Ashley Franklin, PhD

EDUCATION

• 2014 Ph.D. Animal Science, University of Maryland College Park, MD

  Dissertation: “Investigating Genetic and Health Factors Related to AA Amyloidosis Prevalence in Captive Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus): Implications for Population Management”

  Faculty Advisor: Dr. Tom Porter (teporter@umd.edu)

  Smithsonian Research Advisor: Dr. Adrienne Crosier (crosiera@si.edu)

  • Study Abroad Program, Namibia: Summer Semester I, 2010

    • Participating institutions and organizations: North Carolina State University, USA, Gobabeb Training & Research Centre (Desert Research Foundation of Namibia), Elephant-Human Relations Aid, Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Namibia, Cheetah Conservation Fund, Namibia

      Coursework: FW565: African Ecology and Conservation; Final Grade: A+ 

      Instructor: Dr. Werner Dörgeloh (wgdorgel@ncsu.edu)

• 2008 M.S. Animal Science, University of Maryland College Park, MD

  Thesis: “Post-Bottleneck Inbreeding Accumulation Reduces Fitness in Laboratory Populations of Tribolium castaneum under Environmental Stress”

  Faculty Advisor: Dr. Frank Siewerdt

• 2005 B.A. Biology, Minors: Chemistry, Environmental Science, University of Maine at Machias, ME

  Minors: Chemistry, Environmental Science

  Thesis: “Molecular analysis of coyotes from Maine: Evidence for hybridization with wolves?”

  Academic Advisor: Dr. Sherrie Sprangers (ssprange@maine.edu)

  Thesis Advisor: Dr. Ellen Hostert (ehostert@maine.edu)

  • Study Abroad Program, Mexico: Summer Session I, 2005

    The School for Field Studies, Puerto San Carlos, BCS, Mexico

    • Directed Research Project: “Implications for Conservation of Sea Turtles in Bahía Magdalena”

      Center Director: Dr. Francisco Ollervides

ADDITIONAL TRAINING

• 2019 Excel 2013: Data Analysis with Pivot Tables, Centriq Training, St. Louis, MO

• 2018 Advanced Vortex 10 Tools Workshop, Organized by Robert Lacy and Oceans Initiative, Woodland Park Zoo

• 2017 Vortex 10, Organized by Kathy Traylor-Holzer and Robert Lacy, Saint Louis Zoo

• 2017 R Basics Workshop, Organized by Sebastián Tello and Iván Jiménez, Missouri Botanical Garden

• 2017 Microsoft Access 2013 Basic and Intermediate Training, Premier Knowledge Solutions

• 2014 Integrated Population Modeling for Threatened Species Management Workshop, Organized by Paul Lukacs, University of Montana

• 2014 Felid TAG Husbandry Course, Organized by the Felid Taxon Advisory Group, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

RESEARCH AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• 2018 – Present Founder and Consultant, Biostatistics By Design, Olympia, WA

• 2018 – Present Biodiversity Fellow, Living Earth Collaborative, Washington University in St. Louis

• 2017 – Present Program Analyst, AZA Reproductive Management Center, Saint Louis Zoo (Remote employee)

• 2015 – 2017 Reproductive Biology Post-Doctoral Fellow, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

• 2014 Smithsonian Institution Pre-Doctoral Research Fellow, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

• 2013 Ann G. Wylie Dissertation Fellow/PhD Student Research Intern, Cheetah Conservation Fund

• 2009 - 2013 Statistics Consultant, Gemstone Program, A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland College Park

• 2006 - 2013 Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant (levels I-III), University of Maryland College Park

• 2006 Animal Care Technician, Springfield Humane Society, Springfield, VT

• 2005 Animal Care Intern, Mammals II, Caldwell Zoo

• 2003 - 2004 Conservation and Population Genetics Lab Assistant, University of Maine at Machias

• 2002 - 2003 Chemistry Lab Assistant, University of Maine at Machias

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Webinars

• 2020 Organizer and Presenter; 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity in the Age of COVID-19, Organized by Workforce Development for Saint Louis Zoo Staff

Workshops

•  2020 Organizer and Presenter; To Breed or Not to Breed: Principles of Reproductive Management in AZA Accredited Zoos, Organized by the AZA Reproductive Management Center for the 46th Annual American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) National Conference, Los Angeles, CA (Postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19)

• 2019 Organizer and Presenter; Veterinary Approaches to Improving Reproductive Management for Population Sustainability Workshop, Organized by the AZA Reproductive Management Center for the 51st American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) Annual Meeting, St. Louis, MO

courses

Canid TAG Husbandry Course, Organized by the Canid Taxon Advisory Group

• 2019 Lecturer; Reproduction and Contraception in Large Canids and Hyenids, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

• 2018 Lecturer; Reproduction and Contraception in Large Canids and Hyenids, Saint Louis Zoo and the Endangered Wolf Center

• 2017 Lecturer; Reproduction and Contraception in Large Canids and Hyenids, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Felid TAG Advanced Husbandry Course, Organized by the Felid Taxon Advisory Group

• 2019 Lecturer; Contraception in Felids, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD

• 2014 BIOM301 “Introduction to Biometrics”, Guest Lecturer

• 2011 BIOM601 “Biostatistics I”, Guest Lecturer

• 2011 ANSC450 “Animal Breeding Plans”, Guest Lecturer

• 2010 - 2013 BIOM602 “Biostatistics II”, Teaching Assistant, 3 semesters

• 2008 ANSC103 “Principles of Animal Science Laboratory”, Teaching Assistant, 1 semester

• 2007 - 2012 BIOM601 “Biostatistics I”, Teaching Assistant, 3 semesters

• 2007 - 2012 BIOM301 “Introduction to Biometrics”, Teaching Assistant, 2 semesters

Other

Springfield School District, Springfield, VT

• 2006 Substitute Teacher; Generally math and science, all levels

University of Maine at Machias, Machias, ME

• 2004 - 2005 Student Tutor; Chemistry, Calculus, Finite Math, and Environmental Issues

HONORS AND AWARDS

• 2015 Zoo Star Award, AAZK Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Chapter

• 2014 Jacob K. Goldhaber Travel Grant Award, UMD

• 2014 Student Travel Award, Society for Conservation Biology, N. America Section

• 2014 2nd Place Poster, Dept. of Animal and Avian Sciences Annual Symposium, UMD

• 2014 Outstanding PhD Graduate Student, Animal and Avian Sciences, UMD

• 2013 Ann G. Wylie Dissertation Fellowship, Graduate School, UMD

• 2013 Distinguished Teaching Assistant Award, Center for Teaching Excellence, UMD

• 2012 Cosmos Young Scholars Award, Cosmos Club Foundation, DC

• 2011 Dean’s Fellowship, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, UMD

• 2008 Cosmos Young Scholars Award, Cosmos Club Foundation, DC

• 2008 Outstanding M.S. Graduate Student, Animal and Avian Sciences, UMD

• 2008 Outstanding Teacher’s Assistant, College of Ag and Natural Resources, UMD

• 2004 National Collegiate Natural Sciences Award, United States Achievement Academy

• 2004 National Collegiate All-American Scholar Award, United States Achievement Academy

• 2004 Excellence in Biological Science Award, UMM

• 2002 Freshman Chemistry Award, UMM

GRANTS

• 2018 Efficacy and reversal of Suprelorin® (deslorelin) in the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), Dr. Holly Reed Conservation Fund, Co-Investigator, $12,000 (PI: Dr. Jilian Fazio)

• 2017 Red Wolf Genome Resource Banking - Integrating Reproductive Sciences into Conservation Programs, Akron Zoo Conservation Fund, PI, $3,500

• 2016 Genome Resource Banking for Red Wolves, Red Wolf Coalition, PI, $1,000

• 2016 Understanding Ovarian Activity and Estrous Cyclicity in Red Wolves: Effects of Environment, Translocation, and Conspecifics, Dr. Holly Reed Conservation Fund, PI, $8,728

• 2016 Red Wolf (Canis rufus) Genome Resource Banking, Dr. Holly Reed Conservation Fund, PI, $20,794 (Co-Investigators: Dr. Karen Goodrowe, William Waddell)

• 2016 Non-invasive Endocrinology to Enhance Animal Management at PDZA, Dr. Holly Reed Conservation Fund, Co-Investigator, $10,852 (PI: Dr. Karen Goodrowe)

• 2015 Female Red Wolf Estrus Monitoring, Red Wolf Coalition, PI, $1,000

• 2013 Investigating AA Amyloidosis Prevalence in Cheetahs: Implications for Captive Population Management, Emanuel J. Friedman Philanthropies, PI, $3,200

• 2012 Investigating AA Amyloidosis Prevalence in Cheetahs: Implications for Captive Population Management, Grants-in-Aid for Research from the National Academy of Sciences, administered by Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, PI, $500

• 2012 Genotypic determination of the putative NF-κB binding site within the promoter region of the SAA1 gene locus in cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), Cosmos Club Foundation, PI, $2,000

• 2008 Loss of Genetic Variability in a Demographic Bottleneck Event, Cosmos Club Foundation, PI, $1,450

SOCIETIES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMMITTEES

Professional Memberships:

• 2015 - Present International Society of Wildlife Endocrinology, Member

• 2009 - Present Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Professional Affiliate Membership

• 2009 - Present The Wildlife Society

• 2007 - Present Society for Conservation Biology

• 2007 - Present Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, Associate Member

Organizations and Committees:

Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, MO

• 2019 - Present EmpowHER

• 2018 - Present ZIMS Deployment Team

• 2017 - Present Leadership Series Book Club

• 2017 - Present Health and Wellness Committee

• 2017 - 2018 Spanish Club

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma, WA

• 2015 - 2017 American Association of Zoo Keepers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Chapter

University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD

• 2013 - 2014 Reproductive Biology Journal Club

• 2012 Assistant or Associate Professor of Animal Biometrics and Applied Statistics (position #103117) Search Committee, Animal and Avian Sciences Department

• 2010 - 2012 Graduate Student Government, Animal and Avian Sciences Program Representative

• 2010 Student Technology Fee Committee, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

• 2008 - 2009 Departmental Social Events Committee, Animal and Avian Sciences

• 2008 Student Council, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

• 2006 - 2009 Genetics and Cell Biology Journal Club

• 2006 - 2014 Animal Science Graduate Student Association

University of Maine at Machias, Machias, ME

• 2001 - 2005 Science Club

SERVICE ACTIVITIES:

Manuscript Referee for Academic Journals

• 2020 - Present Zoo Biology

• 2019 - 2020 Journal of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry

• 2018 Journal of Wildlife Management and Wildlife Monographs

• 2015 - 2016 Theriogenology

• 2015 DNA and Cell Biology

Abstract Reviewer for Academic Conferences

• 2019 7th Conference of the International Society of Wildlife Endocrinology

• 2018 North American Congress for Conservation Biology

• 2017 6th Conference of the International Society of Wildlife Endocrinology

• 2016 North American Congress for Conservation Biology

Student Presentation Judge

• 2016 20th Annual Meeting of the Northwest Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy, University of Washington

Citizen Science Programs

• 2015 Sea star surveys

Volunteer

• 2019 Shakespeare Festival St. Louis

• 2015 Snow Leopard Trust (Annual Fundraiser Event at Woodland Park Zoo)

NATIONAL CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

Oral Presentations

1. Strike, T.B.*, Feltrer Rambaud, Y., Cowl, V.B., Franklin, A.D. (2019). A Review of the Current Use of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Vaccines for Reproductive Management of European and North American Zoo Animals. American Association of Zoo Veterinarians 51st Annual Conference: 2019 September 28 – October 4, Saint Louis, MO. [*presenter]

2. Franklin, A.D. (2019). Contraception Prior to Sexual Maturity in Lions: Does it Matter? Felid Taxon Advisory Group Meeting: 2019 July 17-19, Omaha, NE.

3. Franklin, A.D., McDonald, M.M., and Powell, D.M. (2018). You Help Me, I Help You: Data Collection for Informed Use of Contraception. Annual Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians Conference: 2018 August 26-29, Columbus, OH.

4. Franklin, A.D., Bauman, K., Sahrmann, J., Lacy, R., Asa, C.S., Traylor-Holzer, K., Powell, D.M. (2018). Using RVA and LRP to explore and increase reproductive success toward improving SSP population sustainability: fennec fox (Vulpes zerda) as a case-study. Felid Taxon Advisory Group Meeting: 2018 July 26-28, Fresno, CA.

5. Powell, D.*, Bauman, K., Franklin, A. (2018). Using the RVA process to explore reproductive success in Red River Hogs (Potamochoerus porcus). AZA Mid-Year Meeting: 2018 May 25, Jacksonville, FL. [*presenter]

6. Franklin, A.D. (2016). Research Report: Red Wolf Reproduction. Joint Red and Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan Meeting: 2016 August 1-4, Yellowstone National Park.

7. Franklin, A.D. (2015). Research Report: Red Wolf Reproduction. Red Wolf Species Survival Plan Meeting: 2015 July 21-24, St. Louis, MO.

8. Franklin, A.D., Schmidt-Küntzel, A., Terio, K.A., Marker, L.L., and Crosier, A.E. (2014). Investigating genetic and health factors related to AA amyloidosis in captive cheetahs. Joint Felid and Canid Taxon Advisory Group Meeting: 2014 June 12-14, Front Royal, VA.

9. Choiniére, A.D., Zegers, G.P., and Hostert, E.E. (2005). Molecular analysis of coyotes from Maine: Evidence for hybridization with wolves? 32nd Maine Biological and Medical Sciences Symposium: 2005 April 28-30, Salisbury Cove, ME.

Posters

1. Augustine, L.*, Hammack, S.*, Elden, J., Pedigo, A., Wanner, M., Ryan, T., Baskir, E., Powell, D., Kozlowski, K., Bauman, K., and Franklin, A. (2019). Investigations into the impacts of husbandry on snake well-being. Advancing Herpetological Husbandry Conference: 2019 September 27-28, Rodeo, NM. [*presenters]

2. Clawitter, H.*, Kozlowski, C.P., Guglielmino, A., Schamel, J., Baker, S., Franklin, A.D., Powell, D.M., and Asa, C.S. (2018). Factors affecting glucocorticoid and thyroid hormone production by Island foxes on San Miguel and Santa Rosa Islands. The Wildlife Society 25th Annual Conference: 2018 October 7-11, Cleveland, OH. [*presenter]

3. McDonald, M.M.*, Cowl, V.B., Powell, D.M., Franklin, A.D., and Asa, C.S. (2018). Resources for Population Management and Fertility Control of Free-Ranging and Sanctuary-Based Primate Populations. International Primatological Society Congress: 2018 August 19-25, Nairobi, Kenya. [*presenter]

4. Franklin, A.D., Schmidt-Küntzel, A., Terio, K.A., Marker, L.L., and Crosier, A.E. (2014). Genetic differences may be linked to amyloid A amyloidosis prevalence in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). North American Congress for Conservation Biology: 2014 July 13-16, Missoula, MT.

5. Choiniére, A.D., C.C. Adamec, T. Dane*, G.P. Zegers, and E.E. Hostert. (2006). Molecular analysis of coyotes from Maine: Evidence for hybridization with wolves? Society for the Study of Evolution: 2006 June 24-27, Stony Brook, NY. [*presenter]

INVITED TALKS

1. Franklin, A.D. (2020). Using RVA and LRP to explore and increase reproductive success toward improving ex situ population sustainability. Joint TAG Chairs Meeting: 2020 April 1-3, Palm Springs, CA. CANCELLED due to COVID-19.

2. Franklin, A.D. (2019). Using Reproductive Viability Analysis (RVA) to explore and increase reproductive success toward improving ex situ population sustainability. EAZA Reproductive Management Group (EAZA RMG) Annual Meeting: 2019 May 23, London, UK.

3. Franklin, A.D. (2018). Contraception in Clouded Leopards. Clouded Leopard SSP Meeting: 2018 July 25, Fresno, CA.

4. Franklin, A.D. (2018). Contraception in Lions. Lion SSP Meeting: 2018 July 25, Fresno, CA.

5. Franklin, A.D., McDonald, M.M., and Powell, D.M. (2018). Data Collection for Informed Use of Contraception. Midwest Regional Zoo Vets Meeting: 2018 May 8, Evansville, IN.

6. Franklin, A.D. (2017). Contraception in Carnivores. Executive Session on Polar Bear Reproduction at the AZA Annual Meeting: 2017 September 9, Indianapolis, IN.

7. Franklin, A.D. (2015). From Cheetahs to Red Wolves: The Role of Genetics, Health, and Reproduction in Captive Population Management. Department of Biology and Earth Sciences, Otterbein University: 2015 January 26, Westerville, OH.

PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS

Published Papers

1. Franklin, A.D., Lacy, R.C., Bauman, K.L., Traylor-Holzer, K., and Powell, D.M. (2020). Incorporating Drivers of Reproductive Success Improves Population Viability Analysis. Animal Conservation in press. DOI: 10.1111/acv.12642

2. Rainwater, K.L., McClave, C., Raphael, B., Cray, C., Franklin, A.D., Powell, D.M., Burton, F.J., and Calle, P.P. (2020). Hematology, Plasma Biochemistry, and Plasma Protein Electrophoresis Reference Intervals For Blue Iguanas (Cyclura lewisi) from Grand Cayman Island. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine in press.

3. Augustine, L., Miller, K., Peters, A., Franklin, A.D., Steinbeiser, C., Brown, J., and Prado, N.A. (2020). Impacts of the season and reproductive status on fecal reproductive and adrenocortical steroid metabolites in zoo Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer). Zoo Biology early online. DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21559

4. Franklin, A.D., Waddell, W., Behrns, S., and Goodrowe, K. (2020). Estrous cyclicity and reproductive success are unaffected by translocation for the formation of new reproductive pairs in captive red wolves (Canis rufus). Zoo Biology 39(4):230-238. DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21551

5. Powell, D.M., Kozlowski, C., Clark, J., Seyfried, A., Baskir, E., and Franklin, A.D. (2020). Physical and physiological indicators of welfare in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) serving as ambassador animals. Animals 10(5), 815. [PDF]

6. Coolman, A.A., Niedbalski, A., Powell, D.M., Kozlowski, C.P., Franklin, A.D., and Deem, S.L. (2020). Changes in human health parameters associated with an immersive exhibit experience at a zoological institution. PLoS ONE 15(4): e0231383. [PDF]

7. Kozlowski, C.P., Clawitter, H., Guglielmino, A., Schamel, J., Baker, S., Franklin, A.D., Powell, D.M., Coonan, T.J., and Asa, C.S. (2020). Factors affecting glucocorticoid and thyroid hormone production by island foxes on San Miguel and Santa Rosa Islands. Journal of Wildlife Management 84(3):505–514. DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21808

8. Putman, S.B., Brown, J.L., Saffoe, C., Franklin, A.D., and Pukazhenthi, B.S. (2019). Linkage between fecal androgen and glucocorticoid metabolites, spermaturia, body weight and onset of puberty in male African lions (Panthera leo). PLoS ONE 14(7): e0217986. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217986 [PDF]

9. Bauman, K., Sahrmann, J., Franklin, A., Asa, C., Agnew, M., Traylor-Holzer, K., and Powell, D. (2019). Reproductive Viability Analysis (RVA) as a new tool for ex situ population management. Zoo Biology 38:55-66. DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21477 [PDF]

10. Mossotti, R.H., Baskir, E.A., Kozlowski, C.P., Franklin, A.D., Feldhamer, G.A., and Asa, C.S. (2018). Reactions of female cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) to urine volatiles from males of varying genetic distance. Zoo Biology 37:229-235. DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21420

11. Franklin, A.D., Waddell, W., and Goodrowe, K. (2018). Red wolf (Canis rufus) sperm quality and quantity is affected by semen collection method, extender components, and post-thaw holding temperature. Theriogenology 116:41-48. DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.05.007

12. Franklin, A.D., Schmidt-Küntzel, A., Terio, K.A., Marker, L., and Crosier, A.E. (2016). Serum amyloid A protein concentration in blood is influenced by genetic differences in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Journal of Heredity 107(2): 115-121. (Cover Photo) DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esv089 [PDF]

13. Koester, D.C., Freeman, E.W., Wildt, D.E., Terrell, K.A., Franklin, A.D., Meeks, K., and Crosier, A.E. (2015). Group management influences reproductive function of the male cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Reproduction, Fertility and Development 29(3):496-508. DOI: 10.1071/RD15138

14. Putman, S.B., Brown, J.L., Franklin, A.D., Schneider, E.C., Boisseau, N.A., Asa, C.S., and Pukazhenthi, B.S. (2015). Characterization of ovarian steroid patterns in female African lions (Panthera leo), and the effects of contraception on reproductive function. PLoS ONE 10(10): e0140373. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140373 [PDF]

15. Koester, D.C., Freeman, E.W., Brown, J.L., Wildt, D.E., Terrell, K.A., Franklin, A.D., and Crosier, A.E. (2015). Motile sperm output by male cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) managed ex situ is influenced by public exposure and number of care-givers. PLoS ONE 10(9): e0135847. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135847 [PDF]

16. Franklin, A.D., Crosier, A.E., Vansandt, L.M., Mattson, E., and Xiao, Z. (2015). Induction of cytokine production in cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) peripheral blood mononuclear cells and validation of feline-specific cytokine assays for analysis of cheetah serum. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 46(2):306-313. DOI: 10.1638/2014-0219R.1

17. Franklin, A.D., and Siewerdt, F. (2011). Post-bottleneck inbreeding accumulation reduces fitness and adaptive potential in populations of Tribolium castaneum under environmental stress. Genomics and Quantitative Genetics 2: 19-30. [PDF]

Conference Proceedings

1. Franklin, A.D., McDonald, M.M., and Powell, D.M. (2018). You Help Me, I Help You: Data Collection for Informed Use of Contraception. In C. Camillo (Ed.), Proceedings of the 38th Annual Conference of Zoo Veterinary Technicians (pp. 30-32), Columbus, OH. [PDF]

2. Franklin, A.D., and Siewerdt, F. (2010). Evidence for the limitation of outcrossing as a breeding strategy in conservation programs. In Proceedings of the 9th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, vol. Genetic improvement programmes: Management of animal genetic resources - quo vadis after the state of the world report (p. 0533), Leipzig, Germany. [PDF]

Abstracts

1. Siewerdt, F, Franklin, A.D., Carrillo, J.A., Sasikala-Appukuttan, A.K., Schierholt, A.S., Callicrate, T.E., Campbell, M.A., and Moreira, H.L.M. (2011). Cooperation under directional selection with kinship-based groups. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 89, E-Suppl. 1:474 (Abs #476). [PDF]