Description

Assistant Researcher

Jan 2023 – Ongoing | Fieldwork/data collection

Kalahari Research Centre, South Africa

Researcher in charge of the behavioral data collection on the field for the Cape Ground Squirrels Project.

• Morning and afternoon behavioral data collection of Cape Ground Squirrels (Xerus inauris) as a group and focal data collection on a singular individual using Cybertracker
• Habituate new study groups as well as maintaining the habituation of old ones
• Capturing, assisting the field vet while taking DNA samples and morphometric measurements of the squirrels and processing possible blood samples
• Set camera traps for pregnant females monitoring and analyze the video material
• Drone flying for vegetation survey
• Training of new volunteers
• Writing of weekly and monthly reports
• Updating Cybertracker as needed
• Data and general management

Additional information: during this experience I was hosted in the Kalahari Research Centre, 3/4 hours from Upington (Northern Cape, South Africa). The energy and the water supply were provided thanks to solar panels and the centre often lacked Wi-Fi and phone connection. Caution in energy/water usage was a necessity. Having to work in extreme conditions (very cold in winter and very hot in summer), we had to be flexible and resilient. Privacy was an option, as it was a highly social environment with more than 30 people working and living together. Apart for managers, interns and volunteers rarely leave the reserve.

 

 

 

Researcher student

Apr 2021 – Feb 2022 | Fieldwork/data collection/Citizen Science

Parma Province, Italy

Fieldwork experience as a researcher for Parchi del Ducato (Management Body for Parks and Biodiversity of the Western Emilia) to collect data for my master-thesis project on golden jackals (Canis aureus), to study its recent expansion at the south of Po River.

• Animal monitoring using camera traps and food baits
• Searching for signs of presence (compatible scats and pawprints) on transects near areas of interest
• Citizen Science – informing & educating local people and collecting sightings (mostly pictures and videos)
• Bioacustic stimulation (according to the GOJAGE – Golden Jackal Informal Study Group in Europe – protocol)
• Data managment

 

 

Cashier

Dec 2021 – Feb 2022

Famila Supermarket, Salsomaggiore Terme, Italy

• Careful management of cash registers, with autonomous opening and closing of the registers
• Greeted customers upon their entry into the store and helped them with any questions and concerns
• Wise and careful handling of cash and POS receipts
• Quick thinking and performed well during peak hours and public holidays (Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve), under lot of pressure
• Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs

 

 

LIPU Volunteer – Italian League for Bird Protection

May 2018 – Jan 2022

Parma, Italy

• Bird monitoring and census
• Assisted during ringing chicks of the red-footed falcon (Falco vespertinus) and the lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni)