Victoria Mkessa is a DPhil student supported by the ILESLA DTP in Environmental Research. Her academic interests center on understanding how socio-ecological systems respond to environmental change and how interdisciplinary approaches can lead to more effective and equitable conservation strategies.

With over three years of hands-on experience in conservation, Victoria has a solid background in applied research, particularly through her work with the Grumeti Fund Trust, a non-profit organisation dedicated to conservation in the western Serengeti, Tanzania. As the former Programs Coordinator for the Research and Innovation for the Serengeti Ecosystem (RISE), she played a vital role in supporting long-term wildlife monitoring, using techniques such as camera trapping and telemetry.

Alongside her research contributions, Victoria has been instrumental in capacity-building initiatives for aspiring early-career conservationists across Tanzania. She has led and facilitated interdisciplinary workshops, training over 50 participants in areas such as data analysis, science communication, conservation technology, and effective field methodologies, often collaborating with local and international NGOs and academic institutions. This work experience inspired her ambition to pursue doctoral studies.

As part of her doctoral training, she is interested in exploring interdisciplinary approaches to conservation challenges at the intersection of climate, ecology, and social systems. She is especially motivated by a commitment to promote evidence-based and data-driven decision-making for conservation interventions. Her ultimate goal is to translate her research into practical, scalable solutions that are grounded in local contexts, informing policy and enhancing conservation outcomes for both biodiversity and local livelihoods.