Campaign Team
The Nurture Nature Campaign is operated by a core team of animal welfare and conservation activists that benefit from the guidance of local and global experts in wildlife-related advocacy.
Core Team
MARK GIBSON, Director
Mark is an applied social scientist specializing in green criminology. He holds a PhD in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. He previously worked on projects to protect global deep-sea habitats with the Pew Charitable Trusts and reform Ecuadorian fisheries with the WWF. His favourite T&T species is the Green Anaconda, one of the largest snakes in the world!
LAUREN ALI, Manager
Lauren is an animal welfare advocate, wildlife conservationist, and scientist. Her work includes a study of shark exploitation in Trinidad and Tobago and operational assistance at Animals Alive, the largest no-kill animal shelter in the Caribbean. She holds an MPhil in Zoology from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. Her favourite T&T species is the Ocelot because these shy cats demonstrate such beauty and grace as they prowl the forest.
NIAMH VAUGHAN, Manager
Niamh is an early career scientist who has worked to protect local sea turtle populations with SOS Tobago and is a coordinator at Corbin Local Wildlife Park. She is currently pursuing an MSc in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. Her favourite T&T species is the critically endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle because of the species’ beauty and enduring survival over eons.
KRISTEN CLARKE, Associate
Kristen is a passionate environmentalist with a special interest in marine conservation. She holds a BSc in Environmental and Natural Resource Management and Geography from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. Her favourite T&T species is the Neotropical River Otter for their playful and social nature.
ADARA JAGGERNAUTH, Associate
Adara is a wildlife conservationist with a great love for marine world. She holds a BSc in Marine, Wildlife and Conservation Biology from St. George's University. She previously has worked with TIDE Belize, Sustainable Grenadines, and the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute. Her favourite T&T species is the Whale Shark because it is the biggest fish in the ocean and is incredibly majestic.
Advisors
RYAN MOHAMMED
Ryan is an Aquatic Ecologist involved in the conservation of native biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago. He holds a PhD from the University of the West Indies in Environmental Biology. His favourite T&T species are "Millions fish," a type of guppy that are popular hobbyist species and model species for the study of evolutionary biology.
Click here to learn more about Ryan.
NIGEL NORIEGA
Nigel is the founder of Sustainable Innovation Initiatives (SII). He holds a PhD in Integrative Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, and developed methods for understanding the physiology of wild animals. His favourite T&T species is the Jumping Guabine because of its fascinating behaviors and substantial ecosystem impact.
Click here to learn more about Nigel.
BERNADETTE PLAIR
Bernadette is a scientist and wildlife conservationist with 30 years of experience. She is the founder and Director of the Centre for the Rescue of Endangered Species of Trinidad & Tobago (CRESTT). She holds a MSc in Biology from the University of Cincinnati. The Blue and Gold Macaw is her favourite species in her native Trinidad and Tobago, inspiring her lifelong passion for biodiversity.
Click here to learn more about Bernadette.
DIOGO VERÍSSIMO
Diogo is a behaviour change specialist with 15 years of experience in the fields of social marketing and community-based conservation. He holds a PhD in Biodiversity Management from the University of Kent. His favourite T&T species is the critically endangered Pawi because it is found nowhere else in the world!
Click here to learn more about Diogo.