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Staff
Bios
Christa
Nunes, Ph.D.
Associate Director of Research
Dr. Nunes comes to the Gorilla foundation
with a broad research background in a variety of fields. Dr.
Nunes received her Bachelors degree from UCLA, and a Masters
in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado where
she led several zero gravity experiments which flew on the Space
Shuttle.
After completion of her PhD in Bioengineering from UCSF and
UC Berkeley, Christa embarked on a 2 year journey around the
world. While traveling, Christa had the opportunity to visit
the SUSA gorilla family on the densely forested Karisimbi Volcano
in northern Rwanda. That experience proved to be life altering,
as Christa realized that she wanted to dedicate herself to the
conservation of these incredible beings.
Upon her return to the United States, Christa worked at the
Marine Mammal Center in Marin County. Here she worked with infant
Harbor Seals, nursing them back to health and eventual return
to the wild. She later joined the Gorilla Foundation as a volunteer
and knew immediately that this was where the fateful day in
Rwanda had led her. |
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