Dr. Ellen Dierenfeld, PhD, is a globally recognized expert in comparative, zoo, and wildlife nutrition, with decades of experience developing diets for non-traditional species across zoological and conservation settings. Her career has included senior nutrition leadership roles associated with major zoological institutions and extensive independent consulting for zoos, conservation programs, and animal nutrition initiatives worldwide. She has authored or co-authored a large body of peer-reviewed publications and technical reports spanning reptiles, birds, mammals, and other taxa, and is widely cited for her work on whole-animal nutrition, nutrient balance, and species-appropriate feeding strategies. Her expertise brings foundational scientific credibility to nutrition frameworks for exotic and non-traditional species.

Dr. James Bogan, DVM, MVS, DABVP, is a highly credentialed exotic animal veterinarian with leadership roles spanning clinical practice, zoological medicine, and conservation. He is Chief of Staff and Owner of The Critter Fixer of Central Florida, Chief Veterinary Officer of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, and Director of the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation. Dr. Bogan has served as Past President of the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians and as Reptile and Amphibian Regent for the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. His work integrates reptile medicine, applied nutrition, and conservation-focused animal health at both clinical and institutional levels.

Tarra Freel is a nutrition and research professional specializing in specialty and non-traditional pets, with a strong focus on comparative nutrition. She holds dual MS degrees in Animal Science and Nutrition and has extensive experience in pet food and animal feed formulation and R&D. Her work spans formulation development, ingredient evaluation, and commercialization, with deep cross-functional collaboration across quality assurance, procurement, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, consumer services, and sales and marketing. She brings applied, industry-grounded nutrition expertise to translating scientific targets into scalable, compliant products.

Dr. Kimberly Boykin, DVM, MS is an Assistant Professor of Wildlife Medicine and Surgery in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Her academic and clinical work focuses on the health, nutrition, and husbandry of wildlife and non-traditional species, with particular relevance to reptiles and feeder-based systems. She brings an evidence-driven perspective grounded in veterinary education, clinical training, and applied research, contributing academic rigor to questions of nutrition, welfare, and long-term health outcomes in captive reptiles.

Dr. Emily Grzeda, DVM, is an exotics-focused veterinarian with professional interests in reptile medicine and nutrition. Her background combines clinical practice in non-traditional species with active engagement in reptile care and husbandry, informed by her personal experience keeping a variety of reptiles herself. This combination of veterinary training and hands-on ownership experience provides practical insight into feeding behavior, acceptance challenges, and day-to-day health considerations in captive reptiles, grounding nutrition decisions in real-world use rather than theory alone.

Yvonne Wang, PhD, MBA, is a food and life sciences professional with deep expertise in novel pet food and food ingredient development, with a focus on products that are nutritious, sustainable, and consumer-accepted. She holds a PhD in Food Science and Technology and an MBA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, combining strong scientific training with commercialization and innovation leadership. Her background includes roles as a Product Development Scientist and Comanufacturing Manager, where she has led cross-functional collaboration across R&D, manufacturing, quality, and external partners, resulting in successful product launches and design patent filings. She brings execution-driven project leadership, strong team management capabilities, and a well-developed understanding of industry trends and competitive dynamics to inform strategic product innovation.