Nucharin Songsasen

Nucharin Songsasen is a research biologist and head of the Center for Species Survival at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. Songsasen is an expert in global canid conservation, including maned wolves, African wild dogs, and dholes.

Early life and education

Nucharin Songsasen grew up in Thailand. Songsasen received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Kasetsart University in 1988. After becoming a veterinarian, she struggled with the job's requirements to euthanize animals. Songsasen also pioneered the field of mouse sperm cryopreservation. In December 2018 Songsasen became the head of the Center for Species Survival within SCBI. Songsasen is a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Canid Specialist Group and an advisor to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Canid Taxon Advisory Group.