Thirza Loffeld (She/Her)

Hello, I am Shahid Ahmad, a passionate ecologist with a focus on biodiversity conservation and ecological resilience. My research bridges the fields of computational modeling and field ecology, with a particular emphasis on understanding the impacts of climate change on wildlife and ecosystems. I have a strong foundation in species distribution modeling, machine learning, and habitat suitability assessment, which I utilize to develop evidence-based conservation strategies. My work spans various ecosystems, from high-altitude ungulate species in the Himalayas to coastal ecosystem restoration projects focusing on seagrass beds.  My commitment to integrating ecological research with policy development drives my contributions to global conservation efforts.

I am Shahid Hassan, a dedicated graduate in Zoology currently pursuing a master's degree in the same field. My passion for wildlife conservation drives my academic and professional pursuits. I am committed to understanding and protecting diverse ecosystems and the species they support. Alongside my academic interests, I thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy working with diverse communities to achieve common conservation goals. My dedication to preserving wildlife and fostering ecological balance guides my efforts both in research and community engagement.

I joined WildHub to explore the intersection of social anthropology and conservation. As a PhD student in social anthropology, currently based in Lisbon, I am actively seeking work opportunities that allow me to contribute to the conservation sector through a human-centered lens. I'm excited to connect with professionals and like-minded individuals who are dedicated to tackling conservation challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. By engaging with the WildHub community, I hope to expand my network, learn from experts in various fields, and gain insights into innovative practices in conservation. At the same time, I aim to contribute by sharing my research perspectives on the intersection of culture, communities, and environmental sustainability. Through this exchange of knowledge, I believe we can create more inclusive and effective conservation strategies.

I’m Gaia, 27 years old, originally from Italy, and currently based in Sint Maarten. While my background is in wildlife conservation, I strongly believe that knowledge and information should be accessible and shared with people of all ages. This is why I focus much of my work on engaging young people in Sint Maarten. I’m also passionate about the power of behavioral change as a tool to address many of today’s environmental challenges. I’m here to expand my network, gain new insights, and draw inspiration from the community!

As a botany graduate and plant biologist who loves research, I'm driven by a passion for preserving our planet's precious natural resources. My experience spans across the Ministry of Environment and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture and I've honed my expertise in: Environmental data management and impact assessments, Project implementation, Data collection and analysis, Agronomy, Breeding to mention but a few. I've had the privilege of working on projects sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, EC-JRC in collaboration with Wageningen University, Netherlands and other esteemed organizations. I aim to connect the dots between research, practice and outcomes to advance science while driving positive change through innovative research, collaboration and sustainable practices.

I am an Ecologist deeply passionate about understanding the behavioural strategies small mammals use to survive in seasonally food-restricted environments. I completed my Master’s degree in Behavioral Ecology at the University of Witwatersrand, where my research was on the behavior of bush Karoo rats (Otomys unisulcatus) in Namaqualand, South Africa. My study focused on the "plantong" these rodents collect, exploring whether this behavior is an adaptive response to seasonal harshness or simply a by-product of their foraging activities. This research was driven by my desire to uncover how these food specialists manage to thrive in the challenging conditions of the Succulent Karoo semi-deserts. I have also touched base on a few things: looking at how acacia trees influence grass species around them, using biocontrol agent for plants that are invasive to freshwater systems, rangeland ecology, reforestation of forest back to their natural state, land use by small mammals, using camera traps to understand behavior and diurnal range of small mammals. Something interesting about me is that I always look like I am angry/frowning, trust me I am not. It’s just  that I’m bit sensitive to bright light.

A passionate advocate for sustainable living and community well-being. With over 3 years of experience, I've been dedicated to driving positive change through initiatives focused on environmental protection, community engagement, mental health, and social impact. I'm skilled in project management, stakeholder engagement, training, research, and capacity building. I thrive on connecting with people and building strong relationships. My passion lies in engaging with communities, inspiring action, and fostering a sense of belonging. I believe in the power of collaboration and community engagement to create a more sustainable and equitable future. Let's work together to make a positive impact on our planet and its people.

By professionalism I am a wildlife conserver professional, bachelor degree holder in wildlife Management from college of African wildlife Management. Learning and expertise in wildlife ecology, Ornithology, Entomology, Herpetology and mammalogy. Interesting in nature flora and and fauna, Interesting on animals behaviors, ecology, Identification and interpretation of these resources has been to my heart all time. I have five years of experience as a tutor in two different colleges, first was Tropical Institute of Tourism and hospitality, Second Is the current National college of Tourism both in Tanzania mainland.  I worked as a nature guide and a co research data collector at Udzungwa Ecological Monitoring Center.

For the past few years, I have worked as a junior aquatic ecologist, focusing on biomonitoring, using fisheries, vegetation and macro-invertebrates for present ecological state determination. I have also worked as a junior terrestrial ecologist, actively participating in phenology studies. I also worked as an environmental education officer for a year at South African National Parks, Kruger National Park.

I'm passionate about Natural Resource Management and Environmental Conservation, Community Development, Sustainable livelihoods gender and social  inclusion, I have  strong background in partnership building, grant writing, and fundraising. My expertise lies in designing and implementing impactful projects in Natural Resource Management, climate resilience, adaptation and mitigation, Sustainable livelihood development, Community engagement,  stakeholder collaboration whilst ensuring long-term benefits for both communities and biodiversity. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit and conservation sector, I have successfully mobilized resources, secured competitive grants, and led stakeholder engagements to drive sustainable solutions. I specialize in project planning, ecological research, advocacy, and training, equipping local communities with the knowledge and tools to build climate-resilient livelihoods. I'm adept at designing and implementing capacity-building programs, advocating for gender equality, and fostering social inclusion within marginalized communities. My expertise in resource mobilization, community engagement, and advocacy equips me to make meaningful contributions to empowering marginalized groups and supporting the growth of NGOs, INGOs, and MSMEs. I am eager to create  sustainable impacts through collaborative approaches involving stakeholders such as policymakers, donors, and entrepreneurs Key Achievements ✅ Secured Funding for Conservation Initiatives  ✅ Designed and Implemented Climate-Smart Livelihood Programs – Led initiatives in agroforestry, beekeeping, permaculture, and Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) to enhance food security and environmental sustainability. Skills & Expertise ✔ Grant Writing & Resource Mobilization ✔ Project Planning & Management ✔ Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships ✔ Climate-Smart Agriculture & Sustainable Livelihoods ✔ Conservation Advocacy & Community Empowerment ✔ Research, Monitoring & Evaluation ✔ Training & Capacity Building ✔ Policy Development & Risk Assessment ✔ Gender-sensitive conservation strategies Let’s Connect!