Staff

SAEON staff

Node Manager: Dr Tony Swemmer

Tony Swemmer Tony took over as Manager of the Node in January 2007, a multi-faceted job which involves a bit of everything - from day-today administration of the Node offices, to writing scientific publications. Tony enjoys the broad scope of the work, which touches on all aspects of environmental change. His background is in plant ecology, particularly the eco-physiology and productivity of grasslands.

His interest in the outdoors and nature conservation led him to study at the University of Cape Town after leaving school, where he was introduced to the fascinating world of ecology.

Tony Swemmer CV

Education Outreach: Joe Sibiya

Joe Sibiya Joe has been working at the node since October 2005 as Environmental Science and Education Outreach Facilitator. He coordinates Environmental Science and Education Outreach programme which targets educators and learners. Programs which he initiated include Teachers Tea Room Forum, Educator Science Workshops where teachers are exposed to scientists' views on local relevant environmental issues, and the Winter Holiday Program for selected science learners.

In addition he has contributed significantly toward improving the quality of Science Awareness Campaigns for which SAEON takes responsibility in the Ba-Phalaborwa municipality.

Data: Nicola Stevens

Nicola Stevens Nikki has been working at the node since August 2006. She is the data manager and is responsible for collecting, cleaning and archiving datasets that are collected by the node. She is also involved in some fo the monitoring projects run by the node.

Nikki completed her undergraduate training and honours at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2001. There after she travelled around the country working for various research projects. In 2003 she started her masters with the Community and Conservation Ecology Group at the University of Groningen.

Nikki Stevens CV

Contract Staff

Researcher: Robert Buitenwerf

Robert Buitenwerf Robert is has been volunteering at SAEON since July 2007 and is currently working on two separate research projects for the Nlovu Node: Long-term Changes in the Herbaceous Layer in Lowveld Nature Reserves and Investigating methods for the moniotirng of basal cover.

Robert has completed both his BSc and MSc degrees in ecology at the University of Groningen, The Netherlands. During his MSc he worked in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in South Africa for 5 months and after finishing his degree in February 2007, he decided to come back to South Africa.

Robert Buitenwerf CV