Dr. Mary Katherine
“Katy” Gonder is an evolutionary biologist, conservationist, and academic leader committed to advancing biodiversity preservation through innovative research and community-focused conservation initiatives. She is currently the Department Head of Ecology and Conservation Biology at Texas A&M University, where she leads strategic efforts to enhance research productivity, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and drive impactful conservation outcomes. Katy is a co-founder of the Ganga Station. As a scientist, she is known for her work in evolutionary ecology, particularly in Central and West Africa. Her research was instrumental in identifying the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee as a distinct subspecies and in recognizing the Sanaga River as a key geographic boundary that separates the major chimpanzee lineages across sub-Saharan Africa. Katy’s ongoing research continues to explore the significance of central Cameroon in the evolutionary history of chimpanzees, aiming to uncover the factors that shaped their unique genetic diversity. Through her leadership, Katy remains dedicated to bridging the gap between academic research and practical conservation strategies, ensuring that scientific insights translate into real-world conservation impacts.
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Dr. Ekwoge Abwe
He is a primatologist, co-lead of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance African Forest Hub, and manager of the Cameroon Biodiversity Association. He holds a BA in geography from the University of Yaounde 1, Cameroon, an MSc in primate conservation from Oxford Brookes University, UK, and a PhD in biology from Drexel University, USA. He has more than 20 years of experience in biodiversity research, conservation outreach, and mentoring. Ekwoge currently serves as secretary general of the African Primatological Society, is co-vice chair of the Section on Great Apes of the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group, and an active member of IUCN Working Group on Chimpanzee Cultures. He is author of many scientific publications and recipient of several awards including the prestigious Whitley Fund for Nature award, the Explorers Club 50 award, and the 2023 Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa for his grassroots efforts to engage local communities in great ape conservation in Cameroon.
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Dr. Shrutarshi Paul
He is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Texas A&M University where he is developing a project to assess the adaptive potential of Texas flora and fauna amidst environmental changes. His broad interests lie in large mammal conservation outside protected areas with a focus on spatial ecology and bridging conservation science with practice. He completed his undergraduate and master’s from the University of Calcutta, India. Subsequently he completed his PhD in Wildlife Science from the Wildlife Institute of India and moved for his first postdoctoral position at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel. Dr. Paul has worked on diverse projects, including swamp deer and grassland conservation in India’s upper Gangetic plains, metapopulation dynamics of tigers and leopards in the Terai-Arc landscape, adaptive management of Asiatic wild asses in Israel.
Tyler
He is a fifth year Ph.D. candidate studying with Dr. Mary Katherine Gonder at Drexel University. Tyler has extensive background in animal behavior research, working with the Amboseli Baboon Research Project and the Mara Hyena Project. He completed a Master of Animal Behavior and Conservation degree at CUNY – Hunter College, where he used behavioral observations to identify personality dimensions in captive red pandas. Currently, his work examines the effects of environmental variation and demography on termite fishing behavioral variation and patterns of insectivory in Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes ellioti). Tyler is also strongly committed to conservation education and evidence-based pedagogies, and is in the process of completing a Certificate in College Teaching and a minor in Undergraduate STEM Education.”
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Fabrice Kentatchime
He is a Ph.D. candidate at Texas A&M University under Dr. Mary Katherine Gonder, specializes in Ecology and Conservation Biology, focusing on functional and conservation genomics, particularly with wild chimpanzees in Cameroon. His dissertation utilizes non-invasive DNA samples to determine the origins of rescued chimpanzees in Cameroonian sanctuaries. Kentatchime holds an M.Sc. in Biological Sciences from Drexel University, where he serves as a Teaching Fellow, contributing to Molecular Biology and Biochemistry courses. Prior to his doctoral studies, he managed field research stations and led international study abroad courses at the Cameroon Biodiversity Protection Program. Kentatchime has received prestigious fellowships and awards, including the Drexel University Graduate Teaching Fellowship, and has published research in peer-reviewed journals on climate change vulnerability, habitat differentiation, and dietary ecology of chimpanzees. Proficient in statistical analysis, Bioinformatics, GIS, and fieldwork, he co-founded the Mbakaou Wildlife Education Center for educational outreach. Fluent in French and English, Kentatchime is dedicated to advancing ecological knowledge and conservation efforts.
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Alvine Dadjo
She is from west region, Cameroon. She is a Ph. D student at Texas A&M University, department of Ecology and Conservation Biology. She studied zoology for her undergraduate program at the University of Buea. For her Ph.D program, she is interested in looking at how the Ganga chimpanzees utilize mixed forest and savanna gallery ecosystem of the Mbam and Djerem National Park. Alvine is a passionate and dedicated female conservationist, engaged in contributing to biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices through research, education, and community engagement. She has been working as a research assistant since 2016 with the Cameroon Biodiversity Protection Program (CBPP) and Cameroon Biodiversity association (CAMBIO). She also studied the behavior of captive gorillas at the Mefou primate sanctuary for 2 years. Alvine is a powerful force as she is an inspiration for girls and young women to pursue a career in the field of conservation.
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Dr. Ritika Modi
She holds a PhD in Microbiology and currently serves as a Research Assistant and Lab Manager under Dr. Mary Katherine Gonder at Texas A&M University. Although her academic journey began with a focus on microbes, her passion has evolved into a deep interest in ecology and conservation. In her pivotal role, Ritika coordinates and executes research activities, overseeing ongoing projects and managing lab operations.
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Tenmbar Janvier
He is a young Cameroonian equipped with a degree in archaeological history. Since 2023, he has assumed the role of Environmental Education Assistant within the Cameroon Biodiversity Protection Program (CBPP). His responsibilities entail the facilitation and execution of CBPP’s environmental education initiatives within villages adjacent to the Mbam and Djerem National Park, with a particular focus on educational institutions and the Mbakaou wildlife center. Leveraging his background in secondary education, he actively contributes to the instruction of prospective stakeholders in biodiversity conservation. As an integral member of these watershed communities, he is deeply committed to fostering community engagement towards the preservation of biodiversity, which he views as the collective heritage of local populations.
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Yannick Djouguela
He is a native of Cameroon and possesses a master’s degree in environmental sciences, specializing in Environmental and Social Impact Assessment. His professional focus centers on the meticulous biomonitoring of large and medium mammalian species, particularly Chimpanzees. Recognized as a distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Mammalogists, Yannick assumes the role of a Research Assistant at the esteemed Cameroon Biodiversity Protection Program (CBPP) and the prominent Cameroon Biodiversity Association (CAMBIO). Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, he adeptly coordinates comprehensive field research initiatives. He plays a pivotal role in safeguarding wildlife populations within the confines of the Mbam and Djerem National Park.
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Manezeu Tonleu Elvire Olivia
She is a Cameroonian resident, holds a master’s degree in environmental impact assessment. Since 2020, she has served as the Head of the Environmental Education Program at the Cameroon Biodiversity Protection Program (CBPP). In this role, she oversees operations at the Mbakaou Wildlife Center, situated on the periphery of the Mbam and Djerem National Park. Through CBPP, her efforts are focused on fostering awareness and support among local communities adjacent to the Mbam and Djerem National Park, aiming to engage them actively in biodiversity conservation. Additionally, since September 2023, she has assumed the role of National Manager of CBPP in Cameroon. In this capacity, she contributes to research initiatives, predominantly focused on chimpanzees, and engages in awareness campaigns promoting biodiversity preservation. Her attention is particularly drawn to the challenges faced by local communities, often feeling marginalized, especially in instances of human-wildlife conflicts prevalent in numerous protected areas within the region.
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