Voices from the Field: Inspiring Wildlife & Ecology Students

As Wildlife and Ecology students, learning goes far beyond lectures and textbooks. It is shaped by the lived experiences, research journeys, and personal stories of the lecturers who guide us. We recently sat down with three of our lecturers to learn more about their journeys, research passions, and what they expect from students stepping into the world of ecology.

🌱 A Journey Rooted in Resilience and Plant Ecology

Growing up in rural Botswana and later moving to Gaborone marked significant transitions that shaped one lecturer’s worldview. Personal milestones including raising three children stand alongside academic achievements as defining moments. However, one deeply personal event stands out: the loss of a mother during PhD studies. Turning grief into motivation, the PhD was completed and dedicated in the honor a testament to perseverance and purpose.

🎓 Academic & Career Development

After completing a Biological Sciences degree at the University of Botswana, the journey included:

• A brief period teaching Integrated Science
• Securing a scholarship for postgraduate studies abroad
• Completing MSc research in Norway
• Transitioning directly into a PhD (completed in 2016)
• Building a career in academia as a plant ecologist

The graduate research focused on riparian and wetland plants in the Okavango Delta.

• MSc research examined how plant species composition changes with floodwater inputs.
• PhD research explored drivers of plant population structure, especially woody species.
• A highly recognized paper on soil nutrients and flooding regimes became one of the most cited works even though soil science was not the original intended focus.

Today, research interests extend toward linking plant ecology with societal impacts, particularly how human land use influences vegetation and livelihoods.

🌍 Working with CIEE

Two aspects stand out:

• Cultural Exchange – Engaging with international students introduces diverse perspectives and practices.
• Experiential Learning – Supporting students in applying classroom knowledge in real-world ecosystems enriches learning for everyone involved.

📚 Teaching Philosophy

This lecturer describes themselves as a facilitator, not simply a teacher.

Students are expected to:

• Take responsibility for their learning
• Engage in student-centered knowledge construction
• Participate actively in discussions
• Develop an inquisitive and experiential mindset

Learning is dynamic, hands-on, and collaborative.

🦁 Passion for Carnivores and Conservation

Another lecturer’s journey began at Maun Secondary School before earning a Biological Sciences degree at the University of Botswana. After working as a conservation biologist in wildlife and national parks, they pursued an MSc in Norway and are currently writing a PhD focused on teaching.

Growing up in rural Botswana and moving to Gaborone was transformative, but wildlife research opened even wider doors providing opportunities to travel across Africa and Europe.

🐾 Graduate Research & Interests

Graduate research centred on lion ecology, including:

• Movement patterns
• Species behavior
• Population demographics
• Telemetry techniques

Current research interests include:

1. Mitigation of human–wildlife conflict
2. The influence of carnivores on ecosystem functioning

Among the proudest publications are:

• Herbivore browse utilization and selection in the Kazuma Forest Reserve, Northern Botswana
• Long term temporal patterns of human carnivore conflict in the Chobe Enclave, Northern Botswana

Rather than recommending one specific paper, this lecturer encourages students to explore literature aligned with their interests — whether elephants, carnivores, or broader ecosystem studies.

🌍 Experience with CIEE

Having started working with CIEE recently, the experience has been demanding and structured compared to other institutions. However, it provides a unique opportunity to engage with students from different academic cultures.

🎒 Expectations for Students

Students should:

• Be respectful and adaptable
• Prepare for the challenges of bush-based learning
• Read extensively and value the training provided
• Develop a solid foundation in lion ecology and carnivore dynamics

US students, in particular, are noted for their willingness to challenge themselves and even negotiate grades, which adds a dynamic dimension to classroom engagement.

🌍 Final Reflections for Wildlife & Ecology Students

From plant population structures in wetlands to lion movement patterns across savannahs, these stories remind us that ecology is not just about species and systems it is about resilience, adaptability, and purpose.

As students, you are encouraged to:

• Take ownership of your learning
• Embrace experiential and field-based education
• Stay curious and read widely
• Remain adaptable in challenging environments
• Connect ecological science to real societal impacts