Interests in international wildlife conservation, science, and art has led me to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Of all that DC has to offer, particularly appealling is the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park, where I have had the priviledge to work with good-hearted and visionary people for just over 10 years. This program has appropriately evolved into the new Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.
Under a joint agreement with the Smithsonian, I am a recipient of a Ph.D. fellowship at the Environmental Science and Public Policy progam of George Mason University. My research is based in Laikipia, Kenya where I am studying trophic-level (vegetation, herbivores, and carnivores) response to a degraded landscape that is transitioning from intense cattle ranching and livestock grazing toward conservancy. In addition, my research will also target the future management of the property. Laikipia is a fascinating area for studying conservation as it has no national protection; all efforts are driven by people and organizations within Laikipia.
Outside of work and school, Washington is one of the more stimulating places to live with such great access to so many things. It was recently voted by Outside magazine as one of the top ten places to live - that is, if you like getting outdoors. One way to appreciate DC's natural wonders is through a hobby that many share, nature photography - enjoy DCNature.com.
More personally, I enjoy getting outside as much as possible and surrounding myself with people much smarter than me (that's a lot of people). I also enjoy helping and seeing others achieve those things that are important to them in their lives. I'm humbled by knowing what others have done for me - and are still doing every day to help me stay on track and pursue my Ph.D. I will pass the torch whenever possible.
I have started the more difficult phase of my research, which is the actual field work in Kenya. Never did I think it would be possible for me to study wildlife in Africa. By DC standards, it's rather common to travel to such exotic places - but where I come from, it's a childhood dream rarely attainable. You mostly watch it on TV and wonder what it's like. DC has the largest concentration of research scientists in the world - not to mention being the global hotspot for environmental organizations. It's a fascinating city to live in.
This site was updated as of June, 2011, but much work is to be done. Please feel free to contact me at rgvaldez@hotmail.com. I also maintain a network of friends and professional associations on Facebook.