September 25, 2025 Seward Folly

Seward, Alaska (9/24/2025) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is pleased to
announce that the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has honored John Fraser,
Ph.D., AIA, ASLC Director of Mission Impact, with the Devra Kleiman Scientific
Advancement Award, one of its highest recognitions. Established in 2014, the award
celebrates scientific contributions that advance animal management, education, and
conservation. Named for pioneering zoologist Dr. Devra Kleiman, it is presented only
when a candidate’s impact reflects her legacy.

This marks the first time a social scientist has been recognized with the award. Over
nearly four decades, Fraser’s work has transformed how zoos and aquariums understand their impact on people, showing that conservation success depends as much on human behavior as on ecosystems. Fraser’s career began as an architect designing exhibits for the Toronto Zoo in the 1980s. Encouraged by mentors including Drs. Jill Mellen, Kathy Carlstead, and David Shepherdson, he was welcomed by Kleiman into the groundbreaking Methods of Behavioral Assessment project, one of the first multi-institutional behavioral research efforts. That collaboration sparked a lifelong focus on the human side of conservation.

In 2000, Drs. Carol Saunders, Stephen Kellert, and Fraser launched the idea of conservation psychology, a social-science partner to conservation biology. Since then, Fraser has led landmark projects showing how zoos and aquariums influence environmental identity, hope, and action. His leadership of Phases II and III of the Why Zoos and Aquariums Matter studies provided critical data on the social and educational impact of AZA institutions. He later co-authored The Social Value of Zoos with Tawnya Switzer, published by Cambridge University Press.

Fraser has published nearly 100 peer-reviewed articles, more than 20 books and chapters, and served as editor of “Curator: The Museum Journal” from 2015–2022. Within AZA, he was a founding member of the Research and Technology Committee, co-author of the AZA’s Research Priorities, and a key driver behind the Social Science Research and Evaluation Scientific Advisory Group. He developed shared research tools that fostered collaboration and elevated social science in the field.

“Devra welcomed me into my first major research project, and her belief in rigorous science as a tool for conservation has guided me ever since,” Fraser said. “I’ve tried throughout my career to carry that same commitment forward.”

The Alaska SeaLife Center is proud to celebrate Dr. John ‘Johnny’ Fraser’s achievement and the recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to conservation science.

About AZA
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and abroad.

About ASLC
Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit research institution and public aquarium in Seward, Alaska. The Center generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org.