Operation Wallacea USA

Herpetologist

May - July 2019 • Buton, Southeast Sulawesi Province

What I liked

I was presented with many challenges during my time working in Idonesia. But Opwall provided me with the resources and support that I needed to over come these challenges for myself. I learned so much, and I wish i never had to leave

What I wish was different

I wish the season was longer!

Advice

It is not for everyone- living in the jungle, sleeping in hammocks, bathing in a river, and enduring strenuous work daily is surely an acquired taste of living for many people.

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Research Assistant

July - August 2019 • Mahajanga I, Boeny

What I liked

This opportunity gave me a lot of experience using different field techniques for studying a large range of vertebrate and invertebrate species. It was very hands-on and we had the opportunity to choose our own areas of interest that we spent more time working on.

What I wish was different

I did both the forest and marine sites. The staff at the marine site were not as engaged with the research students like the forest site staff were.

Advice

Be prepared to do a lot of walking and bring hot sauces because you will eat beans and rice for lunch every day.

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Research Asisstant

July - August 2017 • Iquitos, Loreto Region

What I liked

The people who worked there were nice and very willing to share their knowledge about biology and conservation. We were taught all of the techniques needed to do the field work, and had local guides familiar with the area.

What I wish was different

I wish I could have been more involved in the data analysis and could have learned more about the ecosystem.

Advice

It is a very rewarding job if you love the rainforest. However, you must be prepared to spend long days in the heat and humidity.

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Scientific Research Assistant

June - July 2018 • Buton, South East Sulawesi Province

What I liked

Learning new species surveying methods from two skilled researchers from James Cook University, Australia. I learned both SCUBA transect monitoring (of coral, invertebrates and fish), and proper deployment and analysis of Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems - BRUVS - for monitoring elasmobranch distribution. I loved meeting so many passionate and inspirational people in my field of interest (marine biology), and of course having the opportunity to go on an expedition to a part of the world I have never been to before.

What I wish was different

I wish only that I could have been there longer.

Advice

If anyone is interested in pursuing field research in biology (either terrestrial, marine, or both), check out Operation Wallacea (Opwall). My time in Indonesia honestly changed my life, and set me on track - I feel like I’ve finally found the field of research I want to pursue, probably for the rest of my life.

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