Dr. Sylvia Atsalis holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in Evolutionary Anthropology from the City University of New York, specializing in primate ecology. As a National Geographic Scholar, she conducted groundbreaking research on nocturnal lemurs in Madagascar, resulting in several publications, including A Natural History of the Brown Mouse Lemur. Under an NIH grant, she conducted a national study on zoo-housed aging female gorillas, focusing on reproduction, sexual behavior, and menopause, and publishing the volume Interdisciplinary Topics in Gerontology and Geriatrics: Primate Reproductive Aging. As a former Fulbright Scholar in Suriname, Dr. Atsalis continues to teach, mentor students, and conduct primate survey research. She has trained 100’s of students across Asia, Africa, South America, and at Northeastern Illinois University and the University of Chicago, developing programs for careers in STEM, government, policy, and social service. As a member of the American Society of Primatologists, Dr. Atsalis is engaged in advocacy against the primate pet trade. She is the Founder of Professional Development for Good, through which she consults with NGOs like Conservation International and the Lemur Conservation Foundation. Through tailored programs, Dr. Atsalis empowers teams to amplify their voices and address global challenges. In 2024, Dr. Atsalis launched My Mentor, a nonprofit supporting emerging conservation leaders in high biodiversity regions, offering leadership programming and individualized mentorship to over 30 participants across 6 countries. She has published on the importance of holistic mentorship and offers guidance to colleagues and mentees on incorporating mentorship by sharing stories, experiences, and expertise.

Fluent in several languages, Dr. Atsalis continues to expand her consulting and mentoring toolkit through training in neuroscience for coaching, mindfulness, and storytelling, helping young people tackle global challenges with confidence and clarity. Known for her listening and observation skills, Dr. Atsalis excels in talent development and supports emerging wildlife conservation leaders. She believes young people around the world are at the forefront of preserving global wildlife and need strong support. Her proven approaches consistently instill confidence in emerging leaders, empowering them with a global perspective that helps them tackle complex local challenges with resilience and self-assurance.