Directors
William Thomas, Ph.D., Director
Dr. Thomas is the Director of the New Jersey School of Conservation. He has a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Arizona State University. His research interests include ethno-ecology, conservation and traditional ecological wisdom of indigenous people. Since1988, he has conducted ethno-ecological research in Papua New Guinea. He is a fellow in the Explorers Club and has been recognized by the United Nations for the development of research methodologies now recognized as one of the "Best Practices" in the use of indigenous knowledge.
Randall FitzGerald, Ph.D., Associate Director
Dr. FitzGerald is Associate Director of the New Jersey School of Conservation and Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at Montclair State University. He is an authority on microtine behavioral ecology and has authored numerous articles relating to aminal behavior, behavioral ecology, and human sociobiology. His current research interests center around mate selection strategies among humans, and the influence of conservation photography on responsible evironmental behavior in humans.
Dr. FitzGerald earned his B.S. in Environmental Science from the State University of New York, College at Purchase, and his Ph.D. in Biology at the New York State University Center at Binghamton. Prior to coming to the School of Conservation, he served as a National Science Foundation Research Associate at the University of Pittsburgh investigating sex differences in the evolution of cognitive learning. Dr. FitzGerald's current role at the School of Conservation involves overseeing all the educational and research programs at the field station. He is also the field center's webmaster.
Dr. FitzGerald relaxes by creating fine art images of natural and rural landscapes. He is represented by several fine art galleries in Pennsylvannia, New York and New Jersey.