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.
Meet Muhammad Asif Khan, a passionate forestry student. With a strong interest in conservation and sustainability, I'm dedicated to understanding the management of forests and the impact of human activity on them. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and camping in the great outdoors. I'm also active in student clubs and organizations related to forestry and environmental conservation. I wish to do my Master's in Forestry abroad.
Passionate lover of nature
I am a conservation enthusiast with a bias for wildlife fauna. I intend to specialize in project management. I am also looking for more opportunities in conservation all over the world, especially in the UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Namibia, and Tanzania.
Hi, my name is Ouma Oluoko. I am the CEO of Oluokos Signature. Am a highly experienced tour operator, in touch with indigenous communities and ecosystems around East and Central Africa. I am extremely passionate about environmental conservation.
My company, Oluokos Signature, provides the essential linkage between supply and demand by liaising with several eco-conscious organizations to design responsible tour packages that integrate environmental, cultural, and social considerations. I help my clients to responsibly experience pure value holiday bliss in packages within their budgets and style; Thereby implementing positive environmental and social impacts.
My strong interpersonal skills enable me to quickly adapt and build rapport with my clients, fellow tour operators, staff and guides thereby improving my efficiency and boosting professionalism.
I absolutely love the outdoors and bird watching is my cup of tea, anytime. I also enjoy hiking, biking, and sky-watching.
My personal mantra is
‘Travel opens your heart, opens your mind, and fills your life with stories to tell.
I want to find new ways to have a positive impact on the environment and communities around the world. How I do this is pretty open; I have wide-ranging interests (including the arts and spending time outside) and am willing to adapt to changing circumstances.
Although I've stepped back from being a community advocate for the WildHub community, I'm still happy to answer questions about the platform and will do what I can to help connect people.
Hi,
I'm Anish, a young conservationist with an interest in nature based solutions, human-wildlife interactions and conservation outside protected areas. I am currently a consultant at Legal Atlas, working on projects pertaining to wildlife trafficking, biodiversity conservation and wildlife health.
I founded Think Wildlife Foundation. We have a few research projects on human wildlife conflict and wildlife cybercrime. We also have hosted a few plantations in the past in our neighbourhood and plan to expand these works in the future. I also host The Think Wildlife Podcast!
Roland Cedric Goetz
Technical Advisor, KAZA Ministry of Culture Tourism and Environment Angola
Good Afternoon I an A South African Working in Angola a a Game Ranger. I started my Conservation Career Working in the Durban Museum in Ornithological and Small Mammal Research. I then left and joined the Natal Parks Board as a Ranger, working first in the Natal Drakensberg ( Afro Alpine) then Hluhluwe -Umfolozi Complex ( African Big Five Savannah ) then Coastal Region ( Rocky Shores Estuaries Mangrove Woodlands ,Sandy Beaches and Coral Reefs) Left the NPB and took over from Dr. Ian Player as Director of the Wilderness Leadership School father of the Wild Foundation. As part of the Wilderness Foundation SA founded Msinsi Holdings a private Conservation Management Organisation, from there to Angola as Director of Kissama National Park, a National Park on the Atlantic Coast of 10,000 Sq Kms. 120 Kms of Coast with two major river systems with Sea Turtles, Mangroves and Manatee in the River System. Was involved with the then biggest Aerial Translocation of Big Game from SA. to Angola.Then to Luingui-Luina- Mavinga National Parks 94,000 Sq Kms as a Technical Advisor to the Minister of Environment current delayed currently in Durban SA because of the Covid lock down!
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.
I’m an environmental specialist, passionate about biodiversity conservation, climate change and environmental sustainability. I currently work as an environmental consultant, integrating environmental and social concerns into the decision making processes of businesses and organizations. I have experience supporting conservation advocacy programs and habitat restoration projects in my community. I look forward to pursuing a career in community conservation.