As a Ph.D. graduate with a focus on improving animal welfare, my journey is driven by a passion for the natural world and enhancing human-animal relationships. My diverse experience spans independent biological research, community engagement, citizen science, wildlife illustration, teaching, and managing environmental projects. I aspire to keep sharing my expertise as an Educator, Science Communicator, and Illustrator by telling stories about the natural world and sparking curiosity in the community. Let's chat about the wild side of life!
I’m Alexandra Verdes, an ecologist and environmental project manager with over 5 years of experience in the NGO and conservation sector. I currently work with WWF Romania, supporting the implementation of various projects, including cross-border initiatives focused on wildlife connectivity and conservation in the Carpathians, as well as forestry, innovation, and climate change projects.
My academic background includes a Master’s in Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation and specialised training in animal-assisted therapy, waste management, and environmental education. I’ve also worked with youth groups, local communities, and international partners to organise different events, trainings, and outreach programs.
My key interests include: 🟢Biodiversity protection: wildlife and forestry conservation 🟢 Wildlife crime- illegal logging (new interest) 🟢 Environmental education 🟢 Community involvement in conservation 🟢 Project coordination and donor reporting
I’m enthusiastic about collaboration, sharing knowledge, and learning from others working in the field of nature conservation.
Jonny Bloxham
Host/Producer of the Conservationists Assemble Podcast, Conservationists Assemble
Hello fellow conservation professionals and enthusiasts!
It is a pleasure to be here and I look forward to connecting with you.
To introduce myself, my name is Jonny. I have a degree in animal behaviour and welfare, a background in zookeeping and a passion for conservation efforts, capacity building and education.
I currently host my own conservation podcast 'Conservationists Assemble'. The premise of the show is to raise the profile of earth's threatened species and environments by showcasing the in-situ and ex-situ efforts for them as well as discussing the people and organisations involved and what the future conservation efforts might look like.
I am excited to connect with like minded people and hear your stories, thoughts and expertise.
Jonny
Hello ,My name is Iradukunda Ambrose am from south Western in kigezi region kanungu district, along the last mile communities of Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi impenetrable forest! We also have refugee villages of people from DRC and indigenous tribes of Batwa and Banyabutumbi. I run a youth led non profit organisation called Green Guardians Conservation Hub that also works with Women in Conservation , being an orphan and entirely living on the park fringes have experienced several challenges along the park like school fees hardships bit am proud am how an Environmental scientist at Makerere university, we now seek for Collaborations and partnerships to boost this great initiative thanks everyone
I'm a dedicated field ecologist and biological scientist with a strong academic foundation and hands-on experience in conservation, ecological data analysis, and sustainability. With an MSc in Biological Sciences from the University of Amsterdam and a BSc from the University of York, I bring a global perspective and a deep respect for nature rooted in my upbringing in Zambia.
My work spans diverse ecological projects—from predator-prey behavior under artificial light to long-term vegetation monitoring using GIS and remote sensing. I’ve contributed to field research in Zambia’s Kafue National Park, mapped grazer impacts in the Dutch dunes, and supported customer knowledge systems at a biotech startup. Whether I’m analyzing habitat data, writing scientific reports, or improving internal operations, I’m committed to promoting biodiversity and sustainable practices.
Skilled in R, ArcGIS, ecological monitoring, and scientific communication, I enjoy bridging the gap between science and society. I’m currently contributing to conservation in the Netherlands while also supporting operational systems at Purovitalis. I aim to make a positive, lasting impact on environmental stewardship wherever I go.
My name is Judith and I am from the Netherlands. I have a background in IT but moved to nature conservation some years ago. In 2022, I moved to Africa (as a digital nomad) and last year I settled in Tanzania. I started a company that delivers innovative solutions for biodiversity monitoring and we train local people to work with these solutions
Hi, Cheyenne here!
I am a conservation professional with a passion for animals and supporting their habitat. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology, with a specialization in Ecology and Wildlife Management. My academic background has equipped me with a strong foundation in understanding ecosystems, species interactions, and the practical tools needed to support wildlife conservation in the field.
Although my field of knowledge spans from natureinclusive farming to species monitoring and even further. My particular interests include human-wildlife conflict and coexistence as well as wildlife tracking and ecological fieldwork. I am always eager to learn from others and share my own knowledge for the sake of collaboration in conservation work.
So let's connect!
As a former attorney and executive, I bring a unique combination of legal and business expertise. I have transitioned from working in solo and small law firm practices and corporate counsel roles to pursuing freelance writing, teaching, consulting, and advisory positions that foster positive change. I hold a Juris Doctor degree and a Master's in International Business. Additionally, I have over seven years of experience teaching law and business at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as providing professional development counseling to attorneys as a partner at the global law firm Baker McKenzie.
My commitment to conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainability drives my career. I've successfully pursued nonprofit grant writing and research, including work with the JACK Primate Sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I further enhance my skills through bot training at Outlier AI, focusing on strengthening artificial intelligence (AI) for research, writing, and analytics.
I am dedicated to promoting nature conservation and sustainable development in biodiversity hotspots, particularly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. I aim to integrate wildlife conservation with community-led economic programs while respecting Indigenous interests. My strengths include fundraising, grant writing, critical thinking, and expertise in contract and policy negotiation and drafting, particularly in the areas of sustainability and data privacy.
Founder of interdisciplinary networking site for wildlife conservation, www.monkeyfriendly.com. Graduate of Oxford Brookes MSc in Primate Conservation program. Experience with captive chimpanzees. Belief in the power of collaborating across disciplines. Art helping science. Looking for new opportunities to collaborate in and off the field.
Tyler Pounds
Ecological Anthropologist, Ethnobiologist, Integrated Wildlife Biologist, Self Employed ( Integrated Human-Nature Relations )
I am an Ecological Anthropologist & Ethnobiologist. I study how humans from various cultures all around the world affect plant and animal ecosystems and how human use of these ecosystems affects the wildlife populations. This is known by various names such as: Ecosystem Services, Human-Wildlife Interactions, Ecosystem Function. I study all various aspects of the "Human-Wildlife Interface" while dealing with issues associated with Wildlife Conservation, Biodiversity Loss, Global Climate Change, Anthropogenic Factors Affecting Wildlife & Habitat, Anthropocene Epoch Related Issues, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Systems of Indigenous People's. I am also a National Science Foundation Summer Scholar. I utilize "Integrated Biological Approaches" from the fields of both Anthropology & Wildlife Biology/Ecology when conducting research for the 21st century. I am also the founder and creator of "Integrated Human-Nature Relations".
Jamie Lee is the founder of Fine Foods Íslandica ehf (est. 2021), a mini seaweed farm and small food production company. She holds a master´s degree in Marine Resource Management from Háskólaseteur Vestfjarða (2019).
Through FFÍ, she aims to create sustainable and delicious food products from seaweed, seafood and local produce. She has been conducting research and trials with seaweed cultivation since 2017. Collaborating with a nimble team of mussel farmer, chefs, fishermen, academics and creatives, she currently sharing knowledge on sustainable seaweed aquaculture through the A-AAGORA Living Lab ICEKELP project, aiming to support social resilience through capacity-building, equitable access to resources and most importantly, sustainable means of production and consumption.
Prior to moving to Iceland, Jamie has worked 8 years as a designer and consultant for food and beverage, hospitality, fashion, arts and NGO sectors in San Francisco.