James Desmond
About James Desmond
James Desmond serves as the Country Coordinator for PREDICT Liberia at EcoHealth Alliance, where he has worked since 2009. He specializes in the rehabilitation and captive care of great apes and has extensive experience in wildlife conservation and emerging disease management.
Work at EcoHealth Alliance
James Desmond has served as the Country Coordinator for PREDICT Liberia at EcoHealth Alliance since 2009. In this role, he has been involved in various initiatives aimed at monitoring and managing wildlife diseases in Liberia. Additionally, he works as a Consulting Field Veterinarian at EcoHealth Alliance, contributing his expertise in veterinary medicine and wildlife conservation. His long tenure at the organization highlights his commitment to addressing emerging infectious diseases through a One Health approach.
Education and Expertise
James Desmond holds multiple degrees from Tufts University, including a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a Master of Science in Comparative Biomedical Sciences. He completed his veterinary studies at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine from 2003 to 2008. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from the College of the Holy Cross. His educational background equips him with a strong foundation in veterinary medicine, population genetics, and disease ecology, which he applies in his professional roles.
Background
James Desmond began his career in veterinary medicine with a Veterinary Internship at The Jane Goodall Institute in 2000. He later worked as a Chemist/Technical Specialist at AstraZeneca from 2002 to 2007. His experience includes a year as a Field Veterinarian at EcoHealth Alliance from 2009 to 2010. His diverse background in both veterinary medicine and chemistry has informed his approach to wildlife conservation and disease management.
Achievements
James Desmond specializes in the rehabilitation and captive care of great apes. He has been actively involved in planning and capacity-building initiatives related to wildlife and emerging diseases. His expertise extends to team building and training within the context of wildlife conservation and emerging disease management. These contributions reflect his commitment to advancing the field of veterinary medicine and wildlife health.
Current Role at Humane Society of the United States
Since 2015, James Desmond has served as a Technical Advisor at the Humane Society of the United States in Washington, D.C. In this capacity, he provides guidance on various animal welfare initiatives and contributes to the organization's mission of promoting humane treatment of animals. His role complements his work in wildlife conservation and underscores his dedication to animal health and welfare.