Experienced Ornithologist and Conservation Scientist Resume Title

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Accomplished ornithologist and conservation scientist with over 9 years of progressive experience in ecological research, biodiversity monitoring, and environmental management across Kenya and beyond. I bring a strong record of leading large-scale conservation projects, coordinating and managing Citizen/Community Science projects, national bird monitoring programs, and contributing to policy-relevant environmental assessments, including wind farm impact studies and waterbird census operations. My expertise spans ecology, GIS, climate and land-use analysis, molecular genetics, and data-driven conservation and supported by advanced training and a PhD in Ecology and Environmental Sciences.

I have successfully managed multi-institutional research initiatives, secured and administered grant-funded projects, trained hundreds of students, interns, and citizen scientists, and contributed to long-term ornithological programs such as the Ngulia bird ringing initiative. Passionate about understanding human–environment–biodiversity interactions, I am committed to producing scientific evidence that informs sustainable resource use, strengthens conservation planning, and protects the global biodiversity and natural heritage for future generations while maintaining equal rights to all, with no discrimination of age, race, ethnicity or sexuality.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Ecology & Environmental Science Ornithology & Avian Ecology Biodiversity Conservation Natural Resource Management Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) GIS & Remote Sensing Human–Environment–Biodiversity Interactions Data Analysis (R & Excel) Decision Science Project Management Capacity Building & Training Scientific & Grant Writing Biodiversity Risk & Opportunity Assessment Stakeholder Engagement Database Management (FIMS & LIMS) Workshop & Seminar Coordination

EDUCATION

2022- 2025 Ph. D (Ecology and Environmental sciences)

2019 Certificate course – Using R to analyse citizen science data (April)

2016 M.Sc. (Biology of Conservation), University of Nairobi. Thesis; titled “Influence of Landscape composition features on the occurrence of birds in Mukurweini Valleys, Kenya”

2015 Certificate Course -Biology of African Animals and Ecosystems offered by Columbia University and Princeton University at Mpala research Centre (February)

2014 Certificate in tropical ecology and conservation offered by Tropical biology association in Kibale Forest Uganda. (July)

2011 Bsc (Environmental Science), Kenyatta University

AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

2024 Howard L. Mendall Memorial Scholarship

2016 Mangea hill forest Survey-African Bird Club

2016 USAID-PEER grant (Use of DNA Barcoding to Combat Wildlife Crimes)

2013 Survey of Birds in Karima Forest- Kenya African Bird Club

2013 Dzombo hill forest survey- African Bird Club

2012 Fellowship NSF-USAID funded project (Natural pest and weed suppression functions by birds as incentives to conserve a globally threatened bird species and enhance livelihoods in an agricultural landscape)

2012 Kitobo forest Survey - African Bird Club

WORK EXPERIENCE

2022–2025 Graduate Student (PhD), University of Maine

Used Citizen/Community/ participatory science bird data to develop a bird-based biotic index to assess the condition of watersheds

Participated actively in teaching undergraduate and graduate seminars, mentoring students, and contributing to collaborative research projects.

Engaged in interdisciplinary workshops and conferences to present findings and exchange scientific knowledge with academic peers.

2016–2022 Ornithologist, National Museums of Kenya

Served as a research assistant on major ornithological projects, conducting field surveys and contributing to the understanding of Kenya’s avian biodiversity.

Managed avian collections, curated databases, and ensured accurate cataloging of specimens for research and public reference.

Trained students, interns, and visiting researchers in bird identification, ringing techniques, and field monitoring protocols.

Coordinated the annual Ngulia bird ringing program, wrote grant proposals and scientific reports, and assisted in fundraising and biannual waterbird counts.

2019–2022 Lead Ornithologist, Siruai Wind Farm, Kajiado County

Conducted comprehensive avifaunal surveys to assess bird populations and biodiversity in proposed wind energy project areas.

Evaluated potential impacts of wind turbines on wildlife, developed collision risk models, and provided mitigation recommendations.

Prepared detailed bird species checklists, highlighting conservation concerns and informing project planning decisions.

Collaborated with environmental teams and stakeholders to integrate ecological considerations into project development.

2019–2022 Assistant Coordinator, National Waterbird Census

Supported national waterbird census initiatives through fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and event organization.

Coordinated field teams, compiled census data, and maintained the national waterbird database for accurate reporting.

Prepared analytical reports to inform conservation strategies and policy decisions for waterbird protection.

Facilitated workshops and training sessions to improve data collection and conservation outcomes across Kenya.

2014–Present Assistant Course Coordinator, Fundamentals of Ornithology Course

Coordinated the annual ornithology training course, managing student recruitment, scheduling, and logistical arrangements.

Taught practical skills in bird identification, monitoring techniques, and data collection methods.

Supported course delivery in collaboration with partnering institutions, ensuring high-quality educational experiences.

Assisted in curriculum development, assessment, and mentoring of students and interns in ornithological research.

2017–2019 Project Manager, USAID-Funded PEER Animal Project

Coordinated project activities among multiple partners, ensuring smooth implementation of research objectives.

Prepared technical and financial reports, monitored budgets, and maintained project records to meet donor requirements.

Managed field and laboratory databases (FIMS & LIMS) and supported DNA analysis of wildlife tissue samples.

Assisted in the preparation of manuscripts and final project reports, contributing to scientific publications and conservation outputs.

Other Professional Contributions

2019 (March) – Trainer, IBA Biodiversity Monitoring Workshop Trained community groups on ecosystem services, birdwatching basics, and citizen-science monitoring techniques

2016 (September) – Rapporteur, Friends of City Park Stakeholders Forum, NMK

June 2013 – BROA Workshop Assistant (TBA & BAT) Contributed to development of the Biodiversity Risk & Opportunity Assessment toolkit

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Field Works and Field Excursions

2019- 2022 Proposed Siruai, and Ildamat wind farm project Lead Ornithologist

2017- 2018 Data collection for the use of DNA barcoding to combat wildlife crime project

2017 Lead Ornithologist in a biodiversity survey for the proposed Lotikippi National Reserve, Turkana County

2016 Data collection for Kipeto Winds in Kajiado County, ERM Consultants Data Data collection at Mwangea hill forest, Kilifi County. - African Bird Club Funded project

2015 - 2016 Data collection for wind power generation in Lamu County Kenya - SGS

2015 Data collection for wind power generation in Isiolo County Kenya Volunteer (Data collection for annual water fowl Counts)

2014 Inventory of Kenyan Wetlands (KWS, DRSRS, NMK, NEMA funded)

2013 Principal researcher working on the survey of birds in Karima Forest Survey. Principal researcher working on (the Influence of landscape composition features on the occurrence of birds in Mukurweini valleys Kenya Dzombo Hill forest survey

2012 Research assistant working on Natural pest and weed suppression functions by birds as incentives to conserve a globally threatened bird species and enhance livelihoods in an agricultural landscape

2011Research assistant working on the role of physiological and behavioral plasticity in the successful range expansion of Kenyan house sparrow pusser domesticus: factors affecting reproductive success and dispersal of house sparrow in urban environment in Kenya: changes in parasite types, diversity prevalence and abundance with invasion of house sparrow (August 2011)

Research assistant working on the Conservation of the Madagascar pond heron Ardeola idea in Kenya (November 2011).

Research assistant working on the inventory of the Kenyan wetlands (November 2011)

Research assistant Mapping the most at risk populations of HIV contraction (January 2011)

TECHNICAL REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS

I have authored and assisted in writing the following publications

Peer Reviewed

Njuguna, E., Murphy, C. A., Loftin, C., Hunter, M., Courtemanch, D., & Njoroge, P. (in review). Potential for bird based biotic indices in watershed assessments: A review of methods, applications, and suggestions for improvement.

Njuguna, E., Murphy, C. A., Loftin, C., Hunter, M., Courtemanch, D., & Njoroge, P. (in review). Birds, breakpoints, and baselines: Citizen science data reveal ecological boundaries in Kenya’s Upper Tana watershed.

Njuguna, E., Murphy, C. A., Loftin, C., Hunter, M., McGill, B., Courtemanch, D., & Njoroge, P. (in review). Citizen science bird data reveal pathways and barriers to biotic index development in a tropical watershed.

Njuguna, E., Murphy, C. A., Loftin, C., Hunter, M., Courtemanch, D., & Njoroge, P. (in review). Striking the balance: Minimum observation requirements for effective bird monitoring with citizen science.

Pocock, M. J. O., Roy, H. E., August, T., Kuria, A., Barasa, F., Bett, J., Githiru, M., Kairo, J., Kimani, J., Kinuthia, W., Kissui, B., Madindou, I., Mbogo, K., Mirembe, J., Mugo, P., Muniale, F.M., Njoroge, P., Njuguna, E.G., Olendo, M.I., Opige, M,. Otieno, T.O., Ng’weno, C.C., Pallangyo, E., Thenya, T., Wanjiru, A.,Trevelyan, R. (2018). Developing the global potential of citizen science: Assessing opportunities that benefit people, society and the environment in East Africa. Journal of Applied Ecology, 56(2), 274–281. doi:10.1111/1365-2664.13279 2.

Non-Peer reviewed reports, articles and posters

Madindou, I., Bett, A., Ng’weno, F., Gacheru, P., Kyalo, S., Chesire, D., Sikenykeny, K., Kamau, E., Kimiti, D., Kirao, L., Jackson, C., Gichohi, E. (2020) Waterbird Count Results in the Rift Valley, Nairobi, Central, Eastern, and Coastal Kenya. Centre for Biodiversity Research Reports: Ornithology, 87. National Museums of Kenya: Nairobi. 32 pp.

Edwin, G., Mlamba, E., & t Baya, A.,(2019). Mangea Hill Forest Survey. African Bird Club African Bird Club reports https://www.africanbirdclub.org/sites/default/files/2016%20-%20Mangea%20hill%20forest%20survey%20-%20Kenya%20-%20Edwin%20Gichohi%20Njuguna.pdf

Madindou, I., Mungai, P., Ng’weno, F., Gacheru, P., Kirao, L., Gichohi E., Chesire, D., Jackson, C., and Ikime, T. (2019) Waterbird Count Results in the RiftValley, Nairobi, Central and Coastal Kenya Centre for Biodiversity Research Reports: Ornithology, 85. National Museums of Kenya: Nairobi.pp 28.

Madindou, I., Gichohi, E., Bett, A., Ng’weno, F., Chesire, D., Ikime, T., and Gacheru, P.,(2019).Waterbird Count Results in the Rift Valley and Central Kenya. Directorate of National Repository and Research research reports: Ornithology, 86. National Museums of Kenya: Nairobi. 16 pp.

Nasirwa, O., Mungai, P., Ng’weno, F., Kirao, L., Gichohi, E., Chesire, D., Ikime, T., and Barasa, F. (2018)Waterbird Count Results in the Rift Valley, Nairobi, Central, Coast, Amboseli and Yala Swamp. Centre for Biodiversity Research Reports: Ornithology, 83. National Museums of Kenya: Nairobi. 29 pp.

Edwin G. Njuguna, Onesmus Kioko and Dr. Ronald Mulwa (2016) Avifauna Survey of the Proposed Lotikippi National Reserve. Directorate of National Repository and Research research reports. National Museums of Kenya.

Master’s thesis on the Influence of landscape composition features on the occurrence of birds in Mukurweini valleys Kenya (2016)

Edwin, G., Mlamba, E., Chesire, D.,& Njoroge, P.,(2014). Avifauna Survey of Karima Hill Forest- a sacred forest within the eastern Afromontane biodiversity Hotspot.African Bird Club Reports https://www.africanbirdclub.org/sites/default/files/2013_Karima_Forest_Survey_Kenya_0.pdf

E. Mwangi,E., Njuguna, E.G., Mlamba, E., Ngatia, M., Chesire, D., Opany, C., Gitiri, J., Wangari, J., & Njoroge, P., (2014).Bird Survey Expedition in Dzombo Hill Forest, Kwale District-Kenya. African Bird Club Reports. https://www.africanbirdclub.org/sites/default/files/2013_Dzombo_Hill_Forest_survey_0.pdf

Gichohi, E., Vuyisole, T., Hadis, T., Wilson, E., (2014). Territorial behaviour of the yellow-throated tinkerbird (Pogoniulus subsulphureus) and yellow-rumped tinkerbird (Pogoniulus bilineatus). TBA Field School reports- In Kibale forest, Uganda.

Mlamba, E., Njoki, A., Otieno, V., Gichohi, E., Makau, R., Opany, C., Chesire, D., Karanja, F., Mwangi E., & Njoroge, P.,(2013).Kitobo Forest Expedition: Avifaunal Survey of Kitobo Forest, South Eastern Kenya. African Bird Club Reports. https://www.africanbirdclub.org/sites/default/files/2012_Kitobo_Forest_0.pdf

Among the contributors of the Kenya’s Important bird areas status and trends of 2011

Titus Adhola & Edwin G. Njuguna (2011)The Inventory of Kenyan Wetland Biodiversity- Lake Victoria Basin: Phase I (Mammal component) Directorate of National Repository and Research research reports

Course Manuals

Part of the team that prepared a trainers manual for the annual fundamentals of ornithology course that has been I use for over 6 years now titled Fundamentals of Ornithology, An annual course for birders and bird Enthusiasts. Course Manual.(2014). National Museums of Kenya, Nature Kenya, Arocha Kenya and Tropical Biology Association

Njoroge, P., Odhiambo K., Gichohi, E., Ndithia, H., Mlamba, E., Mwangi, G., Kageni, M., Mwangi, J., & Amutete, G.2019. Gis Training Manual:Kenya Airports Authority and National Museums of Kenya. Nairobi, Kenya.

Njoroge, P., Kimani D., Gichohi, E., Muchai, M., Ndang‘ang‘a, K.,Mlamba, M., Malonza, P., Odanga, J., Mutua, M., Mungai, G., & Amutete, G. 2018. KAA Training Manual: Kenya Airports Authority & National Museums of Kenya. Nairobi, Kenya.

Posters

Ndithia, H., Mwangi, E.W., Mwaura, A., Njuguna, E.G., Mutayoba, B., Blate, E., Gakuya, F., Otieno, M.N., Ozwara, H., Masiga, D., Schindel, D., (2019). Use of DNA Barcoding to Combat Wildlife Crimes. Presented at a USAID PEER Grantees workshop in Ghana in 2019.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND WORKSHOPS/ CONFERENCES ATTENDED.

2012 to 2022. Been attending all annual fundamental or ornithology courses as a trainer and coordinator. All courses have been held at the Centre for Education in sustainability. Elsamere, Naivasha. All dates have been listed below.

28th March – 5th April 2019

15th – 23rd March 2018

30th March – 7th April 2017

7th – 15th April 2016

9th – 7th April 2015

20th – 28th March 2014

12th - 20th April 2012

Beginners course for Airport Wildlife Control Scouts, Held between 25th November – 6th December 2019 at at Centre for Education in sustainability., Elsamere, Naivasha. Was in attendance as a trainer and Course coordinator

Two Day Enforcement and Dissemination Workshop for the USAID PEER Funded project titled “Use of DNA Barcoding to Combat Wildlife Crime,”Held between 24th – 25th July 2019 at the National Museums of Kenya. Planned, contacted all stakeholders that had been invited and ensured that the workshop was successful

Citizen Science in Africa-Making it works for conservation. A workshop on analyzing and interpreting citizen science data held at the National Museums of Kenya by the Tropical Biology association on 8th – 12th April 2019.

Advanced Airport Wildlife Control Course Held Between 20th -28th September 2018 at Centre for Education in sustainability. Elsamere, Naivasha. I was a trainer and Course coordinator.

Attended a training workshop-Managing impacts from development projects – an introduction to good international practice for biodiversity and ecosystem services on the 16th of March 2017 held at the National Musems of Kenya.

Attended an Introduction to popular scientific writing workshop held at Invertebrate Zoology Laboratory, National Museums of Kenya on 30th March 2016

Attended a Parasitology and specimen preparation Training workshop held at the National Museums of Kenya on 6th and 7th October 2016. Learnt techniques for preparing (mammal) specimens and collecting and preserving their parasites

Africa Rio+20 summit held in Nairobi June (12-14).

Youth Empowerment for Positive Growth Conference 2011 (organized by church world service)

MEMBERSHIPS

Nature Kenya.

Ecological society for East Africa

World youth alliance.

AYICC –KENYA (African youth initiative on climate change )

Sustainable Africa Youth Foundation

Kenya Museum Society

Forestry Society of Kenya.

Contact this candidate