Erika Hingst-Zaher

I am a Senior Research Scientist and Technical Director of the Biological Museum at Instituto Butantan, Brazil, with over 30 years of distinguished research experience. I have published 66 peer-reviewed articles, books, and book chapters spanning zoology, vertebrate morphometrics, conservation biology, and science communication. My research expertise encompasses vertebrate taxonomy, geometric morphometrics, biodiversity conservation, and One Health approaches, with particular focus on vertebrates across Brazilian biomes including the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and Amazon.As Director of the Biological Museum since 2023, I lead a multidisciplinary team of 32 professionals in research, education, and science outreach. I coordinate multiple international research collaborations, including Purple Martin migration studies with North American institutions, conservation programs for critically endangered species, and wildlife disease surveillance initiatives spanning Brazil's diverse ecosystems. I serve as editor of the Brazilian Journal of Mammalogy and have mentored >10 master's and 6 doctoral students throughout my career.My work uniquely bridges rigorous scientific research with innovative public engagement, having conceptualized and produced major exhibitions and virtual/online exhibits. I actively promote citizen science initiatives and have organized the Avistar Brasil nature observation event for over a decade, connecting communities with biodiversity conservation efforts. (Source: Lattes Curriculum)