THE HCI TEAM
HCI is a fully volunteer driven organization. No board members or team members are compensated for their time, travel or services to the organization. When you donate to HCI the money you donate goes directly to the projects-- not in our pockets.
THE BOARD
Myke Clarkson - President
Myke Clarkson is a Natural History filmmaker and television producer, having filmed, produced, and created programming for National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, Netflix and Animal Planet to name a few. Currently Myke is the Owner/Operator of Pelamis Productions. Outside of television Myke also serves as the President for the International Herpetological Symposium, the longest running private non-profit reptile and amphibian symposium in the United States. Rainforest ecology, sea snakes (Hydrophiinae), sea kraits (Laticaudinae), other aquatic snakes (including Acrochordidae and Homalopsidae), and arboreal colubrids are areas of particular interest to him and he has written on and presented on some of these topics at symposiums and society talks around the country.
Myke Clarkson is a Natural History filmmaker and television producer, having filmed, produced, and created programming for National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, Netflix and Animal Planet to name a few. Currently Myke is the Owner/Operator of Pelamis Productions. Outside of television Myke also serves as the President for the International Herpetological Symposium, the longest running private non-profit reptile and amphibian symposium in the United States. Rainforest ecology, sea snakes (Hydrophiinae), sea kraits (Laticaudinae), other aquatic snakes (including Acrochordidae and Homalopsidae), and arboreal colubrids are areas of particular interest to him and he has written on and presented on some of these topics at symposiums and society talks around the country.
Luke Basulto - Domestic Projects Chair
Luke Basulto was born and raised in the Mojave Desert, spending nearly his entire life working and learning in this ecosystem. He has developed a deep understanding of how desert environments drive biodiversity and why arid lands deserve the highest levels of protection. With decades of experience in desert ecology and reptile ethology, Luke bridges the gap between research, advocacy, community, and on-the-ground conservation. He has dedicated his career to protecting imperiled species like the Mojave desert tortoise, working with federal agencies such as the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management, as well as several non-profits focused on desert conservation. His work emphasizes the importance of preserving desert ecosystems through a deeper understanding of reptile ecology, behavior, and cultural connections to the land.
Luke Basulto was born and raised in the Mojave Desert, spending nearly his entire life working and learning in this ecosystem. He has developed a deep understanding of how desert environments drive biodiversity and why arid lands deserve the highest levels of protection. With decades of experience in desert ecology and reptile ethology, Luke bridges the gap between research, advocacy, community, and on-the-ground conservation. He has dedicated his career to protecting imperiled species like the Mojave desert tortoise, working with federal agencies such as the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management, as well as several non-profits focused on desert conservation. His work emphasizes the importance of preserving desert ecosystems through a deeper understanding of reptile ecology, behavior, and cultural connections to the land.
Dr. Chip Cochran - Grants Chair
Chip Cochran received his BS from the University of Arizona where he majored in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. During his time at the University of Arizona he worked in Dr. Matt Goode’s lab primarily radio tracking Tiger rattlesnakes (C. tigris) and investigating the effects of urbanization on Tucson herpetofauna. He completed his PhD in Biology at Loma Linda University, under the guidance of Dr. William K. Hayes, where he studied variation in morphology, diet, and venom composition in Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnakes (Crotalus pyrrhus). His research interests include conservation, ecology, and evolution of venomous squamates. He is particularly interested in African herpetofauna and members of the genus Crotalus.
Chip Cochran received his BS from the University of Arizona where he majored in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. During his time at the University of Arizona he worked in Dr. Matt Goode’s lab primarily radio tracking Tiger rattlesnakes (C. tigris) and investigating the effects of urbanization on Tucson herpetofauna. He completed his PhD in Biology at Loma Linda University, under the guidance of Dr. William K. Hayes, where he studied variation in morphology, diet, and venom composition in Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnakes (Crotalus pyrrhus). His research interests include conservation, ecology, and evolution of venomous squamates. He is particularly interested in African herpetofauna and members of the genus Crotalus.
Becca Clarkson RN, MSN, CIC - Secretary
Becca holds a Masters Degree in Nursing science, and is board certified in both Board of Registered Nursing and Certification Board Of Infection Controllers. She is currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Providence Masters of Infection Prevention and Epidemiology Program, Infection Preventionist III for Providence Saint Joseph Health System, the elected treasurer for APIC (The Association For Professionals In Infection Control) Los Angeles, and a capstone curriculum designer. Outside of the hospital she loves Chelonians of all shapes and sizes and is also an avid scuba diver, giving her an extra special fondness for sea turtles. Her hospital administration background and skills help HCI's policy and have also contributed to the procedural planning in both out programs and our membership systems.
Becca holds a Masters Degree in Nursing science, and is board certified in both Board of Registered Nursing and Certification Board Of Infection Controllers. She is currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Providence Masters of Infection Prevention and Epidemiology Program, Infection Preventionist III for Providence Saint Joseph Health System, the elected treasurer for APIC (The Association For Professionals In Infection Control) Los Angeles, and a capstone curriculum designer. Outside of the hospital she loves Chelonians of all shapes and sizes and is also an avid scuba diver, giving her an extra special fondness for sea turtles. Her hospital administration background and skills help HCI's policy and have also contributed to the procedural planning in both out programs and our membership systems.
Bruce Edley, M.Sc. - Australia Programs Chair
Bruce Edley is a project scientist for Marine based consulting work at CEE: Consulting Environmental Engineers Pty. He also demonstrates part-time at the University of Melbourne where he graduated with a master's degree in quantitative and applied ecology. His research investigated the environmental drivers that potentially caused the range and niche contraction for the Growling Grass frog (Litoria raniformis). Bruce is a former employee of California State Parks and California contact for the Horned Lizard Conservation Society where he contributed to the research of California's endangered flat tailed horned lizard (Phyrnosoma mcallii). He has done conservation work in Australia, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama.
Bruce Edley is a project scientist for Marine based consulting work at CEE: Consulting Environmental Engineers Pty. He also demonstrates part-time at the University of Melbourne where he graduated with a master's degree in quantitative and applied ecology. His research investigated the environmental drivers that potentially caused the range and niche contraction for the Growling Grass frog (Litoria raniformis). Bruce is a former employee of California State Parks and California contact for the Horned Lizard Conservation Society where he contributed to the research of California's endangered flat tailed horned lizard (Phyrnosoma mcallii). He has done conservation work in Australia, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama.
Devon Massyn - Treasurer
Devon Massyn is a Los Angeles based South African wildlife filmmaker, and the owner of the American Natural History Unit. He has shot, produced, and appeared on National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and Animal Planet. Devon’s animal photos, travel stories, and zoological research has appeared in various international publications, including the African Journal of Herpetology. He has also assisted various research projects on South African wildlife. Whether he’s catching crocodiles along the Nile, Berg adders (Bitis atropos) in the Drakensburgs, or diving with tiger sharks in the Bahamas, Devon brings a passion for wildlife and a keen understanding of the natural world-- on camera and off. Devon especially enjoys studying chameleons, African vipers, and gecko species.
Devon Massyn is a Los Angeles based South African wildlife filmmaker, and the owner of the American Natural History Unit. He has shot, produced, and appeared on National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and Animal Planet. Devon’s animal photos, travel stories, and zoological research has appeared in various international publications, including the African Journal of Herpetology. He has also assisted various research projects on South African wildlife. Whether he’s catching crocodiles along the Nile, Berg adders (Bitis atropos) in the Drakensburgs, or diving with tiger sharks in the Bahamas, Devon brings a passion for wildlife and a keen understanding of the natural world-- on camera and off. Devon especially enjoys studying chameleons, African vipers, and gecko species.
OUR TEAM MEMBERS
Dr. Justin Bernstein - HKV Grant Chair
Justin Bernstein, PhD, joins the Herpetological Conservation International (HCI) team with a deep passion for studying the natural history, biodiversity, and evolution of species—particularly snakes. His research integrates molecular, ecological, morphological, and distributional data to explore species dispersal, environmental adaptations, and correlations between species richness and genomic patterns. Justin’s work has taken him across the globe, from field expeditions in the Western USA to the Philippines, leveraging both in-situ research and natural history collections.
Justin Bernstein, PhD, joins the Herpetological Conservation International (HCI) team with a deep passion for studying the natural history, biodiversity, and evolution of species—particularly snakes. His research integrates molecular, ecological, morphological, and distributional data to explore species dispersal, environmental adaptations, and correlations between species richness and genomic patterns. Justin’s work has taken him across the globe, from field expeditions in the Western USA to the Philippines, leveraging both in-situ research and natural history collections.
Zeev Sinai Nitzan Ginsburg - Social Media Director
Zeev is a writer, photographer, and chef with a lifelong passion for herpetology. With a background in field herpetology, communications, and activism, he is dedicated to bridging the gap between science and the public through storytelling, education, and advocacy. His work is fueled by a deep appreciation for the natural world, and a commitment to protect the world for future generations. Whether hiking through remote landscapes, capturing the beauty of wildlife through a camera lens, or crafting narratives that bring conservation to life, he strives to inspire curiosity, foster understanding, and promote meaningful action. When he isn’t looking for snakes, writing about snakes, or posting about snakes, you can usually find him experimenting in the kitchen or lost in a good book.
Zeev is a writer, photographer, and chef with a lifelong passion for herpetology. With a background in field herpetology, communications, and activism, he is dedicated to bridging the gap between science and the public through storytelling, education, and advocacy. His work is fueled by a deep appreciation for the natural world, and a commitment to protect the world for future generations. Whether hiking through remote landscapes, capturing the beauty of wildlife through a camera lens, or crafting narratives that bring conservation to life, he strives to inspire curiosity, foster understanding, and promote meaningful action. When he isn’t looking for snakes, writing about snakes, or posting about snakes, you can usually find him experimenting in the kitchen or lost in a good book.
Morgan Hutchenson - CARE Project Director
Morgan Hutchenson is a wildlife specialist with experience ranging from hands-on captive care to tracking venomous snakes in the wild. As an FFA district Vice President and school chapter President, she worked extensively with livestock before volunteering at the Dallas Zoo, prepping diets for a variety of species. She’s cared for Kenyan sand boas, ball pythons, blue-tongued skinks, and amphibians, but her expertise goes far beyond reptiles. She’s also trekked through Zimbabwe, seeking out some of Africa’s most incredible snakes, from puff adders to black mambas. As the team leader for Herpetological Conservation International’s CARE project, Morgan brings sharp instincts, problem-solving expertise, and an unstoppable passion for wildlife.
Morgan Hutchenson is a wildlife specialist with experience ranging from hands-on captive care to tracking venomous snakes in the wild. As an FFA district Vice President and school chapter President, she worked extensively with livestock before volunteering at the Dallas Zoo, prepping diets for a variety of species. She’s cared for Kenyan sand boas, ball pythons, blue-tongued skinks, and amphibians, but her expertise goes far beyond reptiles. She’s also trekked through Zimbabwe, seeking out some of Africa’s most incredible snakes, from puff adders to black mambas. As the team leader for Herpetological Conservation International’s CARE project, Morgan brings sharp instincts, problem-solving expertise, and an unstoppable passion for wildlife.
Heather Seals - CARE Project Artist
Heather Seals pursues a career in the arts utilizing both traditional and digital media and has been professionally tattooing for over 10 years. A naturalist at heart, she is involved in the herpetocultre community as a keeper and field herper. Heather's passion is to nurture a curiosity about nature in others and will always volunteer her time and artistic service for conservation efforts.
Heather's art is featured in the CARE (Chytrid Awareness for Reserves and Ecolodges) project, on both the posters, the webpage and the related fundraising merchandise.
Heather Seals pursues a career in the arts utilizing both traditional and digital media and has been professionally tattooing for over 10 years. A naturalist at heart, she is involved in the herpetocultre community as a keeper and field herper. Heather's passion is to nurture a curiosity about nature in others and will always volunteer her time and artistic service for conservation efforts.
Heather's art is featured in the CARE (Chytrid Awareness for Reserves and Ecolodges) project, on both the posters, the webpage and the related fundraising merchandise.
