Jo Anderson (she/her), PhD
Research Director
Jo Anderson is an advocate for animals and empirical research. She has many years of experience with a wide range of social science research methods and topics, as well as advanced training in statistical analysis. Jo became Faunalytics' Research Director in 2017 and since then has led and supervised studies of attitudes and behavior pertaining to animals and veganism, advocate retention, donations, lobbying efforts, and many other topics. Her other roles include serving as the co-leader of the RECAP (Research to End Consumption of Animal Products) researcher collective, a research advisor to the Good Growth Co., and Food System Innovations, and an Adjunct Research Professor at Carleton University (Ottawa, Canada). Jo has a PhD in social psychology from the University of Waterloo and completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at Cornell University. Jo's spare-time interests include sewing, reading, finding accidentally-vegan junk food, doting over cats, and being generally indoorsy.
You can reach Jo at [email protected]
Coni Arévalo (she/her)
Research Scientist
Coni Arévalo comes from a background in wildlife conservation and management. She has long been passionate about protecting the world’s biodiversity and natural ecosystems, and is dedicated to protecting and standing up for all the animal lives that can’t do so in our human-dominated world. Coni has conducted research on anthropogenic influences on urban birds in Chile, human-carnivore conflicts in Mesoamerica, and the role of protected areas throughout Latin America. She holds a BA in German Studies and Biological Sciences from Cornell University and an MSc in Natural Resources from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Coni’s hobbies include baking, knitting, spending time in the beautiful Colorado outdoors, finding new shows to watch, and cuddling with her rescue cat Roo and rescue dog Snoopy.
You can reach Coni at [email protected]
Brooke Haggerty (she/her)
Executive Director
Brooke Haggerty has over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and has dedicated her career to animal protection. She stepped into the leadership role with Faunalytics in January 2020 after serving as our operations manager for over a year. Previously, she served as the executive director and later as a board member for the Foundation for Animal Care and Education, and also worked as a humane educator and later as a campaigns director for the Animal Protection and Rescue League. Brooke is a former board member and programming chair for the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of San Diego, former board member for HandsOn San Diego, and actively volunteers with her alma mater's student mentorship program. In 2022, she was named one of "40 Top Business Leaders Under 40" by the San Diego Business Journal. Brooke has an MA in Human Behavior, a BA in English, and certifications in Marketing and Nonprofit Management. In her free time, she enjoys classic literature and the great outdoors.
You can reach Brooke at [email protected]
Björn Jóhann Ólafsson (he/him)
Research Liaison
Björn Jóhann Ólafsson started advocating for animals at the ripe age of ten and hasn't stopped since. After studying psychology and human rights at the University of Chicago and the Center for Decision Research, Björn worked in education and science writing. He then investigated animal agriculture as a journalist for Sentient Media and other publications, reporting on greenwashing campaigns, alternative proteins, and animal sentience. Outside of work, Björn is often trail running in the Icelandic highlands or the Spanish Pyrenees, learning more languages, sewing outfits from scratch, or spending time with his two beloved lovebirds.
You can reach Björn at [email protected]
Carley MacKay (she/her), PhD
Projects Manager
Carley is a long-time believer in the power of bridging advocacy with research. She has a background in project management and holds a MA in Theory, Culture, and Politics from Trent University and PhD in Geography from York University. Specializing in animal geographies, Carley’s doctoral research explored the emotional, social, and physical dimensions of animal welfare on grass-fed beef farms, and the complex relationships that develop among animals and farmers as a result. With a variety of peer-reviewed publications spanning the topics of animal ethnography, animal auction violence, alternative food systems, and animal welfare, Carley’s passion for researching and writing about animal issues has been foundational to her advocacy. A guiding principle that shapes her understanding of animal issues is that creating meaningful change for animals is intimately tied to advocating for social and environmental justice. Outside of her role at Faunalytics, Carley loves dance, cuddling her kiddos, cooking while sipping wine, and rewatching/quoting movies she has seen hundreds of times.
You can reach Carley at [email protected]
karol orzechowski (he/him)
Content Director
karol orzechowski is a longtime animal advocate with a passion for blending activism and art. In addition to producing numerous short films on various animal issues, karol is the director of Maximum Tolerated Dose, a feature-length documentary about the psychological toll of vivisection on both animals and humans. He completed a Bachelor of Environmental Studies and an MA in Communications and Culture at York University, writing theses on nationalism and the Atlantic seal hunt, and Canadian rodeo culture, respectively. When he's not working for Faunalytics, karol is the Board President of an arts-focused student and community centre in his home town. Outside of work, karol is usually planning, hosting, or performing at events in his local arts scene, or walking with Raoul the rescue dog.
You can reach karol at [email protected]
Andrea Polanco (she/her), PhD
Research Scientist
Andrea Polanco is a trained animal welfare scientist with a PhD from the University of Guelph, but is now happily conducting social science research at Faunalytics. Although Andrea entered the field of animal welfare science to reduce animal suffering, she became vegan and a more vocal animal advocate halfway through her PhD. These changes led her to discovering Faunalytics and the empirical study of animal advocacy. In her spare time, Andrea enjoys birding, discovering new tv shows, and relaxing with her cat companion Zupa/Zuppa/Sopa (‘soup’).
You can reach Andrea at [email protected]
Jenna Riedi (she/her)
Communications Manager
Jenna Riedi is a devoted life-long animal advocate and is passionate about protecting and advancing the lives of animals around the world. She has worked and volunteered for nonprofit organizations for over 20 years, with a focus on marketing and fundraising. Jenna graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a BA in History and an MA in Library Information Sciences, from UW-Milwaukee with an MS in Nonprofit Management and Leadership, and has a masters certificate in Shelter Medicine from the University of Florida. Jenna spends her downtime with her trio of companion animals (Navi, Mielikki, and Starbuck), and also enjoys reading, singing, and hiking.
You can reach Jenna at [email protected]
Aro Roseman (xe/xem)
Data Analyst & Visual Coordinator
Aro Roseman is a life-long animal lover and is passionate about doing everything possible to make the world a better place for them. Xe has volunteered with the Birds of Prey Foundation to rehabilitate sick and injured raptors so they can return to their natural habitats, and has helped wolves lead fulfilling lives at Mission:Wolf. After Aro graduated from the University of Colorado with an MS and BA in integrative physiology and BAs in neuroscience and psychology, xe turned xyr research and data analysis skills toward the greater good, particularly animal welfare. Currently xe is working on a research study investigating the causes of cancer in golden retrievers. Aro is also passionate about being a giant nerd. Xe loves coding, and it is not uncommon to find xem building a complex spreadsheet just for fun in xyr free time. Xe also enjoys playing Dungeons & Dragons, practicing archery, and coaching Taekwondo when not working.
You can reach Aro at [email protected]
Pona Tran (she/her)
Operations Associate
Pona joined Faunalytics with a belief in data-driven animal advocacy and a desire to do more to protect the precious animals with whom we share our planet. She holds a BA in Arts Management from the University of Toronto, and has worked at a number of arts organizations throughout her career. Pona also teaches English, and occasionally speaks at language and culture conferences on topics such as heritage and identity. Pona enjoys orchestral music, reading, sun protection, and pampering Selena, her feline family member.
You can reach Pona at [email protected]
Liz Wheeler (she/her)
Philanthropy Officer
Liz Wheeler is an animal advocate passionate about connecting people with animals who need protection. Liz started her career working with companion animals in shelter medicine and veterinary practice before completing a certificate in Animal Welfare from Thompson Rivers University and a certification in Anthrozoology at the University of Windsor, where her passion for farmed animal advocacy flourished. In 2022, Liz began rescuing chickens and is now the proud founder of Secondhand Stories Chicken Sanctuary. If you ever have a meeting with Liz, you may see a few of her rescue chickens or adopted cats wander across Zoom, so make sure you say hello!
You can reach Liz at [email protected]
Zach Wulderk (he/they)
Research Scientist
After years of advocating for animals outside of work, Zach Wulderk decided to make his passion for animals his career. He has a background in economics and political science, graduating from Wesleyan University with a BA in Government, and worked for several years in both economic consulting and economic development before joining the Faunalytics team. Zach is a self-professed R nerd and is always looking for new applications for his favorite software. Outside of work, Zach is often playing music with his band, trying out new vegan recipes, or taking too many pictures of his rescue cats, Zucchini and Hippo.
You can reach Zach at [email protected]
