Eric Schmidt

Hours available for mentoring per month: 4

Degree(s): Biology

Professional background, interests and expertise: Combining a deep understanding of technology with a passion for wildlife allows me to approach conservation issues from multiple perspectives.

With a Master’s degree in conservation biology, I have worked with governmental institutions such as the US National Renewable Energy Lab and various local and regional government entities focusing primarily on grassland flora and fauna, as well as large mammal wildlife management.

Having had a taste of conservation from the perspective of public institutions, I shifted gears and entered the world of tech startups, eventually leading large scale enterprise software deployments to Fortune 500 clients including Verizon, American Airlines, Ernst & Young, Deloitte, Hershey’s, Kaiser Permanente, Boeing, Intel, and more.

Today I'm back to applying those same skills to conservation by leading Wildlife Protection Solutions, an international NGO focused on protecting endangered species and ecosystems through the practical application of technology to field settings.

Best professional advice: Try to achieve as diverse a field of interests and applicable, practical skills as possible. You never know what skill set will emerge to make you stand out.