Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant is a renowned wildlife ecologist and storyteller, known for her focus on how human activity influences the behavior of wild animals. She conducts extensive fieldwork, spending long periods in the wilderness tracking and observing black and grizzly bears in the western United States, and African lions in rural Kenya and Tanzania.

As an active scientist and National Geographic Explorer, Wynn-Grant's wildlife exploration and media work have taken her to six of the seven continents and over 25 countries. She uses media to enhance the representation of Black scientists and explorers, hosting several shows including PBS' "Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant" and NBC's new version of the iconic "Wild Kingdom," premiering in fall 2023. Her PBS podcast, "Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant," invites listeners to join her in some of the world’s most remote locations as she studies wild animals in their natural habitats.

Wynn-Grant received her BS in Environmental Studies from Emory University, her MS in Environmental Studies from Yale University, and her PhD in Ecology and Evolution from Columbia University. She serves as a research faculty member at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at the University of California at Santa Barbara. Beyond her scientific and media endeavors, Wynn-Grant is an advocate for equity and justice within STEM fields, ensuring safe and equitable access to nature for all. She also serves on the Golden Gate regional board of NatureBridge, emphasizing her commitment to connecting young people with the natural world.