Leeanne Alonso has a B.S. in Zoology and B.A. in Plan II from the University of Texas at Austin, and a PhD in Biology from Harvard University. Leeanne studied with world renowned ant and biodiversity expert, Dr. E.O. Wilson, researching the ecological interactions between ants and plants in Central and South America. Leeanne worked for the NGO, Conservation International, as Director of the Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) for 13 years, where she organized and led over 45 biodiversity expeditions to remote parts of the world to document and protect species and ecosystems. After leaving CI, she continued exploring biodiversity with Global Wildlife Conservation (now Re:wild) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guyana. Since 2011, Leeanne has also been a consultant for the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private lending arm of the World Bank where she evaluates and guides private sector projects to reduce their impact on natural ecosystems. Leeanne is the founder of the Women in Nature Network (WiNN), which aims to connect, support and enhance women’s leadership in nature conservation. Leeanne and her husband, Alfonso, have been study leaders for the Harvard Travel Program/ Harvard Alumni Travel Program for almost 20 years. They enjoy meeting and traveling with interesting people to fascinating locations around the world.
Conservation Scientist with Re:wild