Marissa Taylor, B.S.

Marissa Taylor serves San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance as a Research Associate in Reproductive Sciences for the Northern White Rhino Initiative. Her research interests include hormone cycle monitoring and assisted reproductive technologies.

Marissa's work with the northern white rhino includes fecal hormone assays, aiding in routine ultrasonography, and providing general support for related activities conducted in the Reproductive Sciences laboratories. Hormone monitoring and ultrasonography are utilized to track the reproductive cycles of the southern white rhino females at the Nikita Kahn Rhino Rescue Center. Fecal radioimmunoassay tests are used to measure progesterone levels, which in combination with routine ultrasound, allow staff to time ovulation induction and give the animal the best chance of becoming pregnant.

Marissa earned her bachelor's degree in Animal Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Her undergraduate research mainly focused on investigating the development and cryotolerance rates of in vitro produced cattle embryos. Marissa is thrilled to be a part of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance team and is excited to be utilizing the subject she loves to help in the fight to end extinction.