Ronan Donovan, a National Geographic wildlife biologist and conservation photographer, recently visited Sierra Canyon School to share insights from his work documenting the social structures of animals and drawing comparisons to human behavior.
His presentation, The Nature of Kinship, captivated students on both the Lower and Upper Campuses. Ronan explores the social behaviors of chimpanzees, wolves, and gorillas, highlighting how these animals build relationships, communicate, and adapt to their environments while drawing striking parallels to human behaviors. Sponsored by Vital Impacts, a women-led nonprofit dedicated to supporting conservation through art, Ronan brought his message of environmental awareness to life. Special thanks to Sierra Canyon Board Member Nadia Allaudian (Matteo '36) for her instrumental role in making this inspiring event possible.
Following the assemblies, Ronan met with students from our Arts programs, including yearbook, journalism, photography, and newspaper. These students had the unique opportunity to engage with Donovan in a Q&A session, where they asked about his techniques and career journey. The conversation allowed them to explore how their creative projects can convey impactful messages through visual storytelling.
In addition to his discussions with the students, Ronan toured One Step from Infinity, an art collection by alumnus Connor K. Gilmore '16, currently on display at the Upper Campus. While Ronan's work focuses on animals and their social structures, Connor's collection stands out for its masterful use of light and dark, offering a unique contrast in artistic themes.
Through his influential work, Ronan's visit emphasized the power of social bonds, our shared responsibility to preserve the natural world, and simple ways students can positively impact their communities.
