Course Leaders
Gain a BTEC in Biological Survey Techniques in Kenya

Graham Corti - Country Director - Kenya

Graham first joined GVI in November 2005 as Expedition Manager in Kenya, and has to date over 6 years experience working in East Africa, with 23 expeditions under his belt. He obtained his degree in Zoology at the University of Southampton, undertaking his thesis in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, with research on the behavioural ecology of a feral cat population. After graduation he followed his one real passion and came to Africa, volunteering on a conservation research expedition in central Tanzania before taking a staff position. In addition to Kiswahili language, his time in Tanzania provided him with a broad range of research experience in forest, savanna and wetland habitats. In addition to initiating the first long term research on Africa’s most conservation critical population of the puku antelope he was involved in research projects as diverse as butterfly, amphibian and small mammal biodiversity, bat netting, wetland bird surveys, large mammal tracking, boat-based crocodile surveys and fisheries monitoring. He also delivered training and assessment for BTEC qualifications, co-authored 6 scientific publications and trekked to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Since then he has added two years management experience from the business sector. In Kenya Graham has gained diverse knowledge and experience in environmental awareness, alternative livelihoods and sustainable development with both coastal and in land communities. He is a qualified Emergency First Response Instructor, RYA level 2 power boat handling certified, PADI open water certified as well as having completed basic freefall parachute training.

Shafii Vuyaa - Boat Captain and Assistant Marine Officer

Shafii was born and raised in Mkwiro village, Wasini island, where GVI Kenya has its expedition base. Not surprisingly his wealth of knowledge and experience regarding the local marine environment and the community we serve have proven invaluable. Shafii first earned his livelihood from the Indian Ocean as a fisherman. He went on to attain his boat driving qualification with his coxswain’s licence, and moved in to tourism, captaining dolphin watching safaris in and around the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Protected Area. He joined GVI on its arrival in Kenya as boat captain in January 2006, and has since embarked on training in cetaceans and research protocol, becoming a valuable member of the staff team, and assisting in the training of expedition members. He has also developed a passion for the terrestrial environment having joined us during our census of the colobus populations and is keen to take more time off the boat and develop his knowledge of coastal forest research. Shafii lives in Mkwiro with his wife and two young daughters.

Emma Hankinson - Terrestrial Science Officer

Emma first joined GVI in Kenya as an Expedition Member in January 2007, becoming an intern the following expedition. She was then taken on as the Marine Science Officer, before assuming the role of Terrestrial Research Officer, overseeing the coastal forest research programme, where her previous experience has enabled the programme to develop and diversify. Coming from England, Emma obtained her degree in Zoology from Liverpool John Moore’s University before taking her masters at Manchester Metropolitan University in Animal Behaviour. Her master’s research project first brought her to Kenya in 2004 undertaking research on grooming behaviour in chimpanzees at Sweetwaters Game Reserve. Since graduating, Emma has worked as an Ecologist with a UK based consultancy working towards her Crested Newt and Bat licenses as well as becoming a qualified tree climber. She has worked on otter surveys as well as reintroduction programmes for both water voles and beavers. Emma has also spent a year travelling and working around Australia, is a PADI qualified scuba diver, holds the RYA level 2 boat handling qualification as well being an associate member of the Institute of Ecological and Environmental Management and a member of the Primate Society of Great Britain.