Open to opportunities

Edwin Njuguna

@edwinnjuguna

Message

Kenya

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking to lead biodiversity monitoring and conservation projects—using GIS, data analysis, and citizen science to deliver policy-ready environmental assessments (including wind impacts) with strong training and inclusive teamwork.

I am an accomplished ornithologist and conservation scientist with over 9 years of progressive experience in ecological research, biodiversity monitoring, and environmental management across Kenya and beyond. I lead large-scale conservation projects and coordinate Citizen/Community Science initiatives, national bird monitoring programs, and policy-relevant environmental assessments.

My work blends ecology with GIS, climate and land-use analysis, and molecular genetics—grounded in data-driven conservation. I have supported wind farm impact studies and waterbird census operations, building evidence that informs sustainable resource use, strengthens conservation planning, and protects biodiversity and natural heritage.

Through roles at the National Museums of Kenya, I managed avian collections, curated databases, trained students, interns, and citizen scientists, and coordinated the annual Ngulia bird ringing program. I also served as Lead Ornithologist for the Siruai Wind Farm, conducting comprehensive avifaunal surveys and developing collision risk models with mitigation recommendations.

Currently, I advance my research as a Graduate Student (PhD) at the University of Maine, using citizen/community science bird data to develop a bird-based biotic index to assess watershed condition. I’m committed to understanding human–environment–biodiversity interactions and to inclusive collaboration with no discrimination by age, race, ethnicity, or sexuality.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Assistant Course Coordinator

Current

Fundamentals of Ornithology Course

Jan 2014 - Present (12 years 4 months)

Coordinated an annual ornithology training course, managing student recruitment, scheduling, and course logistics. Delivered practical instruction in bird identification and monitoring techniques, supporting curriculum development, assessments, and student mentoring.

Course Coordination Ornithology Teaching Bird Identification Curriculum Development Assessments Mentoring

Graduate Student (PhD)

University of Maine

Jan 2022 - Jan 2025 (3 years)

Used citizen/community science bird data to develop a bird-based biotic index for assessing watershed condition. Presented findings in seminars and collaborative research settings while mentoring students.

Citizen Science Data Watersheds Biodiversity Indices Data Analysis Mentoring

Assistant Coordinator

National Waterbird Census

Jan 2019 - Jan 2022 (3 years)

Supported national waterbird census initiatives through fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and field and event coordination. Compiled census data, maintained the national database, and prepared analytical reports to support conservation and policy decisions.

Waterbird Census Data Compilation Database Management Stakeholder Engagement Workshop Facilitation Fundraising

Lead Ornithologist

Siruai Wind Farm

Jan 2019 - Jan 2022 (3 years)

Led comprehensive avifaunal surveys for proposed wind energy project areas and assessed bird population and biodiversity conditions. Developed collision risk models and provided mitigation recommendations to inform project planning decisions.

Environmental Impact Assessment Mitigation Planning

Ornithologist

National Museums of Kenya

Jan 2016 - Jan 2022 (6 years)

Conducted field surveys and supported ornithological research to advance understanding of Kenya’s avian biodiversity. Managed avian collections and databases, and trained students, interns, and visiting researchers in bird identification and field monitoring protocols.

Bird Identification Bird Ringing Specimen Database Curation Avian Collection Management Waterbird Monitoring Research Support

Project Manager

USAID PEER Animal Project

Jan 2017 - Jan 2019 (2 years)

Coordinated implementation across multiple partners to meet project research objectives under a USAID-funded PEER animal program. Produced technical and financial reports, managed FIMS and LIMS databases, supported wildlife tissue DNA analysis, and contributed to manuscripts and final project reporting.

Project Management Coordination Technical Reporting FIMS & LIMS Database Management Wildlife DNA Analysis Support

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Maine

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ecology and Environmental sciences

2022 - 2025

PhD in Ecology and Environmental sciences, completed between 2022 and 2025. Worked on research integrating citizen/community science bird data for watershed assessment.

University of Nairobi

Master of Science (MSc), Biology of Conservation

M.Sc. (Biology of Conservation) at the University of Nairobi, with a thesis on how landscape composition features influence bird occurrence in the Mukurweini Valleys, Kenya.

Mpala Research Centre

Certificate course, Biology of African Animals and Ecosystems

Completed a certificate course in Biology of African Animals and Ecosystems (February 2015) offered by Columbia University and Princeton University at Mpala Research Centre.