Dr. Oliver Ryder is the Kleberg Endowed Director of Conservation Genetics at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. He oversees research activities in biobanking, molecular genetics, genomics studies, and genetic rescue efforts, including stem cell applications, that are focused on reducing extinction risk and contributing to species recovery and sustainable populations. He is Co-chair of the newly formed SSC-IUCN Animal Biobanking for Conservation Specialist Group. He received a PhD in Biology from the University of California, San Diego, where he is now Adjunct Professor in the Department of Evolution, Behavior and Ecology. His contributions include key studies relevant to conservation efforts for gorillas, California condors, Przewalski’s horses, black-footed ferrets, Anegada iguanas, bighorn sheep, Pacific pocket mouse and other species.