Five Bahamas National Trust (BNT) BNT staff members recently left to pursue further their environmental studies universities overseas. The five aspiring students are Alannah Vellacott, Shelley Cant, Lindy Knowles, Mark Daniels, and Krista Sherman. Pictured left to right are Alannah Vellacott, Shelley Cant and Lindy Knowles. (Not pictured are Mark Daniels and Krista Sherman.) (Photo courtesy of BNT for Barefoot Marketing)
(Above LEFT) – Levy Preserve Manager Off to Pursue Masters Degree: Mark Daniels was the Leon Levy National Park Preserve Manager since it opened in 2011. Mark’s enthusiasm for nature has lead him to now pursue is Master’s Degree in Botany at Miami University in Ohio. Pictured is Mark Daniels working in the field. (Photo courtesy of BNT for Barefoot Marketing)
(Above RIGHT) Krista Sherman Will Continue to Study the Nassau Grouper While Earning Her Doctorate: The team will also bid farewell to Krista Sherman who came to the BNT as a project manager of a Global Environment Facility (GEF) Marine Protected Areas project. She successfully coordinated and completed monitoring protocols for the Exuma Land and Sea Park, and a Sustainable Tourism Model for the Exuma Cays. Krista will be pursuing her Doctorate at Exeter University focusing on the Nassau Grouper Spawning Aggregation and Population Abundance. The Trust is hoping Krista’s studies will be a helpful key to advancing conservation efforts to establish best management practices for the grouper, and sustaining this species. (Photo courtesy of BNT for Barefoot Marketing)
Nassau, Bahamas – Five Bahamas National Trust (BNT) BNT staff members recently left to pursue further their environmental studies universities overseas. The five aspiring students are Alannah Vellacott, Shelley Cant, Lindy Knowles, Mark Daniels, and Krista Sherman.
“These young environmental officers have displayed amazing dedication to the goals and mission of the BNT,” said Lynn Gape, BNT Deputy Executive Director. “It has been a joy to watch them grow and mature over the past several years as they have developed their skills and interests.”
Well-known BNT staff member, Shelley Cant, worked in the Education Department as well as managing the website for the Trust. She also was the lead officer in the BNT’s Rare Pride Campaign for wetlands and the Shark Campaign, which resulted in The Bahamas receiving status as a shark sanctuary, the first in the Caribbean. Shelly is headed to the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus in the United Kingdom, where she will be working towards a Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies.
Also leaving to seek additional environmental studies work is young Alannah Vellacott, who also worked tirelessly in the Education Department. She returns to South Dakota State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science.
“We will miss both Shelley and Alannah,” said Portia Sweeting, BNT’s Director of Education. “They have contributed in major ways to the BNT’s strong environmental education programmes and we know that they will do well in the pursuit of their educational goals.”
Mark Daniels was the Leon Levy National Park Preserve Manager since it opened in 2011. Mark’s enthusiasm for nature has lead him to now pursue is Master’s Degree in Botany at Miami University in Ohio.
Lindy Knowles, Science Officer, joined the BNT as a Science Officer in 2009. Lindy has become a skilled diver participating in a number of Rapid Ecological Assessments for new national parks as well as leading several mangrove restoration projects. Lindy plans to return to the BNT after he completes his Master’s Degree in environmental science at the University of the West Indies in Barbados.
Lastly, the team will bid farewell to Krista Sherman who came to the BNT as a project manager of a Global Environment Facility (GEF) Marine Protected Areas project. She successfully coordinated and completed monitoring protocols for the Exuma Land and Sea Park, and a Sustainable Tourism Model for the Exuma Cays. Krista will be pursuing her Doctorate at Exeter University focusing on the Nassau Grouper Spawning Aggregation and Population Abundance. The Trust is hoping Krista’s studies will be a helpful key to advancing conservation efforts to establish best management practices for the grouper, and sustaining this species.
“It is amazing to watch these aspiring young Bahamian scientists progress through initial curious interest, then engaging with local and international scientists, and now finally aspiring to further their environmental careers to help address some of the important environmental challenges that face our country,” said Vanessa Haley-Benjamin, BNT’s Director of Science and Policy.
While the BNT will miss these young environmental officers, they are proud to have been a part of their journey as stewards of the Bahamian environment. “We encourage our staff to improve themselves and to pursue higher educational degrees,” said Eric Carey, Executive Director of the BNT. “This is all part of nation building, whether they return to work for the BNT or pursue other opportunities in the environment arena, they will continue to be friends and supporters of the Trust. We wish them all the best and our only regret is that we have not been able to provide more financial support for their educational goals.”
Learn more about the Bahamas National Trust and the environment they protect by visiting the BNT website or social media pages.
Well-known BNT staff member, Shelley Cant, worked in the Education Department as well as managing the website for the Trust. She also was the lead officer in the BNT’s Rare Pride Campaign for wetlands and the Shark Campaign, which resulted in The Bahamas receiving status as a shark sanctuary, the first in the Caribbean. Shelly is headed to the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus in the United Kingdom, where she will be working towards a Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies. (Photo courtesy of BNT for Barefoot Marketing)
