With experience in Marine Animal Rehab., Rescue and Research coupled with a nerdy love of data, data science and all things technology, my data collection software company, WatchSpotter is the cumulation of my life’s work. From the hallways of the Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center at the University of New England, my affinity for caring for marine animals was fostered and grew. Being tasked with the center’s life support systems and flow thru animal pools further opened my eyes to water quality, fecal coliforms, and bio-loads. I was the primary research technician in a multiphase study: Protecting the Saco River: Tracking non-point fecal pollution to its species source. Upon leaving UNE, I traveled to the Southern Great Barrier Reef Australia to work on an international research team focusing on population dynamics for three cetacean species. Once back stateside, I sharpened my Software UX skills working as a software consultant for Centersoft Technologies. After a brief stint volunteering for the Dolphin Photo ID program at Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, I was hired to join the team. I split time the first years at FAU HBOI between the Harmful Algal Bloom lab and the Dolphin Population and Assessment Lab. Settling in as a Research Assistant for the latter as well as a first responder for the Marine Mammal Rescue Team. In working with the Dolphin Population and Assessment Primary Researcher, along with other industry collaborators, I soon became the PIs data analyst and was paramount in the creation and development of the programs state of the art cloud-based SQL database platform. I worked as a liaison between the research program and software architects to assure ease of use, maximum data output and advanced analytics. The software is still used by the newly formed team today. At the end of 2019 it was time for me to branch out on my own. In the spring of 2022, WatchSpotter was born. My idea was to create a customizable SaaS application that could be used by researchers worldwide. Data is data- scientific questions need to be answered. My contingency was that no matter what the research topic- if the research brings people into the field-whether scientists, volunteers, or citizens, they are there to gather data-to answer questions. I knew that the two biggest challenges facing many environmental research groups were time and money. It would not be feasible for most nonprofits or other environmental institutions to pay for custom software- which often runs in excess of $150K nor do they have the time to wait for such programs to be complete. These known challenges fueled the customization and simple UX that make up the WatchSpotter platform. When I’m working with Environmental Science or software, I enjoy being outside in the woods or at the beach, volunteering and hanging with family and friends.
I'm MUGOGO MARK with experience in wildlife tourism management , i'm an educator and a Conservationists i'm the founder and CEO of Uganda Environmental Conservationists Organization a youth lead Organization which aims to conseve Uganda's rich biodiversity , Preserve the natural resources and fight against climate change.
I'm interested in educating young Pupil's in primary about Conservation work, tree planting and waste Management.
I've a 3 year's experience guiding tourists , 4 year's experience doing Conservation work at Uganda Environmental Conservationists Organization.
I am an Ecologist by training. My research interests have focused on : Relations between protected areas and local communities; Wildlife conservation; Community Building; Environmental governance ; Conflict management ; Climate change.
Hi everyone.
My name is Ben Potter and I recently graduated from Newcastle University in the UK. I've just come back to UK from travelling around South-East Asia for 3 months and I'm now in the early phases of launching a start-up called RŪKHA!
RŪKHA is a lifestyle brand for wildlife-lovers interested in preserving the most delicate ecosystems and endangered animals around the world.
I'm looking to connect with conservation experts and project-leaders around the globe to discuss how RŪKHA can help fund their projects.
If you would like to get in touch and find out more, please email me at benjaminpotter2000@gmail.com
Cheers,
Ben
Michelle Parsons
Senior Bat Advisor, VBCH Project Coordinator & VBRV Lead , Bat Conservation Trust
Welcome to my page! My name is Michelle Parsons, and I'm excited to share with you my passion for conservation. I hold a BSc in Zoology with Conservation from Bangor University and currently work as a Senior Bat Advisor, Project Coordinator for the Volunteer Bat Care Helpline (VBCH) & VBRV Lead at the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) in the UK.
I've been fortunate enough to work in various roles within the Bat Conservation Trust, starting out as a Volunteer Engagement Officer for the National Bat Monitoring Programme (NBMP), Survey Administration Officer for the BatsinChurches Project, and as an NBMP Project Volunteer.
I currently work on the National Bat Helpline, where I provide advice and support to the public regarding bats. I also play a key role in recruiting and training volunteers for the Volunteer Bat Care Helpline, who handle many of the bat care enquiries we receive through the helpline.
Beyond my work with BCT, I also contribute as a Social Media Officer for the London Bat Group, helping to promote awareness and engagement across digital platforms.
I'm always eager to learn more and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field, which is why I regularly attend webinars and training courses on a range of important topics. I have completed Grant Writing & Project Management for Wildlife Conservation courses and am currently enrolled on the Project Planning course.
Please feel free to network through my Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/mich-parsons.bsky.social) or LinkedIn profiles! /l\ ^._.^ /l\
Alan J. Hesse
Senior Behaviour Change Specialist (TRAFFIC); also independent author-illustrator and climate educator.., TRAFFIC International
My conservation career started in 1992 when I helped set up and joined a University expedition to the Bolivian Amazon. What started out as a 3-month experience ended up being a life-changing inflection point that set my professional and personal course to the present day. My conservation experience was built bottom-up and hands-on, and includes field data collection and logistics, grassroots organization leadership and project management, community engagement and capacity building, M&E, training and behavior change, and lately climate education through authorship of graphic novels and other resources. My conservation career includes positions as a senior staff member and a principal investigator at the Bolivian BirdLife Partner Armonía, field investigator in the Gran Chaco with WCS Bolivia, field logistics officer for Conservation International's RAP expeditions, and Programme Manager and Senior Manager of M&E at Rare. I currently work as Senior Behaviour Change Specialist with TRAFFIC International, applying behavioural science approaches to support TRAFFIC's work across wildlife supply chains globally.
Highly experienced in supporting policy and decision making through delivering data on marine species, coastal pollution, and water delivery on the local, state, and federal levels. Early in my career I took every opportunity I could to gain experience in marine mammal science from California to Quebec. These opportunities created strong connections eventually guiding me to researching plastic pollution while earning my masters degree. As I finished writing my thesis, I began working with NASA on projects using satellite imagery and big data to investigate drought, this experience immensely strengthened my project management, mapping, and analytical skills. Last year I ventured into conservation writing wanting to build on my science communication skills. I would be happy to feature your project or career journey as a blog post within WildHub, so feel free to reach out to set up a short chat/interview.