Tell us about your background.

I am Eunitah Makokha from Kakamega County, specifically Lugari Constituency. Growing up, I developed a strong passion for wildlife and research, which led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation & Management at the University of Eldoret. After graduation, I had the opportunity to work with the Save the Elephants team from Tsavo, where I gained hands-on experience in monitoring and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts. It focused on elephant crop-raiding incidents and helped gain knowledge on various deterrent methods. I first visited Mpala Research Centre as an intern with the Vulturine Guinea Fowl Project. The project sought to understand Guinea fowl social structure and decision-making across ecological contexts by incorporating state of the art technology and computational techniques with life-time monitoring of individuals.

What projects are you currently working on at Mpala? What are your research goals?

Currently, I’m working with the Oxford Seismic Savanna Project led by Beth Mortimer. With a focus on African Elephants, we collect and analyze camera trap and cideo trap data in combination with ground and air vibration recordings simultaneously. The aim of the project is to understand the vibrations that the African elephant generate. My research goal is to understand wildlife movement and habitat use by using technology and data driven approaches. By studying species distribution and behavior, I aim to contribute to conservation efforts and effectively habitat management.

What is one of your favorite things about working at Mpala?

One of my favorite things about working at Mpala is the immersive field experience and the opportunity to witness wildlife in its natural habitat. Every day brings something new, whether it is an unexpected animal encounter, a stunning sunrise over the savanna, or a breakthrough in research. The dynamic nature of fieldwork, from early morning surveys to deploying equipment in remote areas, make the experience both challenging and rewarding. Beyond the research, Mpala fosters a strong sense of collaboration. Working alongside researchers from different backgrounds and sharing insights in such a unique environment is incredibly inspiring.

What impact do you believe your time at Mpala will have on your professional career?

Beyond technical skills, Mpala has taught me adaptability and problem-solving in dynamic field conditions. Moving forward, this experience will be a strong foundation for future roles in ecological research, conservation technology, and habitat management. The skills and insights I gained at Mpala will not only enhance my research abilities but also help me contribute meaningfully to conservation efforts on a larger scale.

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