Susanne Marczak (she/her)

Susanne Marczak grew up in Nova Scotia, Canada, and moved to San Diego County at age nine. Her passion for environmental issues and wildlife conservation developed during her studies at UCLA, where she earned bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Ecology, Behavior & Evolution. Her professional focus has been on local wildlife conservation, particularly through applied research. She has been with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) for 16 years, currently serving as the Research Coordinator for the Burrowing Owl Recovery Program, where she helps lead regional efforts to monitor and reestablish burrowing owl populations. Her

experience at SDZWA has provided her with extensive experience working with partners to advance burrowing owl and grassland conservation, and has led to a deep understanding that impactful change requires strong coalitions and data-driven decisions.

Currently pursuing a Master of Professional Sciences in Wildlife Conservation & Advocacy, Susanne aims to link her expertise in ecological conservation with social science and policy approaches to strategically advance wildlife and habitat conservation initiatives in San Diego County and beyond. She is driven by a commitment to ethical and socially inclusive conservation that supports long-term ecological resilience.

Susanne enjoys quiet mornings listening to the birds while savoring a cup of coffee, and makes time for family, friends, and ice cream whenever possible.