2016 kicked off with the good news that TBA alumnus, Dr David Tumusiime, had been appointed Director of Makerere University Biological Field Station in Kibale, the host site for our field courses in Uganda.
David is an Associate Professor of Environment and Natural Resources in the School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS) of Makerere University. He holds a BSc degree in Forestry (from Makerere), an MSc in the Management of Natural Resources from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) in Norway, and a PhD in Environment and Development Studies, also from the NMBU.
He has interdisciplinary training at both master and PhD levels and extensive experience in research on human dimensions of natural resource management. His recent research has been on the costs, benefits and narratives of local people adjacent to Protected Areas in Uganda. He is a member of several national and international committees, a reviewer for a number of international academic journals, and an external examiner at several Universities in both Africa and Europe.
David attended a TBA field course in Kenya in 2004 at the start of his career in conservation, and says:
I will always treasure the time and experiences from the TBA course
“It came just after my undergraduate programme and was great opportunity for me to see the application of a lot of the knowledge I had just acquired. It also strengthened my interest in the field of conservation. Equally important, I was able to create connections with a number of enthusiastic conservationists from across the globe.”
The TBA is delighted at the appointment. Anthony Kuria, Head of the Africa Office said: “We at TBA are very proud that one of our own, a pioneer alumnus, will be heading this wonderful field station. I believe, in your new position, you will be able to not only contribute to teaching on the TBA courses, but also to helping shape future TBA courses for improved quality and smooth planning. We look forward to working with you.”
