Violet Hill Calvert

A month-long abroad field study course where students stay on the Entabeni conservation reserve Instructed by the Honeyguide Rangers and UConn professor Dr. Isaac M. (Morty) Ortega.

• Conducting daily biodiversity monitoring via game drives and foot surveys, maintaining field journals documenting animal behavior, species identification, savanna flora, and ecological transitions.
• Identified and analyzed complex taxonomic relationships between mammals, reptiles, birds, and vegetation within the Southern African savanna biome to evaluate ecosystem health.
• Successfully completing Formal track and sign evaluation exam.
• Successfully completing First Aid in the wilderness training and exam.
• Evaluated the intersection of South African conservation policy, local human rights, and socio-economic factors in natural resource management.
• Demonstrated cross-cultural communication skills in diverse environments.

• Contributed to habitat restoration project supporting local ecosystems.
• Prepared island for breeding season of common terns and roseate terns.
• Installed new nesting boxes to improve habitat conditions.
• Cleared overgrown areas to prepare for nesting box installation.
• Repaired and cleaned existing nesting boxes to maintain optimal conditions.

• Prepared and assigned food for raptors, ensuring their optimal nutrition and health.
• Cleaned and sanitized aviaries, maintaining high hygiene standards for bird welfare.
• Engaged children in interactive lessons to promote wildlife awareness.