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The Diane Master Gorilla Fund was founded by pioneering female scientist Diane Master and is proud to continue its tradition of supporting women scientists throughout its 56-year history.
We are particularly focused on providing research and career opportunities in science and conservation for young women starting their careers. This includes a wide range of programs from local undergraduate fieldwork to professional internships and research assistantships. Here are some ambitious young women who are well on their way to becoming important scientists of the future.
Research assistants Joyce Uwineza and Annick Mushonganono
Joyce and Annick each spend four days a week in the field with gorillas, collecting data on the gorillas’ behavioral patterns, demographics, and dietary preferences, which they analyze to extract information such as stress physiology and genetics. A fecal sample will also be collected.
Joyce was drawn to science from an early age, and her first interest was in health care, which helps both people and animals. During her studies at the University of Rwanda, she decided to pursue zoology and conservation as her major and began field research with the Dian Fosse Foundation as her mentor. It was here that she became fascinated with the work of Master Diane and decided that she wanted to do similar work in gorilla conservation, leading to her being hired as our research assistant last year.
“My goal as a woman in conservation is to advocate for women in conservation,” she says. “I want to be a role model for other women, showcase what women can achieve through conservation, and encourage women to share their successes and challenges so other generations can learn from them. We try to encourage that.”
Interested in science from an early age, Anik studied mathematics, chemistry, and biology in high school, and majored in zoology and conservation at the University of Rwanda. Currently, as a research assistant, he has a particular interest in studying similarities between gorillas and human behavior.
While studying, Anik also made time to study and practice his public speaking skills so that he could share his knowledge with others. When Annick isn’t at the gorilla site, he educates visitors by giving guided tours of the Ellen DeGeneres campus and explaining how gorilla research and conservation is done. This is very useful as it is useful for
“My hope for the future is to use my passion for public speaking to inspire girls and women to join my work,” says Annick. “I hope that gorillas can thrive in their natural habitat and that my work and voice as a woman in science will contribute to their conservation.”
Professional interns Yvette, Asoputta and Salima
Professional interns at the Diane Master Gorilla Foundation typically have just completed their university studies and are experiencing their first formal work opportunity. We recently welcomed Salima Nyigena, Yvette Kagabirwa and Asoupta Shenge Kabeho who are transitioning from scientific studies to professional life. These women are also supported by a partnership with the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, which supports Rwandan undergraduates in their final year of college to conduct research with the Fossey Foundation, followed by hands-on job training through internships. You will also be given the opportunity to receive it.
Yvette was one of hundreds of university students in Rwanda who did an advanced degree research project with us. Her research studies the skeletons of endangered golden she-monkeys, the only primates that live in Rwanda’s gorilla forests, and focuses on what these bones can tell us, particularly their pathology. I did. Now, as an intern, she will be helping with the Master Fund’s extensive gorilla skeleton collection, an important resource for learning about gorillas.
“As one of the few women in my country doing scientific research, I want to further my education in primate pathology and show other women that they can be scientists and contribute to conservation at the same time. I’m determined to be understood,” says Yvette. “Girls and women know that science is within their reach, and women, like the many women scientists I’ve worked with at the Fosse Foundation, are changing the narrative. I need to connect with you.”
Salima also completed a senior degree project at the Fossey Foundation, studying the diet and feeding behavior of golden monkeys. Currently working on a biodiversity program, she said she has really enjoyed learning how to use all the technical equipment and the software that comes with them, such as her remote camera and acoustic monitoring devices. Masu. “I am delighted to be one of the few women with such sophisticated field research knowledge and skills,” she says.
“I want to emphasize that women have the ability to contribute to gorilla conservation and help continue the scientific research that the Fosse Foundation does. I also want to advocate for policy and improve wildlife conservation. I want to be a voice for gorilla conservation by communicating its importance to different audiences and inviting people to participate in this movement,” says Salima.
Intern Asoumpta also participates in the Biodiversity Program, where she enjoys a variety of tasks from monitoring birds to surveying large mammals and amphibians to measuring plants, as well as visiting Ellen DeGeneres on campus. I am interacting with people.
“My message to girls and women is that they need to believe in their abilities,” she says. “Achieving your goals will also require you to network with people in science and with conservation-minded people. Don’t be shy to ask for help, guidance, and guidance, as it can lead to inspiration and support.” It’s because of your sexuality,” Asoupta says to all the young women who want to become scientists.
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