Abigail Wills  Conservation Biologist

From 15 May 2013 - 12 August 2013, I worked as lead Project Manager and Researcher for a wide-ranging Temple University (Philadelphia, USA) biological sciences research project entitled: “The effects of natural resource use on biodiversity in Madagascar”. The principle researcher for the project was Kim Reuter - a talented biologist, writer, non-profit founder, PhD candidate at Temple University and without a doubt one of the most inspirational people I have had the opportunity to work with. This phase of the research focused on unraveling the complexities of the bushmeat (meat of terrestrial wild animals) trade on the island. I worked as the primary translator on the project (English/French/Malagasy) and, in addition to other responsibilities, I personally delivered and/or scheduled over 1600 household questionnaires in 12 settlements. I was the first member of our research team to ever visit 10 of these locations, where I enjoyed exploring the unique wildlife and navigating new social and cultural norms.