Deacon Spotlight: Cassie Freund, PhD

Cassie Freund (2010, BA in Biology, Minors in Environmental Science & Literature; 2022, PhD in Biology)

Conservation Portfolio Strategist for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance in Escondido, CA

Tell us about your current job role and employer. What are you currently working on?

I help lead conservation strategy across eight global regions, or hubs, for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. My job is to ensure our in situ conservation programs have as much impact as possible for people, wildlife, and the planet. I’m also a bridge between the conservation hubs and the rest of the institution so that all the key players at the Alliance have the information they need to inspire audiences at the Zoo and Safari Park, connect with donors, and share our work with partners.

What key personal and/or career experiences led you to where you are today?

During my master’s and PhD studies I did research in both Indonesia and Peru, and in between I ran the in-country programs for an orangutan conservation organization in Borneo. That experience got me started in conservation planning and strategy. It also showed me that I needed a PhD to accomplish my future goal of being a leader for a global conservation NGO, zoo, aquarium, or botanical garden. And, I’ve made it! My first job after completing my doctorate was as the Director of Science Communication for a science museum and aquarium in Miami. That experience, combined with my previous work and research, gave me a great foundation for my current position at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job? How do you navigate that challenge?

The most challenging aspect of my job is bringing together large groups of people with very different expertise, interests, and perspectives to plan for the future. I navigate this by inviting everyone’s opinions and feedback, listening for commonalities between them, and trying not to let pre-conceived notions or assumptions guide my thinking. This isn’t always easy, especially for issues I’m passionate about, but I’ve found that I always learn something new–and the outcome is better–when I trust the process. 

What advice would you give to Wake Forest graduates about developing their personal life habits after college (finances, health, values, work/life balance)?

Don’t hold yourself to arbitrary life timelines, they’re all made up! There is no “right” age to buy a house, find a partner, or earn a certain salary, especially now — the world is changing so rapidly. Focus on making decisions that are right for you instead of decisions based on outdated expectations.

Tell us about your mentoring relationships. What impact have these relationships had on your career and life?

They’ve had huge impact! My PhD advisor, Miles Silman, is a great mentor. When I first reached out to him about doing my PhD at Wake several years after finishing my undergrad degree, he immediately welcomed me back. Now, four years after my PhD graduation, he continues to be one of my biggest career and personal cheerleaders. I’ve gotten unbelievable opportunities through him and through other mentors throughout my life. I think generosity is a really important quality in a mentor – the best ones share not only their time, but they are willing to share their ideas, network, and opportunities. I try to emulate this quality when I’m mentoring others.

What advice would you give to current Wake Forest students and/or young alumni who are interested in working in your industry?

Be open. Conservation is a challenging field to break into, but there are great careers available if you’re willing to expand your vision of what the day-to-day work looks like. For example, I would love to be out in the jungle every day measuring trees or watching wildlife, but most days I’m sitting in front of a computer planning meetings or writing documents. The trade-off is worth it to me, though, because I get to shape the future of a global conservation organization. That’s where I can have the greatest impact, which is why I got into this field in the first place.

What’s next for your career? What future goals or plans are you pursuing?

I just passed my first anniversary at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, so I’m really just getting settled in. I hope to stay here for a while! Southern California is a beautiful part of the country, I’m very lucky to be here.

Story published in April 2026. For current updates about Cassie, visit her LinkedIn profile.