Dr. Donna Shaver is a renowned wildlife biologist who has dedicated her career to the preservation of endangered species, with a particular focus on Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. She grew up in upstate New York, where her early interest in wildlife biology was influenced by her grandfather's love for nature and his saltwater aquariums. Dr. Shaver attended Corcoran High School and later pursued her undergraduate studies at Cornell University, where she majored in traditional wildlife biology. However, her passion always lay in the recovery efforts of threatened and endangered species. In 1980, between her junior and senior years at Cornell, Dr. Shaver began her work with Kemp’s ridley turtles as an intern at Padre Island National Seashore through the Student Conservation Association. At that time, the Kemp’s ridley population was plummeting, and her work was instrumental in the conservation efforts. Throughout her career, Dr. Shaver has been a strong advocate for women in science, often serving as a mentor and role model for young female scientists. She has been recognized for her dedication to her work and her commitment to passing on her knowledge and passion to the next generation of wildlife biologists.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with Dr. Donna Shaver, conducted by Dr. Jen Brown on March 26, 2021, provides an in-depth look into Dr. Shaver's life, career, and her significant contributions to the field of wildlife biology, particularly in the conservation of Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. The interview begins with Dr. Shaver discussing her early life and influences, her education at Cornell University, and her initial interest in endangered species preservation. She then delves into her work at Padre Island National Seashore, where she began as an intern and eventually became a key figure in the conservation efforts for Kemp’s ridley turtles. Dr. Shaver also discusses her role as a mentor, particularly to young women in science. She shares her experiences and the importance of having strong female role models in the field. She also expresses her commitment to ensuring the continuation of her work after her retirement. The interview concludes with Dr. Shaver expressing her willingness to participate in future interviews to discuss other aspects of her career and experiences.