Lisa Dabek, PH.D.
Program Director and Senior Conservation Scientist, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
Originally from New York City, Lisa started studying Matschie’s tree kangaroos in 1987 as part of her graduate studies at the University of Washington. She originally studied the behavioral development, mother-young interactions, and then reproductive biology and behavior of female captive tree kangaroos at Woodland Park Zoo and the Smithsonian Institution National Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center. Two key people at these institutions that introduced her to the world of tree kangaroos were Judie Steenberg and Larry Collins.
Lisa brought the zoo-based knowledge of Matschie’s tree kangaroos to Papua New Guinea where no previous work had been done on this endangered species. She started the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program in 1996 in collaboration with the people of YUS and is considered a leading expert on tree kangaroos.
Zachary Wells
Program Manager, Cairns, Australia/Lae, Papua New Guinea
Originally from West Virginia, Zachary came to TKCP in 2009 after completing a Masters Degree in International Environmental Policy at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in California. Before joining TKCP, Zachary worked in marine environmental education, consulted on management of invasive species in California, led professional training for environmental leadership, and spent two years as an Environment Extension Agent with the U.S. Peace Corps in Zambia.
Ashley Brooks, PH. D.
YUS Landscape and Management Planner, Cairns, Australia/Lae, Papua New Guinea
Originally from Darwin, Australia, Ashley joined TKCP in 2011 after working with Conservation International on a Pacific regional climate change adaptation study. Prior to this most recent work, Ashley worked extensively in Vietnam with the World Conservation Union in building management and institutional capacity for national park management and the Ha Long Bay World Heritage Site. Ashley has also worked in the evaluation of protected area management effectiveness in both Vietnam and Cambodia, and his work in this field culminated in his Ph.D research on constraints and enabling factors for conservation success.
Mikal Nolan
Community Based Organization Manager, Lae/YUS LLG, Papua New Guinea
Mikal joined the TKCP team in 2011. A native of Ohio, Mikal completed a transdisciplinary Master's degree in International Rural Development from the University of Reading, in the United Kingdom. With a desire to make an impact at the grassroots level, Mikal has spent several years working with community organizations in Indonesia and Zambia as a volunteer with CUSO-VSO. She brings professional experience in capacity building, livelihood and organizational development.
Courtney Harris
US Program Coordinator, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, Washington
Courtney joined TKCP in early 2012 as the TKCP Program Coordinator, bringing with her a background focused on wildlife conservation. After receiving a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Ecology with a study abroad trip to Nepal focusing on protected area sustainability, Courtney has worked with California Condor reintroductions, marine conservation education, and public involvement in environmental issues.
Karau Kuna, Jr.
Mapping and Conservation & GIS Coordinator, Lae, Papua New Guinea
Kuna is from the Manus & Eastern Highlands Provinces of Papua New Guinea. Kuna joined TKCP in 2004, with a Honors Degree in GIS & Remote sensing from the University of Papua New Guinea.
Benjamin Sipa
Community Development Coordinator, Lae, Papua New Guinea
Benjamin is from Simbu, PNG, and moved to Lae to join TKCP in 2010, working as a lead person in implementing community livelihood activities. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts, with a focus on Social Sciences at University of Papua New Guinea, Waigani Campus. Benjamin has worked previously with the Bismarck Ramu Group (NGO) on community based conservation and community empowerment in the Madang Province of PNG, as well as with the Community Development Agency in Simbu, PNG to coordinate and implement community development and livelihood activities.
Ruby Yamuna
PNG Program Coordinator, Lae, Papua New Guinea
Originally from the Southern Highlands Province of PNG, Ruby Yamuna joined the TKCP team in Lae as the PNG Program Coordinator in 2008. Ruby is a graduate of the University of PNG in Port Moresby where she received a Bachelor's degree in environmental science and physical geography. Ruby also has a Post Graduate Diploma in Biology. Before joining TKCP, Ruby worked as the Protected Areas Coordinator for the World Wildlife Fund in PNG, gaining experience in protected areas management and the integration of social science perspectives into conservation work.
Danny Samandingke
Education Coordinator, Teptep village, YUS LLG, Papua New Guinea
Danny, originally from Morobe and Madang Provinces, began working for TKCP in 2011. He has a degree from the Balob Teacher's College in Lae and a Bachelor's degree in Primary Science from the University of Goroka, PNG. Danny previously worked as a primary teacher for the PNG Department of Education and is currently the lead for TKCP's Environmental Education and Outreach activities.
Tingke Dope
Community Based Organization Coordinator, Tapmange village, YUS LLG, Papua New Guinea
Tingke Dope, from Kumbul village in YUS, graduated from Madang Teachers College in 2006 and taught in YUS primary schools for four years. As a representative of his local ward area in YUS, he was appointed to the Conservation Committee of the YUS Conservation Organization (YUS CO), which is the Community Based Organization for the YUS CA. Tingke was hired as TKCP's YUS CO Coordinator in 2011.
Steven Fononge
Conservation Officer, Som Zone, YUS LLG, Papua New Guinea
Dono Ogate
Conservation Officer, Uruwa Zone, YUS LLG, Papua New Guinea;
Namo Yaoro
Yopno Zone Conservation Officer, YUS LLG, Papua New Guinea
Victor Eki
Mapping Assistant, Towet village, YUS LLG, Papua New Guinea
Victor is from Towet village, Ward 1 of the YUS LLG in PNG. He officially joined TKCP to work as the Mapping Officer for the Uruwa region in April 2009. Victor has vast experience gained through years of assistance in research and conservation work in his area.
Matthew Tombe
Mapping Assistant, Isan village, YUS LLG, Papua New Guinea
Matthew is from Isan village, Ward 8 of the YUS LLG in PNG. He officially joined TKCP to work as the Mapping Officer for the Yopno region in April 2009. Matthew completed his high school education and also has vast experience gained through years of assistance in research and conservation work in his area.