Staff Biographies

Shawn Sweeney

Shawn Sweeney is a recent graduate of the College of Wooster located in Wooster, Ohio where he studied psychology. Primates have always been an incredible passion for Shawn and after an awe inspiring visit from Dr. Jane in 2005, Shawn started and led the first ever C.O.W. group of Roots & Shoots. Along with other like minded groups on campus this R&S group sponsored many talks on campus on green living and environmental stewardship. In addition they successfully designed and created a "nature themed" sacred space on campus. This small indoor space was used by all students as a place for quiet and meditation. The room featured a full wall mural of a birch forest in honor of Dr. Jane.

During his Senior year at the College of Wooster Shawn completed an independent study project in conservation psychology with Dr. Susan Clayton on visitor perceptions of Zoo animals at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Zoo Atlanta. Since his graduation in 2006 Shawn has been continuing work in conservation psychology research with Dr. Kristen Lukas at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. There he has completed a successful baseline evaluation of their conservation program as well as a project looking at visitor attitudes and knowledge and three types of informal museum displays featuring chimpanzees. Also since his graduation Shawn spent time working with the Public Research and Evaluation Team at the Wildlife Conservation Society working on a project looking at the significance and value of Zoos to our communities.

In September 2007, Shawn started with the Jane Goodall Institute as the first ever Graduate Leadership Fellow for Roots & Shoots. As the Graduate Leadership Fellow Shawn will work as a member of the national staff working on national campaigns, supporting youth leaders, our regions, and member groups, as well as acting as a liaison between R&S youth and administration. Shawn is also a member and JGI communications liaison for the College Leadership Council of Roots & Shoots.

Shawn can speak on many issues such as green campus initiatives, youth action for conservation, primates (especially chimpanzees), service learning, youth leadership, being a member of Roots & Shoots, zoos and conservation, conservation psychology, and humane education.

To inquire about engaging Shawn as a speaker, please Contact Nona Gandelman.