The application period is now open through February 28, 2023 for a May 2023 start of program. Please let us know you're interested and apply today! Please scroll down for more information about our upcoming information sessions and program contact information for Project Dragonfly and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

AIP Overview

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's (SDZWA) Community Engagement team has joined a major national partnership to bring an innovation master's degree to Southern California. The Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) from Miami University, Ohio, is an inquiry-driven learning experience that enables students to work directly with world-class SDZWA scientists, experts and partners while completing web-based coursework through Miami University. The AIP is an exciting and affordable way to pursue your passion for conservation while earning a master’s degree and maintaining full-time work.

Students in this one-of-a-kind graduate program are part of an unprecedented national network of leading institutions committed to local, national, and global change. Project Dragonfly is based in the Department of Biology at Miami University, a state university in Oxford, Ohio, established in 1809. Miami, listed as one of the eight original Public Ivies, has a long and distinguished record of excellence in research and teaching in science and education. Project Dragonfly reaches millions of people each year through inquiry-driven learning media, public exhibits, and graduate programs worldwide. AIP Master’s students join a growing alliance of education, environmental, and community leaders.

Information Sessions

We will hold two information sessions prior to the February 28 AIP application deadline, aimed to introduce prospective students to the AIP experience with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance as your AIP home Master's Institution! You will meet AIP staff, hear an overview of the program, and you can ask questions via a Q&A session that includes a panel of current AIP students and alumni.

December Information Session (Virtual)
Date: Tuesday, December 6, 2022
Time: 5:30–7 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Format: Virtual Webinar
RSVP to the December Info Session Here

January Information Session (Virtual)
Date: Saturday, January 14, 2023
Time: 10–11:30 a.m. (Pacific Time)
Format: Virtual Webinar
RSVP to the January Info Session Here

We will send a reminder email to registered participants the week prior to each event. We hope you can attend!

Please note: The AIP is focused on driving social and ecological change in your local community. As such, the program in San Diego is best suited for people who reside in the Southwest US or Northwest Mexico. If you are located nearer to another AIP site (scroll down to see a full list of AIP sites here), we recommend that you visit the AIP website of the institution nearest you to learn about enrollment in their program. If you reside abroad, please read more about the Global Field Program.

 

Program Contacts

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Mackenzie Borau, Ph.D., Associate Director of Community Engagement, Conservation Science & Wildlife Health

Marina Karastamatis, M.A., Senior Research Associate, Community Engagement, Conservation Science & Wildlife Health

Contact email: aip@sdzwa.org

Miami University

 AIP contact: aip_masters@miamioh.edu

Project Dragonfly team: dragonfly@miamioh.edu, 513-529-8576

 

AIP Student Spotlight Videos

AIP Masters Degree Program Staff

SCIENCE AT WORK