I am a passionate conservationist and research biologist with over 20 years of experience working in Southern Africa. Here I have spent time researching the insects of the Namib through to the hippos, lions and elephants of Botswana. These experiences have given me a solid understanding of the challenges of field research, large mammal conservation, the complexities of resource competition and the importance of stakeholder relationships.

My research interests focus on the social and ecological requirements of mammals in the context of a human landscape as we seek long-term conservation solutions. I have been pursuing this through active research on the African savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana), previous work on African lions (Panthera leo), Samango monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis labiatus), hippopotami (Hippopotamus amphibious) and meerkats (Suricatta suricatta). Recent trends and my own personal observations have highlighted the importance of individuals and social ecology in the long-term conservation of mammals. I believe having a holistic approach to conservation, understanding the social and ecological needs of both wildlife and humans living alongside, we will move towards human-wildlife coexistence and effective long-term conservation measures.

I independently created and founded both my Masters and PhD studies and then founded the Charity and NGO Elephants for Africa; thus have expensive experience in project management, fundraising, communications and budgeting. My work has received international recognition personally and through Elephants for Africa for our research (Georg B Rabb Conservation Award) and education (Silver Medal Global Good Awards) programmes.

I am a Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre member and a member of the KAZA elephant sub-working group and the Elephant Specialist Advisory Group.