.
Throughout her career, she has held a wide range of field and leadership roles, including Associate Bat Biologist with Western EcoSystems Technology (WEST), Bat Biologist and educator with Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society in Belize, and Field Project Coordinator for collaborative research projects with UC Berkeley and the University of Arizona. In these roles, she has led and coordinated large-scale field operations involving bat surveys, mist-netting, acoustic monitoring, genetic sampling, habitat assessments, and regulatory permitting. She has also worked extensively with federal and state agencies, conservation organizations, and academic institutions to design and implement ecological studies, manage field teams, and support long-term biodiversity monitoring projects.
She holds a Master’s degree in Bat Biogeography and Morphometrics from Cal Poly Humboldt and a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology from Michigan State University. Alongside her scientific work, she is actively involved in education and outreach, including bio-blitz coordination, bat conservation workshops, and mentorship for early-career scientists entering wildlife biology. Her professional approach emphasizes accessible science communication, conservation ethics, and inclusive participation in field ecology, with ongoing contributions to both research advancement and public understanding of wildlife systems.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Zeinab
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning. Overcoming the challenges of displacement as a refugee, learning barriers, and underrepresentation in my field strengthened my determination to create opportunities not only for myself but also for others. I believe true success is measured by the positive impact we leave through mentorship, scientific discovery, and service to our communities.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Remain open to unexpected opportunities and don't be afraid to pivot when your path changes. Building diverse experiences and continually expanding your skills often creates opportunities greater than the ones you originally planned for.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't always follow the traditional academic path of unpaid internships or AmeriCorps if you lack family financial support. Apply for paying jobs including environmental consulting to gain experience and income. Don't be afraid to relocate temporarily for work as housing is often provided. Use self-learning opportunities like volunteering a few hours a week at local rehab centers or identifying species locally to build skills without expensive programs.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field are increasing diversity and representation, overcoming cultural and gender biases, and securing funding for wildlife conservation. At the same time, I see exciting opportunities in restoration ecology, genomics, science communication, mentorship, and global conservation partnerships.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, curiosity, inclusion, scientific excellence, and compassion. I am guided by resilience, a commitment to mentorship, and a dedication to environmental stewardship. I also prioritize lifelong learning and community service, as I believe these principles shape both meaningful scientific work and a purposeful life.
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