Our Team

Naemi is the Senior Environmental Educator for the Khomas Environmental Education Program (KEEP). She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources Management (Nature Conservation) from the Namibian University of Science and Technology. Before joining GCF as an intern in 2016, she did an internship with the Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust (NaDEET) where she developed a keen interest in environmental education. Naemi loves nature and all living things, but her real passion is for plants.

As GCF’s Conservation Science Coordinator, Michael is responsible to ensure that all conservation initiatives are supported by the most rigorous science available. Michael brings a passion for conservation and a wealth of experience in both field research and applied quantitative ecology; seeking to integrate nuanced ecological perspectives into meaningful conservation action. Michael holds an MA in Conservation Biology from Columbia University and a PhD in Ecology, Evolution, Ecosystems and Society from Dartmouth College (USA). He worked as a field programme manager for Princeton University in Kenya and held a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Michael is committed to developing and applying cutting edge technology and analytical frameworks for deepening understandings of how giraffe interact with their environments throughout Africa. Combining diverse scientific perspectives including giraffe movement, population dynamics, foraging, and behavior, Michael coordinates research with diverse academic, government and NGO partners to translate science into meaningful strategy and action. Michael also currently serves as the Co-Chair of the IUCN SSC Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group.

Audi joined GCF in 2018 as an Environmental Educator for the Khomas Environmental Education Programme (KEEP). With a BSc in Natural Resources Management and an Advanced Certificate in Python Programming from the Namibia University of Science and Technology, Audi enjoys working with data, animals and people. He now coordinates GCF’s long-term conservation monitoring programme in North-Western Namibia which allows him to combine his passions by spending time in the field and crunching data in the office. Audi grew up in the central north of Namibia and has a keen interest in learning more about the environment, in particular large mammals, in Namibia. Outside of work, Audi enjoys travelling and camping.

Sara is a wildlife veterinarian and GCF’s Conservation Health Coordinator. She graduated from the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine and is qualified with the Namibia Veterinary Council. Sara leads the Giraffe Conservation Health Initiative that approached giraffe conservation from a veterinary science and conservation medicine perspective. In this role Sara coordinates veterinary support for GCF’s field operations, evaluates the best immobilization practices for giraffe, addresses disease and health issues in wild giraffe populations, assists in the development of new technology for satellite tracking and methods for conservation translocations. She also works collaboratively with partners, such as the University of Namibia School of Veterinary Medicine, to enhance capacity building opportunities for the next generation of Africa’s wildlife veterinarians. Sara is an associate researcher for Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, Florida, who generously sponsor her position.

As an Environmental Educator in the Khomas Environmental Education Program (KEEP), Martha spends most days out in the field sharing her passion for nature with young Namibian students and their teachers. Martha holds Bachelor degrees in Natural Resources Management and English & Linguistics from the Namibia University of Science & Technology (Namibia). Born and raised in northern Namibia, Martha’s interest in conservation developed at a young age and the is particularly fascinated by animal behavior and understanding how it influences human-wildlife conflict. In her free time, Martha enjoys watching nature documentaries, which continue to inspire her love for the environment.

Rig serves as the Conservation Program Officer for the Southern African operations of GCF. He has a background in marine science from the Universities of Newcastle (Australia) and Cape Town (South Africa), and his MSc thesis focused on shark behavior at the South African east coast. After a short stint working in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Rig’s focus changed towards terrestrial ecology and he hasn’t looked back since. His role involves an exciting blend of desktop research and hands-on fieldwork, allowing him to engage deeply in giraffe conservation efforts throughout the region. Rig works closely with many GCF partners to advance conservation initiatives while further exploring the diverse landscapes of Southern Africa. As part of his current position, Rig is pursuing a PhD at the University of Mpumalanga (South Africa). His focus is on the distribution of giraffe and their genetics in South Africa aiming to contribute to a better understanding and the protection of these iconic animals.

Born and raised in Kenya, Adams is a conservation scientist with a keen interest in animal movement ecology, conservation conflicts and socio-ecological systems. Adams is a certified public accountant, who started his professional career as Accounts and Data Officer at Space for Giants, where his passion for conservation was ignited. After completing his MSc in Environmental Management (Conservation) at the University of Stirling, Scotland, UK with a Commonwealth Scholarship, he worked as researcher for Save the Elephants, focusing on elephant movement ecology and human-elephant conflict. With over seven years of experience in the conservation sector in Kenya, Adams recently joined GCF as the East Africa Program Officer. When not wrapping his head around R and GIS, Adams spends his time outdoors and you will often find him hiking or camping somewhere in the wilderness of Kenya.

Martina joined the GCF team in 2022 as the Program Coordinator at the Etosha Heights Conservation Centre on a private reserve adjacent to the iconic Etosha National Park in Namibia. She oversees GCF’s comprehensive conservation monitoring program of giraffe and other key species in this diverse landscape. Martina started her conservation career as a field technician in Etosha National Park for the University of California (Berkeley, USA), where she assisted in the capture, tracking and other data collection of a wide range of wildlife species. She holds a BTech in Nature Conservation from the Cape Peninsula University of Science & Technology (South Africa). As a member of the Black-footed Cat Working Group Martina monitored these elusive cats in the Upper Karoo in South Africa and continues to coordinate a similar project in Namiba.

As GCF’s Conservation Technology Coordinator, Courtney can combine her passion for applied science with expertise in data and technology. She leads efforts to streamline and develop GCF’s data systems, enhancing collaborations, outputs, and conservation impact. Drawing on her experience in behavioural and spatial ecology, Courtney has worked on a range of mammal species, including white rhinos, African wild dogs, and small carnivores. Her academic background includes a PhD from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) and postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Mpumalanga (South Africa) and Clemson University (USA). This diverse experience equips her with a unique perspective on integrating data-driven insights and innovative tools to support giraffe conservation across Africa. When she’s not advancing GCF’s mission, Courtney enjoys travelling and spending time with her dogs.

Kuda joined GCF in June 2019 as a finance intern in our Windhoek office. He completed his Honours Degree in Finance Management at the International University of Management in 2021. Originally from Zimbabwe, Kuda moved to Namibia when he was 13 years old. During his free time he enjoys playing soccer and tennis as well as gaming.

Timo is one of the environmental educators in GCF’s KEEP team. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources Management (Nature Conservation) from the Namibia University of Science and Technology. Born and raised in Namibia, Timo is passionate about nature, conservation and enjoys working with people who share his passion for nature and animals, as well as handling data. Outside of work, Timo enjoys spending time with his family and travelling.

Nicky joined GCF as the Finance & Compliance Manager in early 2022. Born and bred in Namibia, Nicky has a passion for the environment and a love for simplicity. Nicky has spent the last decade working on a variety of projects and contracts while concentrating on her primary role as a mum to three children. She is a multi-faceted individual with strong ethics and organizational skills, which will come handy in her first foray into the NGO sector. Outside of work, Nicky can usually be found enjoying time with friends and family or her head firmly stuck in a book. She is excited to explore a new working environment and ready for new challenges.

As GCF’s East Africa Coordinator, Arthur heads up the Nairobi office. He brings together research efforts and partnerships to secure the future of the three species that occur in the region: Masai, Nubian and Reticulated giraffe. Originally from Rwanda, he spent his formative years living and learning in Kenya, one of the most biologically diverse countries in Africa, where he nurtured an interest in wildlife ecology and conservation. Through the support and collaboration with GCF and other partners, Arthur obtained his Masters and PhD degrees from Michigan State University in the USA, where his research mainly focused on the ecological and anthropogenic factors affecting giraffe survival in East Africa. Through a broad and diverse network of collaborators and partners, Arthur leads GCF’s efforts to support and implement various giraffe conservation initiatives throughout East Africa.