Dr. Jessie Williams
Scientist, psychologist, conservation biologist, wildlife photographer and filmmaker
Sarasota, FL
Jessie lives and works at the fertile nexus where psychology, conservation biology, and visual arts meet. She has worked as a research scientist, clinical psychologist, and conservation biologist. She uses her skills as a wildlife photographer and filmmaker to promote a love of nature and a sense of urgency to protect wildlife.
Jessie earned her PhD in biological psychology at Rutgers University, Institute of Animal Behavior, and continued her research in animal behavior at the University of Maryland, Department of Zoology. She has published numerous scientific articles in the field of behavioral biology, including her seminal paper showing the role of oxytocin in pair-bonding. She continued her research and began a clinical career at the University of Miami, Department of Behavioral Medicine, and the University of Florida, Health and Sciences Center. She currently enjoys a clinical practice in Sarasota.
Jessie is a founding board member of Rare Species Conservatory Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving wildlife through flagship species recovery programs. She also is founder of the 100 Monarchs Project, with the goal to engage the general public in the uplifting and important endeavor of grass roots monarch butterfly conservation. She created “Media For Conservation” to promote wildlife conservation through film, photography, and photojournalism. Because of her lifelong interest in primate conservation, Dr. Williams joined LCF’s board in 2015.