Skip to main content

Dr Nasreen Peer

I obtained a BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and then a PhD in Zoology from Nelson Mandela University. My research was focussed on invertebrate diversity and ecology (mostly crabs) in freshwater, estuarine and mangrove habitats. During my postdoc, I spent a year in Mozambique where I realised that our ideas of conservation completely excluded indigenous communities, many of which are great sources of traditional ecological knowledge and rely on the adjacent marine habitats for survival. My research is now focussed on understanding how we can merge scientific and traditional knowledge to have a better understanding of marine systems and how we can use science as a tool to address community-driven concerns. Currently I am a lecturer at Stellenbosch University and I've co-founded Argonaut Science (Pty) Ltd, a small business based on the idea that science and exploration belong to everyone. Aside from work, I enjoy spending my free time around the ocean either surfing or freediving. With the business, we spend a lot of time attending beach clean ups and marine science outreach initiatives. My hope is to see the marine science and conservation fields in South Africa diversify exponentially over the next generation.
                                                   
Dr Nasreen Peer
                                     
 Dr Peer, Lecturer and Co founder of Argonaut Science



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Zaid Railoun

Zaid Railoun holds an MSc (Cum Laude) in Conservation Ecology from the University of Stellenbosch and a Honours in Environmental Science from the University of the Western Cape. His research focused on nutrient cycling and resorption efficiencies of invasive Acacia (Black Wattle) and co-occurring fynbos plants in riparian areas and the subsequent impacts on macroinvertebrate diversity and abundance. This research was done on a greater Water Research Commision project with his good friend (Kenwin Wiener, seen in the picture).  Zaid has previously worked at Stellenbosch University as a Scientific researcher in the Faculty of Natural Science by writing future proposals for the Department of Animal Science. He's current role is one of a "Research and Development Scientist" at Investment Fund Africa, where he writes and assists in project packaging as well as giving insight into business plans from a Scientific point of view.  Zaid, enjoys ideation and sees himself as a vision

Megan Simons

Megan Simons holds a MSc (Cum Laude) in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology from the University of the Western Cape. Her research focused on understanding the ecosystem functioning, fire and plant ecology within climatically sensitive with high biodiversity arid and semi-arid Mountain Renosterveld shrublands. She has as previously worked for SANParks as the West Coast National Park Buffer Zone Coordinator under the UNDP/GEF 5 project entitled "Improving Management Effectiveness of the Protected Areas Network"  project which focused expanding the Protected Areas Network and land-use planning to ensure ecological sustainability within the buffer zone. Thus, she was responsible for the consultation and declaration process of a Protected Environment, south of the national park. She recently started working for CapeNature as the Land Use Scientist in which she will provide scientific input on development applications, engage with relevant policy and planning, and identify applic

Lindsay Lewis

My name is Lindsay Lewis from Wellington in the Western Cape, I am currently in my final year for an Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation at UNISA studying the fire regime of Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve. I am a born nature lover and always wanted to live and learn in nature, I have been privileged to work as Conservation Services officer at Vrolijkheid Nature reserve, Section Ranger at Agulhas National Park and Marine Ranger at De Hoop Nature Reserve at. This helped me to gain diverse knowledge about theWestern Cape’s unique and magnificent biodiversity.  I currently work as a nature conservationist at Drakenstein Municipality focusing on management the Nature Reserve’s and natural landscapes. By enhancing the biodiversity value through projects like fire management and alien vegetation clearing projects. The Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve is my home and here I engage with local communities’ public schools, volunteers and environmental groups. Environmental education is key to ensu