# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Makerere University Biological Field Station Upper Camp (2025)

# data[].attributes.body
Located in Uganda's Kibale National Park, the Makerere University Biological Field Station supports a diverse array of international researchers and projects.

I found the camp to be a great base to investigate elephant crop raiding in the nearby community. It was also a wonderful place to connect with students, researchers, and profs from all corners of the globe.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Field survey conducted in a smallholder garden following an elephant crop-raiding event (June 2025)

# data[].attributes.body
After each reported elephant crop raid we would conduct an informal interview with the affected smallholder and also visually evaluate the damaged garden.

In particular we were concerned with documenting crop types damaged, raid party composition (number, age(s), and sex(es) of elephants), date and time, defense measures, and estimated financial damage.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Peter follows a raiding party back to the forest edge at Kibale (June 2025)

# data[].attributes.body
From June to August 2025, each documented raid was traced on foot from the damaged garden to Kibale's border and logged with a handheld GPS. Following footprints, dung and broken foliage, and aided by a local field assistant, the team traced the elephants’ return routes.

Mapping the return routes provide us insight into how elephant raid parties navigate an agro-forested landscape and overcome defensive measures designed to keep them out of the community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Emmanuel A. Opito at Parc Omega, Quebec, Canada, photo credit to Dipto Sarkar

# data[].attributes.body
I and my supervisor Dipto paid a visit to Parc Omega, Quebec, Canada. At the conservation area, I witnessed proactive management of fauna during extreme winter scarcity. Several species, both carnivores; bears wolves and foxes, and herbivores; red tailed deer, ibex, bison, elk, moose among others are conserved in a small area, in the face of climate extremes and food availability. Provision of food and shelter is a visible and instrumental in conservation in captive conservation. In the tropics, ensuring the survival of flora and fauna during dry seasons is equally challenging yet vital for species conservation.
Within the confines of Parc omega, research was evident, specifically on the ticks and climate change on moose. Research is a vital aspect in conservation especially with increasing global environmental health challenges like climate change, pollution and increasing boundaries of effects of anthropogenic activities.
Business was evident, with the presence of a restaurant and items for sale. Tourism and conservation are a critical synergy that supports conservation but contributed to livelihoods and national development.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Photo credit to Erin Francispillai (Abwoli)

# data[].attributes.body
My visit to the Canada Museum of Nature was instrumental in understanding the importance of biological records, thanks to the QES program. I had this wonderful visit in the company of Erin Francispillai, a graduate student at University of Guelph and wonderful friend I met in Kibale National Park in 2023.

The extensive displays at the Museum provided excellent opportunities for species identification, spanning from entomology to marine biology (notably the blue whale skeleton).
Entomological breeding was both an educative and exciting component of the Museum. I observed the sophisticated approaches to butterfly and insect breeding. Creating and sustaining conducive conditions for breeding and survival of several insects is a viable learning opportunity and gives room for research and education. This is particularly relevant for tropical restoration, where understanding the lifecycle of pollinators, pests and dispersants is key to ensuring the long-term viability of restored ecosystems, like Kibale Forest.
Physical geography and tectonic forces are another sphere of learning that is accessible in the museum. The illustrations of tectonic forces and geological shifts provided a macro-perspective on how physical geography dictates current biodiversity patterns, a vital concept when considering the soil types and topography in several areas of Uganda including the Albertine Rift, Mountainous parks like Elgon, Bwindi and Mgahinga among other areas.

#QEScholar

# data[].attributes.headline
Ex-situ conservation, the magnificent Montreal Biodome

# data[].attributes.subject
Ex-situ conservation, the magnificent Montreal Biodome

# data[].attributes.body
My time in Canada ended with a visit to Montreal from January 23rd to 25th, 2026, with key interests in the Montreal Biodome, and this visit offered a perspective on the nexus of public engagement and high-level conservation infrastructure. The sheer scale of investment required to sustain these enclosed ecosystems highlights the immense value placed on biodiversity conservation and serves as a model for ex-situ conservation projects globally. Witnessing the high volume of visitors stressed a deep public interest in nature, suggesting that such immersive experiences are vital for fostering environmental stewardship.
Furthermore, the Biodome’s ability to house vast, diverse ecosystems in a single location provides a unique space for observing complex biological interactions that are often difficult to monitor in the field. Beyond the exhibits, the visit served as a strategic networking ground, allowing me to engage with three graduate students: Rebecca from McGill University, Liana from the University of Montreal, and Erin from the University of Guelph. Our informal interactions enriched our collective understanding of tropical conservation, proving that such sites are as much about building human scientific networks as they are about preserving biological ones.

#QEScholar

# data[].attributes.body
Participating in ice skating at the Rideau Canal offered a firsthand understanding of how northern climates shape human recreation and the importance of seasonal use of aquatic ecosystems.

Scary at the beginning, it turned out to be a warming adventure in the extreme cold of the winter. This is one activity I look forward to trying again in the future.

# data[].attributes.body
Engaging with Canada’s multicultural environment through food was a highlight, from traditional Poutine, Montreal smoked beef bugger and Chili to international flavors like Shawarma and the Dahl.

Thanks to Chandra and Dipto, I have saved the flight cost for a food adventure in India. I was able to get treats to the top delicacies of Indian food.

#QEScholar

# data[].attributes.headline
Beginning New Research, Connection, and Adventure

# data[].attributes.subject
Beginning New Research, Connection, and Adventure

# data[].attributes.body
After choosing to do a thesis, I could never have imagined being given such an amazing opportunity. I am thankful to be a QES Scholar and to be able to travel for research, especially to such a vastly different location. There will be a lot to experience as I step out of my comfort zone. I am looking forward to doing some research within the local communities. I hope to help continue the ceramic water filter program, bringing safer water to them by working alongside the NGO TEMBO. My first week started with a slow build into the new environment, allowing me to make a lot of meaningful connections with TEMBO staff, other Carleton students, and some of the local kids.

Walking through the streets of Longido, it is so nice to be able to see such a lasting culture of tradition. The kids are adorable and wave to us every day. It is nice to be able to see that the kids feel comfortable enough to play in the surrounding areas. They can be themselves with no worries.

I do enjoy playing sports on occasion; however, due to my new research partner, Sierra, who, through her driven efforts and passion for basketball, has done a lot for the community. It has truly shown me how such activities really can bring people together. The other students who are a part of the efforts have been truly welcoming, allowing me to join in on their activities and join their group.

As a student driven by a passion for the environment, I have been enjoying the variety of ecosystems around me. The biodiversity that Tanzania has to offer, much to my research partners' dismay, I have already filled my phone with many of the insects, birds, plants, and rocks. I hope to slowly identify them all.

#QEScholar

# data[].attributes.body
I am extremely grateful to have started my summer in Longido, Tanzania as part of the QES scholarship. We began our trip alongside Courts for Change Carleton University to help with basketball programs and activities. This was a great chance to get reintroduced to the community and get settled in with a group of other students present. We had the opportunity to play with students at Orbomba, Oldorko and Ranch Primary Schools in Longido District.

The experience of seeing these children get the opportunity of playing basketball for the first time was incredible for me as basketball has been such a big part of my life for 20 years. The photos really speak for themselves as we played games, practiced skills, and bonded with the young students.

We enjoyed the Maasai market which is where the local indigenous community is able to buy, sell and trade their goods to others in the community. This occurs every Saturday in Longido and draws in individuals from great distances to sell or stock up on their goods for the week. The purchases of the day included $2 CAD flip flops and a goat leg for the group to share. The colourful sea of Maasai shukas was truly breathtaking.

Working alongside Learning in Longido was also a highlight of the week. It is a library/community center located in Longido where locals may come for tutoring, computer skills lessons, and many more. We were able to do puzzles and pay with legos with the montessori class of 3-5 year old local children. Their energy was so contagious and it was hard not to smile the entire time. Special thank you to teachers Judith and Namnyake for welcoming us that day and extending us an open invitation for the rest of the summer.

# data[].attributes.body
After successfully organizing, launching and hosting my first ever design competition and conference, InDesCanada, at Carleton University alongside my co-founder Alexandra Shevtsova on May 3rd, there was no time to celebrate as I only had one day to pack and make my way to Toronto where I would begin my journey to Tanzania on May 5th. As part of my Master of Design thesis and having the honour of being a Queen Elizabeth Scholarship recipient, I have been planning my 2 month research trip to Tanzania just as extensively in parallel to InDesCanada event.

To say these last weeks and months have been a blur is a major understatement! But throughout all this, I was so excited and so looking forward to arriving back at Kilimanjaro airport for the 3rd time in my life also marking the 3rd time I'm in Tanzania representing Carleton with the purpose of collaboration and learning from our partners on the ground and the local population that I am privileged to work alongside.

Now would you imagine my shock, that on my first full day back, I'm energized and ready to roll... and my laptop won't turn on! Nothing could have prepared me for this and no amount of troubleshooting can bring it back to life. So now here I am, in a rural part of Tanzania, 60+ days to go, without access to my notes and prepared materials, and the very real possibility of having to paper and pencil the most important part of my thesis.

...Find out next time how we made the most of this unexpected start and how awesome our partner organization ECHO East Africa is!

# data[].attributes.body
The first week in Longido resulted in my inclusion in the business class group, some cultural activities, and some basketball playing. We headed into a fun weekend excursion where we went on a safari. The sleeping locations were rather extravagant, yet the views and memories far surpassed them.

#QEScholar

As stated, the other Carleton students made me feel very welcomed into their group, which made the weekend that much better. I never once felt excluded as they all dealt with my nature and fun fact obsession.

We saw many animals, including most of the "big five" (leopard excluded). Personally, the hippos, rhinos, and birds were the most exciting. With many of the rhino species endangered, it was such a privilege to be able to witness them in their natural habitat.

By the end, it was bittersweet as I had to say goodbye to the business students and return to a quiet TEMBO. However, this was the beginning of the research and of mine and Sierra's Longido adventure.

# data[].attributes.body
Spending five days on safari in northern Tanzania alongside Courts for Change from Carleton University was an experience that is difficult to fully capture in words. We travelled through Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater, witnessing wildlife and landscapes that at times felt almost unreal. Having previously been on safari, I was especially excited to experience a portion of the Great Migration, but what surprised me most was not only the scale of the wildlife, but the perspective the experience gave me.

One moment that will stay with me for a long time was waking up in the Serengeti to an outdoor shower overlooking zebras, dik-diks, impalas and a giraffe moving through the property around me. Even weeks later, it still feels surreal to think about. Yet despite how extraordinary the safari was, I found myself constantly thinking about Longido — the people, the watoto (children), and the relationships we had built over the previous weeks. The safari reminded me that while travel can expose us to incredible places, it is human connection that ultimately leaves the deepest impression. Returning to hot showers and different meals was certainly appreciated, but what I missed most was the sense of community we had created in Longido.

Another aspect of the trip that I deeply appreciated was the opportunity to grow closer with my research partner, Sam. Spending extended time together outside of our daily work allowed me to appreciate the way she experiences the world. She notices details I often overlook, particularly birds, plants, and the smaller elements of the environment (bugs) and through her perspective I found myself paying closer attention as well.

Reflecting on the safari, I realized that the most meaningful part of the experience was not simply the wildlife or scenery, but having someone beside me with whom I could share those moments. It made me often reflect on the quote "it's not simply the experiences, but the people you experience it with". This summer has reinforced for me how important companionship is when navigating unfamiliar environments, challenges, and growth. I feel incredibly grateful that such a random research partner pairing could turn into such a strong friendship, and I am excited to continue learning, problem solving, and experiencing all that Longido and Tanzania have to offer alongside Sam.

# data[].attributes.headline
Research, Basketball, and Some Sense of Belonging

# data[].attributes.subject
Research, Basketball, and Some Sense of Belonging

# data[].attributes.body
With the Safari over and having to say goodbye to the business students who so easily welcomed me, as well as our great TEMBO mentor, Virginia. It was now time for Sierra and me to have the TEMBO guesthouse to ourselves. It was certainly less lively, and although I was a bit worried about the adjustment that was going to be required for the shift in atmosphere, it was rather smooth, thanks to a few reasons. The first being Sierra’s positive attitude and charismatic company, further integration into the “basketball” life, and the third being the amazing and welcoming TEMBO staff.

With TEMBO on the quieter side, it allowed us to gain our footing and begin thoroughly working on the project. Dr. Basu and Dr. Anderson remained for another few days, allowing us to determine what direction to head in. Once they departed, we began establishing a routine by starting with the app translations for Swahili and Maa. We also began sampling the local schools, further ingraining ourselves in the process.

Once the research day comes to an end, we make our way to the court, where there are many children who greet and play games with us. It’s vastly different from the world we created in the West. Here, kids can “still be kids.” They run around the streets and greet you every which way, they head to the park after school, and as the street lights come on, they head home for dinner. The fast-paced Western society just has so much technology ingrained into it that you forget about the simple things. As an avid video game player when I am in school (a good way to wind down after studying all day), I haven’t thought about them or the need to watch TV in a long while.

As previously stated, I’ve really come to realize how sports can bring people together, even though they make me nervous. Thanks to Sierra’s avid basketball playing it has given me somewhere to go and a place where I can feel accepted. She plays basketball games with the same people every day, and even though I don't actively play, they have made me feel part of the gang, allowing us to have a bit of a social life.

#QEScholar

# data[].attributes.body
On May 8th, we returned to Longido and had the privilege of walking alongside a Maasai woman named Sinande as she went about her Friday morning routine.

Sinande is an incredibly resilient and determined woman whose goal is to learn sewing skills so she can earn an income and help support herself and her family. Despite living in a remote boma far from the centre of Longido, she makes the journey to class twice a week (every Monday and Friday). Witnessing that level of commitment was inspiring.

Our day began at her boma in Ranch, where she warmly welcomed us into her home for chai and introduced us to her family. The hospitality we experienced was remarkable. Everyone we met greeted us with kindness and generosity, making us feel less like visitors and more like friends.

After spending time together, we set off on the 11-kilometre walk to her class. Along the way, we passed Ranch Primary School, a place that holds a special place in my heart from the basketball camps we have run there over the past year. The students and teachers are incredible, and their enthusiasm for the sport is contagious.

As we continued, we came across fresh elephant and giraffe tracks. While we were excited by the possibility of seeing wildlife, Sinande helped us understand the realities of sharing the landscape with these animals. She explained how Maasai women remain constantly aware of their surroundings and pay close attention to wind patterns to avoid dangerous encounters.

Listening to her describe how elephants rely heavily on their sense of smell, and how understanding the direction of the wind can help prevent potentially dangerous interactions, was fascinating. It was a reminder that knowledge does not only come from classrooms. The depth of understanding she has of the land, developed through generations of living closely with it, is remarkable.

Throughout the journey, Sinande pointed out plants, berries, and other resources gathered from the bush. Under her guidance, we collected ingredients used in traditional Maasai cooking, gathered firewood, examined unique rocks, and stopped often to appreciate the beauty of the landscape around us. What initially seemed like a simple walk quickly became a lesson in resourcefulness, environmental knowledge, and the daily realities of life in rural Tanzania.

When we finally arrived at her class, we met her fellow students and teacher. Seeing the effort required simply to attend a day of learning gave us an even greater appreciation for the value education holds within the community.

The day was a lesson in perseverance, resilience, and the power of pursuing opportunities despite significant obstacles. Walking alongside Sinande offered a glimpse into a way of life deeply connected to family, community, culture, and the natural environment. It is an experience that will stay with us for a long time and one we would gladly repeat if given the chance.

Asante Sana Sinande

# data[].attributes.body
The first official week of project research was a big success. We completed hundreds of translations, finalized our survey on the mWater app, and trained a new employee, Tipiliti. The training was mutually beneficial for all team members on the project, as we were all refreshed and taught new aspects of the work. We visited local primary schools to sample water from their filters (and even washed a couple of them), and we also toured the small local hospital and sampled its filter.

It was nice to get a good process going for the sampling. Up until this point, the procedures had been largely hypothetical, so being able to collect field samples, transport them, and test and collect all the data we needed was valuable practice before we head out to the bomas.

We also planned and hosted a tree meeting with the mamas of Kimokouwa, bringing everyone together to introduce Sam, Tipiliti, and myself to the project. Tree meetings are common for literacy, community meetings, and other things among these Maasai women. They have a dedicated tree to sit under to learn or attend meetings at. Traveling to this boma in Kimokouwa is always heartwarming for me, as it’s the boma I have visited the most. It was my introduction boma (the first one I was welcomed into) last year, where the Carleton class was introduced to the culture and lifestyle. I have since returned for various activities over the last year and a half, and now I’m starting to know the kids by name and vice versa. Familiar faces in somewhat unfamiliar places give me a certain feeling of home that is beautiful. I will never forget the welcoming nature and kindness shown by the mamas in Kimokouwa and their beautiful children.

To wrap up the week, there was a lot of Swahili and Maa (the Maasai language) learned through our translation work. Fun fact: Maa does not use the sounds F, Q, W, X, or Z. Sam and I can now confidently shop, bargain, and pay using our new Swahili skills. A special shoutout to Virginia for showing us lots of tips and tricks, especially which numbers to learn and which phrases to focus on.

This was a lovely week, especially spending time and bonding with our new community contact and now friend, Tipiliti. He brings along a wealth of knowledge from his education, but also from his upbringing in Kimokouwa as a Maasai. He is an invaluable addition to our water research team.

As usual, there was plenty of delicious food from the TEMBO chefs and lots of quality time spent at the basketball court with the players and children. The feeling of Longido as home continues to grow, and the bonds within the community are getting stronger every day. I can’t help but think about our departure already. It’s a beautiful feeling to know that we will bring these experiences and relationships home with us, although the goodbyes will be plentiful and sorrowful. But for now, we have lots of sunshine, smiles, and Pringles.

# data[].attributes.headline
Community work, village visits and learning opportunities 

# data[].attributes.subject
Community work, village visits and learning opportunities 

# data[].attributes.body
Through ECHO East Africa’s generosity (and an intern’s gracious sacrifice) I was able to borrow a laptop for the 60+ days that I’m on the ground here. My first few weeks thereafter rapidly picked up in terms of productivity and experience. ECHO conducts training sessions in local villages in the region building skills and awareness to the community through their various tools and technologies. Using donkeys as animal draft power, harnessing the powers of these often overlooked animals as well as LILO rocket stove making, a fireless and powerfully efficient cooking stove as just some of the visits we embarked on. Overall, the ECHO staff and interns, are some of the kindest, most hardworking, and most caring people I have ever met. You really can see the pride they take in their work and community, it really shines through in all the projects they undertake. Also, in a climate where funds are limited for individuals, organizations and communities, the resourcefulness and ingenuity displayed in their problem solving and repurposing of materials is something I will carry with me for a long time no matter where I am. So far, I am so grateful for this opportunity to learn, research and grow as a person and am so looking forward to the rest of the journey :)