Description
I have an MSc in Wild Animal Biology and experience working in both harsh terrains and laboratory settings.
My MSc has provided me with an understanding of threats to wildlife populations and has inspired me to follow the direction of a research-focused career. I am currently continuing my MSc thesis “Investigating the prevalence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) in traded urodeles within Europe” with the support of the Wildlife Epidemiology department at the Institute of Zoology, ZSL in order to collect additional data for publication. My research project requires me to utilise a variety of laboratory procedures such as DNA extraction, dilutions and qPCR.
My undergraduate research focused on niche separation and parasite load of three caiman species in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Peru. Following on from my BSc (Hons), I was employed by Operation Wallacea as a Freshwater Scientist in the Peruvian Amazon. In this role I led the fish and caiman population surveys, utilizing both mark, capture, release and spotlight survey methodologies.
As a Freshwater Scientist with Operation Wallacea in the Peruvian Amazon, I exposed to physically demanding terrains and was responsible for the safety of all students throughout freshwater fish and caiman surveys. I ensured all data collected were recorded on standardised forms and helped resolve, in liaison with AmazonEco and Operation Wallacea staff, any operational issues that were brought up by students. Outside of my duties I assisted with research projects focusing on avian cetacean and primate conservation.
I am passionate about herpetology and have an interest in island biodiversity. Furthermore, I am eager to work with wildlife and facilitate research towards terrestrial and marine species.
Education
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Royal Veterinary College
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September 2016 - September 2017
MSc Wild animal Biology
The course provides participants with:
A critical awareness of current problems in wildlife diseases with implications for wildlife conservation and welfare.
A new insight into interventions for the health management of captive and free-living wild animals.
A systematic understanding of the biological principles underpinning wild animal conservation and management, and the epidemiology, diagnosis and control of wildlife disease.
Basic competence in veterinary techniques and preventative medicine for wild animals.
A conceptual and practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create knowledge in the field of wild animal health.
A comprehensive understanding of scientific skills, including a critical review of the scientific literature, and design and analysis of laboratory or field studies.
Experience
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Operation Wallacea
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25/06/16 - 05/08/16
Freshwater Scientist
Duties
To lead the Freshwater fish and Caiman surveys, ensuring students are following the correct survey protocols and are fully aware of why they are collecting the data and their contribution towards the project.To ensure that students are being involved with the data collection wherever possible.
To ensure data from all surveys are recorded on standardised forms and that these data are then entered into a computer on the research boats.
To prepare and deliver a lecture on personal research or areas of relevant interest.
To discuss future projects with the expedition manager and suggest potential areas of research interest for the 2016 surveys.
To help resolve, in liaison with AmazonEco and Operation Wallacea staff, any operational issues brought up by the Operation Wallacea students.
To carry out other duties as may, from time to time, be required for the safe and efficient running of the project.
