2025 WWF Russell E. Train Education for Nature Fellowships
WWF announces 70 Fellows and Scholars advancing conservation leadership in Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean
© Alicabo Daniel
WWF is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 WWF Russell E. Train Education for Nature Fellowships. This year, 70 outstanding fellows and scholars from 23 countries are stepping forward to advance the Russell E. Train Education for Nature (EFN) Program’s vision of a world where local leaders can sustainably manage and preserve invaluable natural resources.
For over 30 years, EFN has invested more than $30 million into nurturing the next generation of conservation leaders, supporting over 3,700 individuals and 600 institutions across more than 60 countries. The diversity of research topics explored by this year's cohort reflects a collective commitment to addressing the urgent biodiversity challenges our planet faces. From the black-and-white ruffed lemurs in Madagascar to human-wildlife conflict in Nepal’s Trans-Himalayan region, and the ecological integrity of river systems crucial for small-scale fisheries in Bolivia, these initiatives exemplify a dedication to enhancing conservation science, education, and leadership on a local, regional, and global scale.
This year’s recipients join the global community of EFN alumni, embracing the opportunity to work to sustain and scale EFN by leveraging this extensive network of conservation leaders to connect, share ideas, and nurture the next generation of conservationists.
A summary of this year’s award winners includes:
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23 conservation scientists and leaders
were awarded the prestigious WWF Train Fellowship for Aspiring and Current Faculty. This competitive fellowship is designed to cultivate a new generation of exceptional natural and social scientists, enhancing conservation science and leadership.
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31 emerging researchers and practitioners
received the WWF Trudy Fellowship. This opportunity supports master’s and doctoral research aimed at deepening understanding of the complex dimensions of food systems across various cultural, social, and environmental contexts.
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12 emerging scientists and conservation leaders
were selected for the WWF-GEF Fonseca Leadership Program. This opportunity provides financial support for graduate studies focused on education and research that address critical conservation challenges in Latin America.
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4 scholars
from Escola Superior de Conservação Ambiental e Sustentabilidade (ESCAS) in Brazil were awarded the Russell and Aileen Train Legacy Scholarship, awarded in partnership with selected universities to assist students pursuing conservation undergraduate and master’s programs in biodiversity-rich countries. This initiative strengthens the commitment to alumni engagement and educational excellence.
2025 Train Fellowship: Enhancing capacity for current and aspiring university faculty
This competitive fellowship is designed to cultivate a new generation of exceptional natural and social scientists, enhancing conservation science and leadership.
© David Hermanjaya
Abbie Allela
Country: Kenya
Degree: PhD in Natural Resources Management
University: Egerton University, Kenya
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: CRISPR Cas9 genome editing as a tool to harness and increase carbon sequestration by the grey mangrove (Avicennia marina) in Gazi Bay, Kenya
Michael Opere
Country: Kenya
Degree: PhD in Environmental Microbiology
University: Kenyatta University, Kenya
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: Metagenomics of gut microbiomes associated with wild baboons: Health Implications and potential zoonotic pathogen dynamics in Kenya's freshwater catchments
Fredrick Jonas
Country: Tanzania
Degree: PhD in Sustainable Agriculture
University: Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, Tanzania
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: Exploring the potential of a mixture of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) slurry and Brewer’s spent grain in Tanzania's broiler moist feeding system
Damiano R. Kwaslema
Country: Tanzania
Degree: PhD in Soil Science
University: Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: Nano-Enhanced Biofertilizers for Sustainable Onion Farming and Soil Health Restoration in the Degraded Soils of Eyasi Basin, Tanzania
Rudolf Mremi
Country: Tanzania
Degree: PhD in Ecology and Geography
University: King's College London, United Kingdom
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: Permeability of protected areas to invasive plant species and their impacts on ecosystem functions in the Serengeti ecosystem, Tanzania
Rindra Nantenaina
Country: Madagascar
Degree: PhD in Plant Biology and Ecology
University: University of Antananarivo, Madagascar
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: Plant - Galls - Frugivore Interactions
Eliette Noromalala
Country: Madagascar
Degree: PhD in Anthropology
University: University of Texas at Austin, United States
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: Impact of Mammal Composition on Parasite Dynamics
Gabriel Balagizi Baguma
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Degree: PhD in Biology
University: University of Burundi, Burundi
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: Zooplankton diversity as bioindication and biosurveillance of environmental perturbations at Lake Kivu
Salomon Katembera Ciza
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Degree: PhD in Conservation Biology
University: University of Burundi, Burundi
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: Use of remote sensing, socioeconomic and ecological data to understand the impact of the dynamics of the land cover in the National Park of Kahuzi-Biega in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Yoba Alenga Extasié
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Degree: PhD in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management
University: Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, Tanzania
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: Using passive acoustic monitoring to assess biodiversity in forest landscapes of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Halleluya Natanael Shaanika
Country: Namibia
Degree: PhD in Natural Resources Sciences
University: Namibia University of Science and Technology, Namibia
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: Investigating human behaviour based on their perceptions and attitudes towards rhino conservation in north-central Namibia
Juliet Musoke Nakabuye
Country: Uganda
Degree: PhD in Law
University: University of Ghent, Belgium
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: Legal responses to environmental degradation and land governance in the Albertine Graben region, Uganda: Analysis in light of international environmental law
Judith Namumbya
Country: Uganda
Degree: PhD in Natural Resources and Life Sciences
University: The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Austria
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: Taxonomy and ecology of macroinvertebrates as prerequisites for effective biomonitoring in freshwater systems in Uganda
Abdul S. Ansari
Country: Nepal
Degree: PhD Ecology and Evolution
University: University of Wyoming, USA
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: Assessing climate change impacts to tigers, prey, and habitats in the Chitwan-Parsa complex of Nepal’s Terai Arc landscape
Bikash Adhikari
Country: Nepal
Degree: PhD in Forestry
University: Tribhuvan University, Nepal
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: Sustainable management practices and trade dynamics of environmental products in the Nepal Himalayas
Gopal Khanal
Country: Nepal
Degree: PhD in Resources, Environment and Sustainability
University: University of British Columbia, Canada
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: Human-Snow Leopard Coexistence in the Dynamic Trans-Himalayan Landscapes of Nepal
Agustin Capriati
Country: Indonesia
Degree: PhD in Environmental Sciences
University: Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: A Multi-Level Approach to Improve Marine Protected Areas for Reef Conservation in Indonesia
Kinley
Country: Bhutan
Degree: PhD in Environmental Science
University: Curtin University, Australia
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: Using Hornbill Habitat Preferences to Guide South Asian Forest Conservation
Kinley Rinchen
Country: Bhutan
Degree: PhD in Social Sciences
University: Edith Cowan University, Australia
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: The effects of COVID-19 in Bhutan: Retrospect and prospect for people, progress and prosperity
Jorge Becoche Mosquera
Country: Colombia
Degree: PhD in Environmental Sciences
University: University of Cauca, Colombia
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: Socioecosystem restoration strategy in the water round of the Molino river supply microbasin, Municipality of Silvia, Cauca
Juliana Tamayo Quintero
Country: Colombia
Degree: PhD in Biology
University: Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: Patterns of diversity, specificity, and coevolution of avian haemosporidians from South America
Leonardo Feitosa
Country: Brazil
Degree: PhD in Environmental Science and Management
University: University of California, Santa Barbara, USA
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: Bioeconomic synergies between fisheries exploitation and heightened species extinction risk
Romaric P. Tegang
Country: Cameroon
Degree: PhD in Wildlife Resources and Management
University: University of Bamenda, Cameroon
Grant: Aspiring and Current Faculty Fellowship
Research: Habitat, Species Distribution Modeling and Local Knowledge of African Golden Cat (Caracal aurata) in Boumba-Bek National Park, Southeast-Cameroon
2025 Trudy Fellowship
This opportunity supports master’s and doctoral research aimed at deepening understanding of the complex dimensions of food systems across various cultural, social, and environmental contexts.
© Emmanueli Antipas Ngowi
Dorah Kwamboka Momanyi
Country: Kenya
Degree: PhD in Climate Change Adaptation
University: University of Nairobi, Kenya
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Quantifying agroforestry contributions to local income and food and nutrition security in buffer zone communities around Mt. Kenya Forest
Kelvin Kiprotich
Country: Kenya
Degree: PhD in Soil Science
University: Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: The role of soil microbial communities and conservation management practices on sustainable wheat production and soil health in the winter rainfall region in South Africa
Eunice Mulango
Country: Kenya
Degree: PhD in Biotechnology
University: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Comparative metagenomic analysis of microbial influences on mortality rates in cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) rearing system
Nelly Kichamu
Country: Kenya
Degree: PhD in Animal Science
University: University of Debrecen, Hungary
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Population structure and genetic characterization of indigenous goat breeds from different climatic zones as a climate change and adaptation mechanism
Reuben Chumba
Country: Kenya
Degree: PhD in Sustainable Agricultural Systems
University: Masinde Muliro University of Science & Technology, Kenya
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Evaluation of Nature-based Intercropping Systems for Improved Crop productivity, Soil Health and Ecosystem Services in Smallholder Farms of Vihiga County, Kenya
Sinyati Robinson Mark
Country: Tanzania
Degree: PhD in Archaeology
University: The University of Queensland, Australia
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Reconnecting to Our Roots: Food economies in Kilwa Kisiwani ancient trading city and its role in enhancing modern food security
Ges Priscille KIBOZI NGOUNGA
Country: Republic of Congo
Degree: PhD in Environmental Sciences
University: Marien Ngouabi University, Republic of Congo
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Estimation of nitrous oxide emissions from the livestock sector based on Tier 2 methods proposed by the IPCC (2006)
Amos Amanubo
Country: Uganda
Degree: PhD in Environmental and Geographical Sciences
University: University of Capetown, South Africa
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Exploring transformative changes to strengthen farmer-managed seed systems and farmers’ rights in Uganda
Deborah Apio
Degree: MS in Plant Protection
University: Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Enhancing sustainable food systems through the management of fruit flies in fruit crops using local food baits
Deborah Martha Alalo
Country: Uganda
Degree: MS in Applied Human Nutrition
University: Makerere University, Uganda
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Advancing nutrition, economic resilience, and conservation through sweet potato juice production in Uganda: A sustainable food systems approach
Wilson Friday
Country: Uganda
Degree: MS in Agroecology
University: Mountain of the University, Uganda
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Food Security Assessment among households in Kyenjojo District, Uganda
Gabriel Alele Ogwang
Country: Uganda
Degree: MS in Plant Ecology and Conservation
University: Makerere University, Uganda
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Enhancing food systems and ecosystem resilience through the production, utilization, and conservation of native food plants in semi-arid Karamoja region.
Golden Tayebwa
Country: Uganda
Degree: PhD in Global Change and Sustainable Agriculture
University: Busitema University, Uganda
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Fortified biochar from rice husks for carbon sequestration, soil health improvement, and yield enhancement in coffee farming: Opportunities and challenges in Uganda
Robert Tumwesigye Baganda
Country: Uganda
Degree: MS in Natural Resource Management
University: Nkumba University, Uganda
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Effect of climate change on food production in Kigezi region: A historical and empirical perspective
Anna Ngwenyi Mafor
Country: Cameroon
Degree: PhD in Systems Engineering and Computing
University: University of Guelph, Canada
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Space-enabled precision agriculture with autonomous robotics: A framework for sustainable food systems
Purusottam Aryal
Country: Nepal
Degree: PhD in Food Security and Nutrition
University: Tribhuvan University, Nepal
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Vulnerability and Resilience: A Comparative Study of the Indigenous Communities' Food Systems, Food Security and Nutrition in the Face of Modernization and Climate Change
Nara Wisesa
Country: Indonesia
Degree: PhD in Marine Affairs
University: University of Rhode Island, United States
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Influence of global policies on national marine conservation strategies and local coastal communities in Indonesia
Shintia D. Arwida
Country: Indonesia
Degree: PhD in Forestry
University: University of British Columbia, Canada
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Indigenous People's Choices in Managing Customary Landscapes: Pragmatism or Idealism?
Karma Wangmo
Country: Bhutan
Degree: MS in Environment and Climate Emergency
University: Curtin University, Australia
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Regenerative Agriculture as a Nature-Based Solution for Resilient Food Systems for Smallholder Farmers in Bhutan
Kelly Tobden Dorji Tamang
Country: Bhutan
Degree: PhD in Human Geography
University: Charles Sturt University, Australia
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Institutional analysis of agricultural water governance: An exploration of water sharing and allocation
Victor Luna
Country: Colombia
Degree: PhD in Agroecology
University: National University of Colombia, Colombia
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Strengthening knowledge networks, local knowledge, agroecological practices, and agrobiodiversity management for resilient and sustainable food systems in Colombia
Anna Pede
Country: Brazil
Degree: PhD in Environmental Science and Management
University: University of California, Santa Barbara, USA
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Forest fires, agricultural land-use, and environmental law enforcement: Evidence from the Brazilian Amazon
Gustavo Gatti
Country: Brazil
Degree: PhD in Social Practice and Transformational Change
University: University of Guelph, Canada
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Agroforestry and agroecology cultivation systems and their contribution to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, and human well-being
Sampa Kambwili
Country: Zambia
Degree: PhD in Conservation Biology
University: Copperbelt University, Zambia
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Assessing the impacts of hydropower-induced water level changes on tilapia populations in the Kafue Flats of Zambia: towards sustainable conservation livelihoods
Shem Ackim Kazhimaika
Country: Zambia
Degree: PhD in Sustainable Agriculture
University: Copperbelt University, Zambia
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: The Ecology and Distribution of the rock outcrop plants in Zambia: Implications for the agricultural sector in the context of climate change
Thelma Ngoma
Country: Zambia
Degree: PhD in Human Nutrition
University: University of Zambia, Zambia
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Harnessing forest food products for resilient health and nutrition amidst climate change in Zambia
Shelvindra Singh
Country: Fiji
Degree: PhD in Animal Science
University: Lincoln University, New Zealand
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Blending Indigenous knowledge systems with modern practices to enhance sustainability of livestock production systems in Pacific Small Island States
Lina G. Terrazas V.
Country: Bolivia
Degree: PhD in Water Resources and Ecosystems
University: IHE Delft Institute for Water Education and Delft University of Technology, Netherlands
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Implementation of environmental tools to assess ecohydrological relationships in Bolivia
Kelly Gonnelli-Aguilera
Country: Chile
Degree: MS in Marine Ecology
University: Catholic University of the Most Holy Conception, Chile
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Characterization of Anisakis pegreffii allergens from marine intermediate hosts of commercial interest in Chile (Trachurus murphyi and Dosidicus gigas)
Lorena Cardenas
Country: Peru
Degree: PhD in Geography and Geospatial Sciences
University: Oregon State University, USA
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Intersecting identities, climate change, and livelihoods in the Peruvian Andes: Ethnographic research in Yauyos and Tanta districts (Lima region, Peru)
Lenox Omondi Pius
Country: Tanzania
Degree: PhD in Animal Genetics, Breeding Science and Reproduction
University: Huazhing Agricultural University, China
Grant: Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship
Research: Integrating genetic and phenotypic characterization with environmental data to elucidate environmental adaptation in Tanzanian indigenous chickens for climate-resilient breeding and conservation
2025 Fonseca Leadership Program Fellows
This opportunity provides financial support for graduate studies focused on education and research that address critical conservation challenges in Latin America.
© Emely Avila
Carol Montalván
Country: Honduras
Degree: MS in Oceanography
University: University of Cádiz, Spain
Grant: Fonseca Leadership Program Fellowship
Research: Effect of environmental conditions on corals of the Mesoamerican Reef System, Tela Bay (Honduras)
Susana Gabriela Revollo Cadima
Country: Bolivia
Degree: PhD in Biology
University: Texas Tech University, USA
Grant: Fonseca Leadership Program Fellowship
Research: From Genes to Ecosystems: Biodiversity and Adaptation Patterns for Conservation in the Puna Salt Flats Using Small Non-Flying Mammals
Ana María Pardo Solarte
Country: Colombia
Degree: PhD in Biological Sciences
University: University of Los Andes, Colombia
Grant: Fonseca Leadership Program Fellowship
Research: A path towards coexistence: Integrative Approaches to Jaguar Conservation in Colombia
Viviana Romero Alarcon
Country: Colombia
Degree: PhD in Integrative Biosciences
University: University of Massachusetts, USA
Grant: Fonseca Leadership Program Fellowship
Research: Using deep-learning technology to investigate evolutionary patterns of biodiversity, enhance conservation research, and promote scientific reproducibility
Julián Llano Mejía
Country: Colombia
Degree: PhD in Environmental Studies
University of Study: University of California Santa Cruz, USA
Grant: Fonseca Leadership Program Fellowship
Research: Leveraging local communities for biodiversity conservation: A geospatial and participatory approach to inform bird conservation and ecosystem stewardship in Colombia
Luisa Fernanda Bedoya Taborda
Country: Colombia
Degree: PhD in Environmental Change and Climate Adaptation
University: The University of Sydney, Australia
Grant: Fonseca Leadership Program Fellowship
Research: Nature-based Solutions and climate adaptation: Protecting biodiversity and communities impacted by conflict
Carlos Urgiles Verdugo
Country: Ecuador
Degree: PhD in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources
University: Colorado State University, USA
Grant: Fonseca Leadership Program Fellowship
Research: Asymmetries of organizational power: Assessing the causes of the division of the Siona and Siekopai nations of Ecuador, and their implications for biodiversity conservation, governance, and territorial management in a multitemporal context
Isabela Tapia Jaramillo
Country: Ecuador
Degree: PhD in Environmental Science, Policy and Management
University: University of California Berkeley, USA
Grant: Fonseca Leadership Program Fellowship
Research: Conserving Galapagos Giant Tortoises: a biocultural framework for bridging science, community, and policy
Saúl J. Aguirre
Country: Ecuador
Degree: PhD in Entomology
University: University of Minnesota, USA
Grant: Fonseca Leadership Program Fellowship
Research: Assessing the potential of Conura annulifera as a biological control agent for the Avian Vampire Fly (Philornis downsi) in the Galápagos Islands
Jaren C. Serano
Country: Belize
Degree: PhD in Human Dimensions of Wildlife Conservation
University: University of Florida, USA
Grant: Fonseca Leadership Program Fellowship
Research: Scaling Up Local Stewardship: Mixed-Method Approaches to Empowering Fishers in Belizean Freshwater Conservation
Maria Schoenbeck
Country: Guatemala
Degree: PhD in Marine Ecology
University: Bremen University/ Leibniz Center for Marine Tropical Research-ZMT, Germany
Grant: Fonseca Leadership Program Fellowship
Research: Potential ecological and socioeconomic impacts from climate change on mahi-mahi fishery in the Eastern Tropical Pacific
Sara Isabel Valenzuela Ceballos
Country: Mexico
Degree: PhD in Biodiversity and Ecology
University: Juárez University of the State of Durango, Mexico
Grant: Fonseca Leadership Program Fellowship
Research: Viability and genetic management of endemic turtles from the Cuatro Ciénegas Valley, Coahuila
2025 Train Legacy Scholarship
This initiative strengthens the commitment to alumni engagement and educational excellence.
© Thiago Farjani
Camila Biselli Moraes
Country: Brazil
Degree: MS in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development
Institute: Escola Superior de Conservação Ambiental e Sustentabilidade, Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas, Brazil
Grant: Train Legacy Scholarship
Research title: Rights of Nature as a Principle for Sustainable Development and Caiçara Community Empowerment in the Saco do Mamanguá, Brazil
Gustavo Ferreira Amaral
Country: Brazil
Degree: Master’s degree in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development
Institute: Escola Superior de Conservação Ambiental e Sustentabilidade, Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas, Brazil
Grant: Train Legacy Scholarship
Research: Mapping Bioeconomy Models for Socio-Biodiversity in Northern Tocantins, Brazil
Maria Julia Cambuhy von Ungern-Sternberg
Country: Brazil
Degree: Master’s degree in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development
Institute: Escola Superior de Conservação Ambiental e Sustentabilidade, Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas, Brazil
Grant: Train Legacy Scholarship
Research: Strengthening Cerrado Conservation through Research and Policy Advocacy
Vinícius José Alves Pereira
Country: Brazil
Degree: Master’s degree in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development
Institute: Escola Superior de Conservação Ambiental e Sustentabilidade, Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas, Brazil
Grant: Train Legacy Scholarship
Research title: Environmental Education and Community Engagement as Tools for Black Lion Tamarin Conservation