MetOcean Selects Three Winners of the 40th Anniversary Travel Grant
MetOcean Telematics is pleased to announce the winners of its 40th Anniversary Travel Grant: Ajay Karki, Grace Soechting, and Oluwasegun Oke. The recipients were selected for their innovative research and dedication to advancing the field of wildlife tracking and conservation.
The MetOcean 40th Anniversary Travel Grant was created to support the next generation of wildlife researchers by subsidizing the cost of their travel to attend The Wildlife Society’s (TWS) 31st Annual Conference in Baltimore, MD. Each $500 grant helps students present their findings, expand their network, and have the opportunity to engage with the broader scientific community. This initiative is part of MetOcean’s ongoing commitment to supporting wildlife research that protects the Earth’s biodiversity and ecosystems.
Meet the recipients:
Ajay Karki
Ajay Karki, a PhD student at the University of Wyoming, is conducting groundbreaking research on the interactions between Royal Bengal Tigers and Common Leopards in Nepal. With a background in forestry and years of experience working with the Nepalese government on wildlife conservation, Ajay has dedicated his career to addressing human-wildlife conflicts and policy development. Currently tracking tigers and leopards using satellite collars, his work aims to understand how these species interact in human-dominated landscapes. Ajay is also exploring the impact of climate change on tiger habitats, offering insights that could shape future conservation strategies. His dedication to wildlife protection and conservation policy makes him a deserving recipient of MetOcean’s 40th Anniversary travel grant.
Grace Soechting
Grace Soechting, a passionate wildlife researcher and graduate student at Tarleton State University, is using camera trap data to study the distribution and habitat use of bushbuck and common duiker in Senegal’s Niokolo Koba National Park. Her work is crucial in understanding the behavior of these underrepresented species in African ecosystems. Grace has also expanded her research to giraffe behavior at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and is actively involved in leadership roles, including founding a working group for Disabilities, Neurodivergence, and Allyship at The Wildlife Society. As a recipient of the MetOcean 40th Anniversary travel grant, she is excited to present her research and connect with experts at the Wildlife Society Annual Conference.
Oluwasegun Oke
Oluwasegun Oke is a committed environmental science researcher focused on the impact of marine pollution on aquatic ecosystems. His work examines the effects of pollutants like plastic waste, chemical contaminants, and oil spills on marine life, with the goal of providing actionable insights for conservation and policy. The MetOcean 40th Anniversary Travel Grant would allow Oluwasegun to present his findings at The Wildlife Society Annual Conference, engage with experts, and explore advanced tracking technologies to enhance his research. This opportunity will support his efforts to preserve marine ecosystems and promote sustainable practices.
MetOcean congratulates all the winners on the well-deserved grant and looks forward to their contributions to wildlife research and conservation efforts.