- Zoos: A Historical Perspective from Smithsonian Institution Libraries
The National Zoological Park is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
AZA
Sharon L. Deem, DVM, PhD, Dipl ACZM, Research Veterinarian
Veterinary Medicine
Sharon Deem came to the National Zoo as Associate Veterinarian in August of 2002, and became Research Veterinarian in 2005. Deem leads or participates in field-based conservation projects throughout the year. Before coming to the National Zoo, Deem served as Field Veterinarian for the Wildlife Conservation Society based at the Bronx Zoo.
Her research interests in wildlife veterinary medicine focus on the spread of disease between domestic animals and wildlife and the health impact of environmental changes and human contact on wild species. Her research has included, among many other projects, a health-monitoring program for gorillas in central Africa, a comprehensive health assessment of captive Saint Vincent parrots in the Grenadines, an ongoing health assessment of Atlantic/Caribbean sea turtles, veterinary support for a maned wolf health assessment in Bolivia, and a telemetry study of Congo forest elephants.
Deem received her bachelor's degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, her doctorate in veterinary medicine from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, and her Ph.D. in veterinary epidemiology from the University of Florida.
She is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland, the veterinary advisor for the Jaguar Species Survival Plan, and is the Co-chair of the Infectious Diseases Committee of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians.
