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Marina Tavolaro

@marinatavolaro

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Bilingual conservation scientist passionate about wildlife and community engagement.

South Africa

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that fosters professional growth and allows me to contribute to impactful conservation initiatives.

I am a dedicated conservation scientist currently pursuing a PhD in Conservation Science at the University of Cape Town. My research focuses on understanding and addressing human-wildlife conflicts in Namibia, where I have conducted extensive fieldwork, including over 1000 interviews with community members. My goal is to enhance conflict management strategies that benefit both wildlife and local communities.

Throughout my career, I have collaborated with various organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, where I contributed to livestock health communications and developed strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance. My work has been recognized through multiple publications and presentations at international conferences, showcasing my commitment to advancing conservation science.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Conservation Researcher

Overstories

Aug 2023 - Present (1 year 10 months)

Supported the development of a comprehensive leopard conservation project, encompassing both scientific and media/communications components. Identified, collected, and reviewed relevant academic publications and reports, collating them into a comprehensive research report.

Conservation Research literature review Report Writing

PhD Conservation Science

University of Cape Town

Jan 2018 - Present (7 years 5 months)

Conducted extensive research on human-wildlife conflicts in Namibian communal conservancies, analyzing over 1000 interviews and modeling Event Book data to understand spatial and temporal patterns. Supervised two Namibian students on research related to farmer attitudes and cost-benefits of coexisting with wildlife.

Human Wildlife Conflict Data Modeling Interviewing Conservation Science

Researcher in Helminthology

University of Pretoria

Jan 2012 - Present (13 years 5 months)

Conducted research in Helminthology focusing on sustainable use and anthelmintic resistance in livestock production to enhance food security. Travelled extensively across Southern Africa, working closely with commercial and communal farmers.

Food Security Rural Development

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Cape Town

PhD, Conservation Science

Currently pursuing a PhD in Conservation Science at the University of Cape Town. Research focuses on understanding and tackling human-wildlife conflicts in Namibian communal conservancies, integrating social context with material impacts.

University of Bristol

MSc (Res), Parasite & Veterinary Ecology

Completed a Master of Science by Research in Parasite & Veterinary Ecology at the University of Bristol. This program provided advanced knowledge in ecological principles related to parasites and veterinary science.

University of Aberdeen

BSc (Hons), Zoology

Obtained a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Zoology from the University of Aberdeen. The curriculum covered a broad range of topics in animal biology and ecology.