Lilia Illes

Lilia Illes is a Lecturer at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), affiliated with the Department of Geography. Her research focuses on wildlife conservation, human-wildlife conflict resolution in developing nations, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on zoos and aquariums. She teaches courses in geography, GIS, and environmental studies, emphasizing Los Angeles/California's regional influence.

Education:

• Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles
• M.S., California State University, Fullerton
• B.A., University of Southern California

Research Interests: Dr. Illes conducts fieldwork across Africa and Southeast Asia, studying mammals like primates, elephants, and pangolins. She advocates holistic environmental approaches to conservation and examines how public attitudes toward wildlife have shifted during global crises. Current projects explore the viability of zoological institutions post-pandemic.

Teaching & Outreach: Combines academic rigor with practical GIS skills while highlighting Los Angeles’s ecological and cultural significance. Courses include environmental policy, conservation biology, and regional geography.