Bio
I am a trained biologist and veterinary technician with a passion for wildlife conservation, specifically conservation medicine (one health); the intersect between wildlife, ecosystem and human health. My interests span primatology, marine science, veterinary medicine, public health, human-wildlife interactions, community-based conservation, sustainable development, deforestation and ecotourism.
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. I worked with the Schusterman Group: Pinniped Cognition and Sensory Systems Laboratory at the Long Marine Laboratory, assisting set regulation standards on marine mammal noise pollution for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. I completed my Master’s in Primate Conservation at Oxford Brookes University in 2011. Working closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Conservation Through Public Health my independent research project focused on disease transmission risks between humans and mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. Following my MSc I directed the Rwanda based nonprofit Art of Conservation, using the arts and creative learning to teach children and their families about living healthy. I was instrumental in the creation and continue to provide support to the local offshoot nonprofit Conservation Heritage-Turambe.
I work with many nonprofits and professionals across the globe using conferences, events, publications, photography, film and digital media/marketing to share my experiences and knowledge. Between my formal education I have worked as a veterinary technician for over seven years and lived in five continents. I am passionate about our world, exploring new places and cultures, meeting unique and extraordinary people, learning, photography, film and would like to improve the health and livelihood of our planet through work as a conservationist, scientist and filmmaker.