Our interns
WHY DO WE host interns?
Conserve Eden hosts interns because we are passionate about equipping, training, and mentoring students through hands-on conservation experiences that spark moments of insight and growth. We believe these real-world opportunities help clarify career pathways and build confidence for their future. By creating an environment of learning and guidance, we enable young people to pursue their passions and make a lasting impact in conservation. To us, it is about the individual, not about numbers… We want to see students gain confidence, find their place and build their resumes. At the same time, our local projects benefit from passionate individuals who make a difference!
the super heroes
HUGO BORST
Hugo joined Conserve Eden as one of our first interns, working with data collected through the Plett Shark Spotters programme. His role involved supporting the processing and interpretation of shark sighting records, which helped improve the understanding of shark activity while laying the foundation for his career in conservation research and monitoring. Hugo’s enthusiasm led him to contribute long hours in the field and to produce a great first summary report of the Plett Shark Spotters data – much of which he had digitised for them. 20 August 2024 to 23 January 2025.
RI GALWAY
Ri was one of Conserve Eden’s early interns and played a key role in developing and setting up our estuary mapping system and Knysna Seahorse monitoring programme, including the creation and implementation of supporting data-collection apps. His work established essential tools that now underpin long-term research and monitoring in the Keurbooms Estuary. Through this process, Ri built strong skills in applied technology, field survey design, and conservation data management, creating a lasting impact on our programme capacity. 20 May to 8 August 2025.
ASHLEY BROWN
Ashley spent two weeks with Conserve Eden before beginning her studies in marine biology at university, gaining a valuable introduction to hands-on marine conservation work. During her time, she assisted with field surveys, data collection, and practical research activities, building early skills in observation, teamwork, and scientific methodology. This experience gave her a strong foundation and inspiration as she embarked on her academic journey in marine biology. In her short time with us, Ash managed to gain a great deal from her internship, providing a meaningful introduction to her chosen career path. 1-16 July 2025.
LIZZIE COTTEE
Lizzie joined Conserve Eden for a month, working on our Karoo meerkat project, where she assisted with field observations, data collection, behavioural monitoring, and the use of camera traps for her MSc thesis. She gained hands-on experience in wildlife tracking, ecological recording, and teamwork in a remote field environment. Her contributions helped improve understanding of meerkat social dynamics while strengthening her practical conservation skills and passion for wildlife research. This experience gave Lizzie confidence, insight, and inspiration for her future career in ecology and conservation. 6 June to 6 July 2025.
RANI VAN DER VLIST
Rani completed her internship with Conserve Eden, leading our Ragged Seahare study as her primary project, while also managing the beach breeding bird programme and supporting Plett Stranding Network call-outs. She gained extensive experience in field research, species monitoring, data management, and rapid response conservation work. Her contributions advanced multiple conservation initiatives, strengthened her practical skills, and prepared her for a future career in marine and coastal wildlife research and management. 12 August 2025 to 26 January 2026.
AFONSO PEREIRA
Afonso joined Conserve Eden while completing his MSc thesis on Knysna Seahorses, leading focused research on this endangered species and participating fully in all ongoing Plett conservation projects. He gained extensive experience in field survey techniques, species monitoring, data analysis, and multi-project coordination across marine and estuarine environments. His work has contributed valuable scientific insight to seahorse conservation while strengthening his practical skills and professional readiness for a career in marine research and conservation. 15 September 2025 to 6 June 2026.
LISA VAN HAASTER
As one of our first interns, Lisa set the bar high, integrating into the local conservation and ocean-loving community. Lisa is a passionate young marine biologist and outdoor sports enthusiast who seems to have endless energy – a testament to her love for life and the ocean. As her internship project, Lisa contributed to the analysis and organisation of data from the Plett Stranding Network. Through this work, she developed practical research skills while supporting knowledge that strengthens local marine conservation and response efforts. 28 August 2024 to 1 February 2025.
JEANETTE MICHALOPOULOU
Jeanette completed her internship with Conserve Eden as a recent graduate and was instrumental in kickstarting our Ragged Seahare project, helping to establish the initial monitoring framework and data collection protocols. Alongside this, she contributed to broader field surveys and research support activities, developing practical skills in marine observation, data management, and teamwork. Her dedication laid the groundwork for a project that continues to grow while supporting her journey toward a career in marine conservation. 1 June to 8 August 2025.
ALEX HILL
Alex spent a month with Conserve Eden working on our Karoo project, focusing on collecting and analysing data on cheetah movements for his MSc thesis. Through tracking, monitoring, and recording wildlife activity, he developed practical skills in field research, data management, and ecological observation. His contributions helped improve understanding of cheetah behaviour while providing him with hands-on experience essential for a future career in wildlife conservation. Alex definitely made the most of his time with us and loved the vastness of the Karoo landscape. 6 June to 6 July 2025.
HAYLEY HODD
Hayley spent her time with Conserve Eden mapping alien plant species across the Karoo reserve as part of her MSc thesis. She gained hands-on experience in field survey techniques, GIS mapping, and ecological data collection, developing practical skills essential for managing invasive species. Her work provided valuable insights for conservation planning while strengthening her research expertise and contributing directly to the health of the Karoo ecosystem. This experience enhanced Hayley’s confidence and prepared her for a future career in ecological research and habitat restoration. 6 June to 6 July 2025.
DANIELLA DOMINGUEZ
Daniella joined the Conserve Eden Plett team for two months after graduating, seeking practical field experience to complement her academic studies. During her time, she assisted with marine monitoring, data collection, and conservation activities, gaining hands-on skills in field research and teamwork. She also discovered a newfound love for birds and bird conservation! This experience provided Daniella with valuable insight into applied conservation work and strengthened her foundation for a future career in environmental and marine sciences. 1 September to 2 November 2025.
JESSE BROWN
Jesse spent two and a half months on Conserve Eden’s Seychelles programme, focusing on monitoring Hawksbill Turtles, Seychelles Magpie Robins, seabird monitoring, bird ringing, Aldabra Giant Tortoise population monitoring and habitat restoration. He gained hands-on experience in species monitoring, data collection, nest surveys, and field research in a remote island conservation setting. His work supported multiple active conservation projects while building strong practical skills and confidence for a future career in wildlife conservation and research. 3 October to 13 December 2025.
Our research team is highly experienced, with over 100 peer-reviewed scientific publications, as well as numerous book chapters and a book. We are passionate about getting the results of our science “out there” in various formats, so apart from the scientific literature we extensively use platforms like social media, public talks, popular magazine articles and local press to share our work, enabling others to better understand the biodiversity we share space with, realise the impacts we have, and to focus on positive behavioural change that allows sustainable co-existence with the natural spaces and species in the special place we live in. Drawing on the creativity of youth, we encourage our interns to get hands-on with this too, creating content for social media, education programs and more.