Jasmin Willis

Author

Jasmin Willis | DPhil Student

After graduating from the University of York with a first class degree in Environmental Geography, I worked in sales and marketing based roles within the environment/sustainability industry. However, after several years, I decided to pursue what I was really passionate about – conservation, specifically the interactions between humans and the environment. I returned to university and completed a Masters in Environmental Economics and Environmental Management.

After graduating with a Distinction, I worked in Sri Lanka for a local NGO that focused on human-elephant conflict mitigation and Asian elephant ecology. I primarily assisted alternative livelihood projects and community-based conservation measures; however, I also supported the lead ecologist with a research project assessing the impact of human activity on elephant behaviour in the area.

I returned to the UK to work as the Research Intern for the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group, based in London. During this role, I edited the IUCN Red List Assessments for pangolins, supplementing content with recent research and ensuring adherence to IUCN standards, and I drafted a document advising first responders on caring for live pangolins confiscated from illegal trade using relevant literature and coordinated input from over 70 stakeholders in pangolin rescue and rehabilitation.

During both positions, my interest in illegal wildlife trade and community-based conservation grew, and I was determined to pursue these research interests. Since finishing my internship, I have worked as a research consultant, working on projects related to wildmeat trade in Central Africa, and the impact of hunting on terrestrial migratory species in Europe.