Hello! I'm Rebecca, and I am currently Course Leader for Higher Education at East Durham College. I decided to join MSc Primate Conservation after being inspired during my BSc in Animal Conservation Science. I found a book called "Gorillas in the Mist" and I had a lightbulb moment - primates! I had found my niche. This was confirmed later when I travelled to The Gambia to census the critically endangered Procolobus badius temmincki, during my thesis studying the Callithrix jacchus, and travelling to India to work in a rehabilitation centre for grey langurs and macaques.  I absolutely loved the MSc. It broadened my knowledge, increased my opportunities and really kickstarted my professional career. The lecturers are some of the best the field and it was a privilege to be brushing shoulders with such hard-working academics on a daily basis. I conducted my MSc thesis research at Blackpool Zoo, focusing on Gorilla gorilla gorilla social relationships and enclosure use. The chance to work with this charismatic species was a dream come true! The research has helped the zoo redevelop their gorilla enclosure, using my data to make informed decisions. I am also very happy to be part of a fledgeling, yet crucial organisation: Mountain Marmosets Conservation Program. As part of the Core Operation and Development Team, I am responsible for applying for grants, coordinating a team of students to develop a workshop planning meeting, and researching anything and everything about marmosets! This wonderful program is aiming to help develop an Action Plan to help save the endangered marmoset species' Callithrix aurita and Callithrix flaviceps. I hope to become even more involved with the program as we progress. Finally, I hope to progress onto a PhD within the next five years, developing my expertise and skills in primate conservation. Stay tuned for more primate related content! 

As Programme Director for Selamatkan Yaki, an integrated species conservation programme based in Northern Sulawesi, Indonesia I am responsible for planning and rolling out various projects to work towards our objectives across a multiple year framework. Our programme works towards protecting the habitat and remaining populations of the Critically Endangered Sulawesi crested black macaque (Macaca nigra), whilst supporting local initiatives, developing alternatives to hunting and capacity building for the local people. I am also the Co-Founder of Lestari Environmental Education Consultancy. Lestari cultivates regenerative change through innovative and engaging social science approaches. Drawing from a rich resource and experience base of behavioural chance best practice, Lestari offers a service to academic institutions, NGOs, businesses and other change makers across the following central domains: advocacy and communications, facilitation, and research and evaluation. Collaborative pathways are catalysed to undertake transformative research, develop strategy and policy and facilitate events and training such as participatory workshops and nature-based experiential learning to foster change. In addition to this role, I am undertaking a part time PhD in Human Geography, primarily focused on the understudied area of conservation advocacy. Integrated into the programme, this study examines anthropological causes of species' declines and potential mitigation strategies based on behavioural change mechanisms such as community based social marketing. It is predicted that the mutual and synergistic goals of filling gaps in our understanding of mechanisms of advocacy whilst enhancing in-situ conservation strategies will be achieved. Previous positions have seen the development of my experience in primate conservation and research as a primatologist for Operation Wallacea in Sulawesi and conducting research on primate health in Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. In addition to my field experience, I have been involved in ex-situ management, working as experienced keeper in the primate department and quarantine at Stichting AAP in The Netherlands. I completed an MSc in Primate Conservation at Oxford Brookes University, UK in 2010. With this range of experience I have developed a commitment for working in conservation to support efforts to halt the loss of biodiversity and live in harmony with our fellow primates.

I work for Animals Asia but also as the coordinator for the Asia for Animals Coalition.

I am the evidence manager for the investigation and evidence team at World Animal Protection. I am an investigative professional with extensive experience in investigating the international wildlife trade and have dedicated my career to working within the animal welfare NGO sector. Having qualified with a Masters in Primate Conservation, I spent my early career investigating the international primate trade. Now, my investigative work extends to gathering intelligence on some of the most pressing issues affecting animal welfare, including trade, animals in captivity and farm animal welfare. My investigative projects have contributed to new and improved legislation, governance, and enforcement, that protects wildlife and animals worldwide.

I am a postdoctoral researcher with the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah. I graduated from Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang studying nocturnal mammal distribution, abundance, and behaviour. My background comprises an MSc in Primate Conservation and ten years of experience in the field of research and biodiversity conservation.  I am also the founder and lead researcher of Night Spotting Project, an outreach platform from the Malaysian Primatological Society. I have led trainings for students, tourist guides, touristic places, as well as universities and governmental workshops in Asia.      ​