Sara Blake, now the interim senior scientist with Action for Cheetahs in Kenya, was inspired by her uncle Brent Auernheimer (Computer Science), to make a difference in protecting wildlife and other animals.

"I went to University High School on the campus of Fresno State and was inspired to attend Fresno State by my uncle, a computer science faculty member, and my mother, an instructional designer in the Center for Faculty Excellence," she said.

After completing her bachelor's degree in biology, she earned an M.S. in Biology from CSU Bakersfield.

Her position with Action for Cheetahs provides her with an opportunity to give endangered animals a future.

"I am involved with data collection in the field, data management using our new app and online system, staff and student schedule management, and assisting with the scat detection dog training in preparation for ACK's second country-wide cheetah population survey beginning next year," she said. "As a project, we work closely with communities that share land with predators and try to increase tolerance and appreciation of these animals through classes and herder trainings, preventing further loss of livestock to local wildlife."

This past Monday, December 4, was International Cheetah Day. Sara represented Action for Cheetahs in Kenya and was able to connect via Skype with supporters at Fresno Chaffee Zoo.

"I'm helping to raise awareness for the population decline of the fastest running animal on Earth," she said.

Previously, Sara has been in Namibia and South Africa — all work related to preserving the cheetah.  Locally, she supports the Cat Haven in Dunlap.

See Chaffee Zoo interview.