Leila Scheltema

Experience

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  Movement sports

  Jun 2018 - Sept 2018

  Kitesurf Instructor

  Kite surf instructor, group activities, catering

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  Wildlife Conservation Society

  Oct 2018 - Dec 2018

  Intern

  As an intern at WCS Tanzania, I was actively involved in the Shark and Ray research project, focusing on enhancing the data set related to shark and ray landings in Zanzibar. My responsibilities included refining data collection and processing techniques and correlating our findings with existing literature and previous studies.My daily routine comprised a morning placement at local fish landing and market sites, specifically Malindi and Darajani in Stonetown. During this time, I monitored the landings of various shark and ray species, including honeycomb rays, mobula rays, manta rays, bull sharks, hammerhead sharks, black tip reef sharks, sickle fin weasel shark, white tip reef sharks, and more. This involved tasks such as counting, measuring, collecting DNA samples, assigning ID numbers, and creating photo IDs. Additionally, I engaged in conversations with local fishermen to understand changes in the fishing industry and the observed decline in shark and ray landings.In the afternoons, I transitioned to office work, which included entering fish market data, labeling and storing DNA samples, and enhancing the data set. I also identified shark and ray species, created an identification guide, and delved into past papers. Regular discussions with WCS employees allowed me to share and gain insights.As part of the extra activities, I visited other fish markets on Zanzibar for comparisons and extended our research to Pemba Island. This internship provided me with a comprehensive understanding of shark and ray populations, research methodologies, and the critical intersection of scientific findings with real-world implications. Show less

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  Kiteboarding costa rica

  Mar 2019 - Apr 2019

  Kitesurf Instructor
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  Kiteboardschool.nl

  Jun 2019 - Sept 2019

  Kitesurf Instructor
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  Kitesurfschool KiteMobile

  Jun 2020 - Sept 2022

  Kiteboarding Instructor
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  Bravo Ameland

  Aug 2020 - Sept 2022

  Waitress
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  Stellenbosch University

  Feb 2021 - May 2021

  Intern

  Assisting master and PhD students with their research mainly focused on sharks in Aliwal Shoal, under supervision of Dr Sara Andreotti through Stellenbosch University together with Adventure Ally and African Watersports. Assisted projects: analyzing hierarchy feeding behaviour between tiger, bull and black tip sharks, benthic surveying of Aliwal Shoal and DNA research, mapping community structure oceanic blacktips in Aliwal Shoal.

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  Big Blue Boards

  May 2022 - May 2022

  Kiteboarding Instructor

  Kiteboarding instructor on 'All women - Big Blue Boards Egypt Kitesafari'. I taught beginner kite lessons on the safari boat 'MY CU', chartered by BigDayz and Big Blue Boards which launched from Hurghada, Egypt. The boat brought us from one stunning kite spot to another every few days and this is where 2x a day kite lessons were given.

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  The Manta Trust

  Jul 2022 - now

  In my role as a Media and Communications Assistant, I oversee the management of the Manta Trust's social media platforms and the monthly newsletter. My responsibilities extend to supporting the implementation of the organisation's fundraising strategies, utilising creativity to design and execute engaging and innovative media initiatives.A key aspect of my role involves contributing to the creation and distribution of press releases, media kits, and press engagement strategies. I am dedicated to handling media inquiries promptly and effectively, ensuring a positive and informative interaction. Additionally, I help maintain the Manta Trust website, ensuring that it remains a dynamic and up-to-date resource for our audience.My commitment to excellence in media and communications goes beyond these outlined responsibilities, and I am continuously exploring new ways to enhance the Manta Trust's visibility and impact. I am excited to contribute my skills and passion to the mission of the Manta Trust, playing a crucial role in promoting marine conservation and awareness. Show less I am honoured to have been a selected scholar for The Ocean Giants Programme, a collaborative scholarship opportunity offered by The Manta Trust and the University of Plymouth. My placement for the academic year 2022/2023 involves interning with the Large Marine Vertebrate Research Institute (LAMAVE) in the Philippines.During my placement, I will not only be contributing to research at LAMAVE but also collaborating with fellow scholars to establish and operate our own charity. This unique opportunity allows me to gain invaluable experience in the field while actively participating in OGP.Reflecting on my commitment to marine conservation, I highlight a significant achievement from my second year of undergraduate study. Together with Storm McClements, I organized an online charity auction from April 15 to 22 through the Ocean Giants Programme. The funds raised were instrumental in acquiring an ultrasound scanner for the Large Marine Vertebrate Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE). This technology serves multiple purposes, including detecting injuries and pregnancies in stranded turtles, contributing to their rehabilitation across various locations in the Philippines.Furthermore, the ultrasound scanner plays a crucial role in determining whether Tubbataha Natural Park serves as a nursery ground for grey reef sharks (certified endangered - IUCN Red List) and tiger sharks. In an exciting prospect that requires underwater housing, the scanner may also be employed to test for pregnancies in whale sharks (certified endangered - IUCN Red List), potentially identifying the first-ever breeding ground for these magnificent creatures.To learn more about my passion for marine conservation and dedication to The Ocean Giants Programme, please find my application video for the scholarship in the link provided. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the preservation of ocean giants and furthering our understanding of marine ecosystems. Show less For this internship with the Manta Trust, I work with the different departments of the core team of The Manta Trust. I will be switching between assisting roles including Director of operations, Media and Communications Manager, Finance Manager, Fundraising Manager, Education and Outreach manager and Global database manager. Working together with the members of staff of the Manta Trust central operations team, I will learn from and assist with these roles, switching position approximately every 1-3 weeks. Show less

  • Media and Communications Assistant Manager

    Jan 2023 - now

  • Scholarship Holder

    Apr 2020 - now

  • Intern

    Jul 2022 - Dec 2022
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  Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE)

  Jan 2023 - May 2023

  Intern

  From January to May 2023, I interned with LAMAVE, an NGO dedicated to marine megafauna and habitat conservation in the Philippines. LAMAVE envisions a healthy ocean through research, people investment, and knowledge advancement.**Marine Turtle Nesting Beach Monitoring and Conservation Project:**Conducted beach patrols to locate nesting turtles/nests; observed nesting behaviours when a female was found. Threatened nests relocated for safety, involving measuring dimensions and replicating conditions for successful hatchings. Geotagged predated nests aided genetic analysis. Assisted hatching events, excavated nests post-hatching, and separated, counted, and recorded unhatched eggs. Collected tissue samples for DNA barcoding, population studies, genetics, and anti-poaching efforts.**Donsol Whale Shark Research and Conservation Project:**Surveyed whale shark presence and tourism interactions in Donsol. Data contributes to understanding whale shark presence and movement patterns locally, nationally, and internationally. Objectives include monitoring population structure, dynamics, and habitat use; establishing sustainable tourism practices; and reducing negative impacts on whale sharks, tourism, and the Donsol community.Thank you to the LAMAVE team for hosting me during this internship. As an intern of LAMAVE, I gained hands-on experience in data collection, observation, and monitoring techniques related to turtles and whale sharks. I have gained a better understanding of how to be adaptive when working in the field when facing certain obstacles and learnt to work both in a team and independently. I have also gained an awareness for local and global conservation initiatives during this placement. Show less

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  Big Blue Boards

  May 2023 - now

  Joining the Big Blue Board Kitesafari as an kitesurf instructor for their 2023 trip. Unfortunately we only had wind for 2 days, but luckily the students were enthusiastic and we were able to make the most of it. Additionally, I was able to take on a photography and videography role for the additional activities of the trip.

  • Brand Ambassador

    Aug 2020 - now

  • Kitesurf Instructor

    May 2023 - May 2023