Gordon Lau

Professional Background

Gordon Lau is a dedicated wildlife biologist and disease ecologist with a passion for understanding the intricate connections between wildlife, human health, and environmental integrity. With significant experience across various sectors, including public health, wildlife conservation, and medical entomology, Gordon embodies the One Health principle, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. His impressive career features a variety of roles that showcase his versatility and commitment to advancing knowledge within the fields of ecology and conservation.

Gordon's former roles include Project Biologist and Staff Biologist at Applied Technology & Science (A-T-S), where he contributed to numerous ecological projects focused on understanding wildlife populations and their habitats. Additionally, he served as a Staff Biologist at Sequoia Ecological Consulting, which underscored his expertise in employing ecological principles to address real-world environmental challenges. His tenure as a Vector Control Ecologist at the County of Santa Clara reflects his extensive work in disease ecology, focusing on mitigating the impacts of emerging infectious diseases transmitted by wildlife.

As a committed advocate for science communication and education, Gordon aims to make wildlife biology and environmental science more accessible, especially to underrepresented communities. He actively promotes outreach initiatives designed to inspire a diverse group of individuals to engage with science.

Education and Achievements

Gordon's educational background is robust, equipping him with a strong foundation in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. He earned his Master of Science (MS) in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology from the Department of Biology at San Francisco State University. His graduate education included avenues of research that expanded his understanding of complex ecological systems and the role of biodiversity in sustaining ecosystem health.

Prior to his master's degree, Gordon obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Molecular Environmental Biology with a French Minor from the University of California, Berkeley. This degree provided him with an interdisciplinary approach to studying biology, preparing him for the multifaceted nature of his work in wildlife ecology.

Notably, Gordon has also engaged in tropical biology and conservation studies at the Monteverde Institute, reflecting his commitment to global ecological challenges and biodiversity conservation.

Notable Contributions

Throughout his career, Gordon has been involved in numerous professional associations and leadership positions that highlight his dedication to wildlife biology. He served as the Co-President of The Wildlife Society at Berkeley, fostering community engagement and support for wildlife research and conservation initiatives. Additionally, he held the role of Outreach Coordinator within the same organization, demonstrating his commitment to education and public engagement.

Gordon's hands-on experience in research and field studies is complemented by his teaching experiences at San Francisco State University, where he worked as both a Graduate Teaching Assistant and a Grading Assistant. This involvement allowed him to mentor students and convey his passion for ecology and conservation directly to the next generation of scientists.

In pursuit of helping others understand and appreciate wildlife and ecology, Gordon has volunteered extensively. His contributions as an AmphibiaWeb Editor at the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at UC Berkeley exemplify his dedication to furthering knowledge in herpetology and amphibian conservation. His time as an outreach coordinator and volunteer assistant curator at the museum further solidifies his commitment to public education and scientific outreach.

Overall, Gordon Lau stands out as a versatile and passionate wildlife biologist and disease ecologist. His contribution to the scientific community, dedication to public health, and commitment to accessibility in science make him an invaluable asset in addressing key ecological and health challenges in a rapidly changing world.