For the minor research project of my masters program: Environmental Biology – Behavioural Ecology, I studied Cape ground squirrels, inhabitants of the semi-arid inlands of South Africa. I studied the influence of individuals personalities on male reproductive strategies. I used various techniques to measure personality and reproductive tactic, such as behavioural observation, experimental setups, squirrel trapping and handling, blood collection and hormone analysis. On top of these practical skills, I got to design and excecute my own research project, while taking charge (with another graduate student) of the day-to-day of the field site and supervising 3 undergraduate students.

Through this project, I learned a lot about functioning in a team in a field work environment. The social dynamics of living together in a research house can be challenging and to me it is important the whole team feels safe and is productive. In addition, I learned to integrate into the local community (South African rangers/park managers/small town folk) and efficiently use the research funds available.

To learn more about the work that comes out of Dr. Waterman’s research lab, you can visit the lab website here!