Ugyen Penjor, Bhutan
Ugyen Penjor is committed to conservation planning and wildlife species protection in landscapes throughout Bhutan. During his doctoral degree at the University of Oxford, he wants to understand the impacts of climate change on the distribution and survival of megafauna and what policies are needed at a local level to protect natural resources for the future. He will use this knowledge to educate conservation managers on biodiversity loss in the face of climate change throughout Bhutan.
Edy Setyawan, Indonesia
Edy Setyawan works to protect manta rays in the Birds Head Seascape. He will continue this work through his PhD at the University of Auckland and improve scientific data on reef manta rays in Indonesia, completing one of the most comprehensive studies ever conducted on this vulnerable species. Upon his return to Indonesia, his goal is to design and run a training program on marine conservation at the State University of Papua. The program will provide hands-on experience for students on applied marine ecology and conservation to prepare the next generation of marine ecologists.
Christine Nyangweso, Kenya
Christine Nyangweso is a dedicated educator working with the Kenya Wildlife Service. With a doctorate in biodiversity and natural resource management from the University of Nairobi, she hopes to join the faculty and serve as a mentor and role model for other Kenyan women interested in marine conservation issues. She will use her research on coastal and marine ecosystem services to understand the drivers and willingness of Kenyans to pay for marine biodiversity and ecosystems conservation.
Violet Ndeda, Kenya
Violet Ndeda grew up in a fishing community on the Kenyan Coast and understands the challenges these communities are facing. Her doctoral research on the vulnerability of coastal fisheries to environmental and climatic change will document the need for better management planning and policies to protect communities and marine resources. Her degree will not only help her start a new program on environmental and ecological engineering at Maseno University but will also enable her to mentor and encourage other female students to enter STEM fields.
Methodius Mukhwana, Uganda
Methodius Mukhwana is helping communities in Uganda improve their livelihoods and reduce conflict with wildlife. He will pursue his PhD at Michigan State University and conduct research on the impact of various initiatives aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflict. His goal is to use his research to create more effective human-wildlife conflict interventions and improve the lives of communities in Uganda while also protecting endangered species.