Joanna Zhang

Joanna joined WildEarth Guardians in 2023 as the Wild Rivers Advocate. She grew up in mid-Missouri and holds a bachelor’s degree in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University. Joanna studied abroad in Kenya during a severe drought in 2017, and was inspired to return the next year to do her senior thesis research on livestock-wildlife management in the context of reducing drought-related conflicts.

After graduating, she moved to Granada, Spain as a Fulbright scholar to study the naturalization of almonds in the Iberian Peninsula. Prior to joining Guardians, Joanna worked for Oregon Natural Desert Association, where she began as the Wyss Conservation Fellow working on legislative advocacy and then became the Wildlife Coordinator.

Outside of work, Joanna enjoys rock climbing, trail running, skiing, painting and reading, ideally with her dog alongside her.