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 am a conservation biologist with great interest in the application of conservation science into a practical solution. I work with scientists, practitioners and academics in conservation and sustainability sector. Specialties: SE Asia terrestrial ecology (in bats and other mammals), High Conservation Values (HCV), Natural Resource Management & Conservation, Interdisciplinary Research, Quality Assurance, Sustainability Issues (in oil palm sector).

Independent Nature Conservationist Film Maker.