Erika Novak

Erika Novak is Manager of Leaning Innovation at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. She leads a team in the development and delivery of digital education programs focused on wildlife, habitats and the actions audiences can take action to save species. Her favorite animals include American alligators and the Zoo’s Komodo dragons.

Stories from this author

Table with one folded newspaper, one unfolded newspaper and a pencil

A New Smithsonian Guide for How You Can Make Your Daily Routine More Sustainable

A collaboration with USA TODAY, the publication also spotlights the scientists, historians, artists, and youth tackling environmental challenges

The National Zoo education team created an interactive, virtual field trip experience for 600 D.C. Public Schools kindergarteners to learn more about rainforest habitats, connecting to a children’s book they had read together. Here, the facilitator introduces students to a rainforest resident, the roseate spoonbill. (Smithsonian’s National Zoo)

Imaginations Run Wild with a Virtual Visit to the National Zoo

This spring, reading about the rainforest was reinforced by virtual field trips to the National Zoo, as D.C. Kindergarteners connected with a Zoo educator and a cast of Amazonian animals