Our Leadership Team
Dr. Elsa Ning Ding
Co-Founder & Director of Research and EducationElsa is a scientist and co-founder of United Squirrels. She earned her PhD in Food Science from Jiangnan University and completed postdoctoral research in Computational Biochemistry at Vanderbilt University.
During her years at Vanderbilt, close observation of campus squirrels sparked her interest in squirrel behavior and cognitive biology. In fall 2025, a beloved mother squirrel named Honeymoon was lost to a hawk. With guidance from wildlife rehabilitator Deborah Leeper, Elsa rescued and cared for Honeymoon’s five newborn babies and supported their eventual return to the wild. This experience inspired the founding of United Squirrels and its research-to-rehabilitation model. In 2026, Elsa co-founded the organization, bringing her scientific expertise into the service of wildlife and the public.
Garfield Tingyu Zhang
Garfield Tingyu Zhang is a co-founder of United Squirrels and leads the organization’s branding and creative strategy. He earned his BA in Psychology and Business from Vanderbilt University, where his interest in campus squirrels developed into a broader commitment to wildlife-centered organizational work.
As Founder and President of the Vanderbilt Squirrel Club, Garfield organized campus initiatives, mobilized volunteers, raised more than $15,000, and supported the installation of over 20 solar-powered waste stations.
At United Squirrels, he shapes the organization’s identity, creative direction, publications, and visual storytelling—translating research and rehabilitation knowledge into clear, compelling communication.
Co-Founder & Director of Branding and Creative StrategyDifferent Expertise, Shared Purpose
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Rachel Hudgens
Director of Communications and Public Engagement
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Dean Siyuan Ding
Director of Partnerships
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Alexander Fisch
Director of Student Development
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Paulina Soto
Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation
