Aluwani Nengovhela

Research assistant Feb 2014 - Nov 2014

University of Venda

DUTIES OF CHAIR RESEARCH ASSISTANT

1.       Assistance with research and student field trips

a.       Book accommodation and transport

b.       Ensure adequate supplies before-hand (tents, bait, traps, labels, GPS, dataforms, etc)

c.       Assist students with sample and data collection in the field

d.       Ensure careful recording of data in field note books and backup onto spreadsheets

e.       Accompany researchers and postdocs on field expeditions

f.        Assist with organization of field schools and catering for students in the field

g.       Take appropriate samples in field as needed (e.g. soil, plant, GPS readings etc)

2.       Assistance with specimen and sample preparation

a.       Prepare specimens (e.g. small mammals)as museum specimens, appropriately labeled  and stored (e.g. dry skins or in 70% alcohol)

b.       Clean skulls as required

c.       Dissect specimens and obtain tissues for parallel studies (e.g. for parasites, diet, DNA etc)

3.       Order scientific consumables for field and laboratory studies (e.g. traps, petri dishes, ethanol, slides). Ensure good stock-keeping and determine when to order more supplies

4.       Assist the PA with processing orders and claims for research purchases, transport applications, conference bookings, etc

5.       Assist with organization of conferences and workshops (in consultation with the PA) including skills training workshops for postgrads.

a.       Where appropriate, present papers and posters at conferences based on own postgrad studies

6.       Attend and participate in Chair meetings

7.       Career development including attendance of workshops and skills training

Universite Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier 2016 - 2019

Field of study: Biology
Degree: Anthropobiology

3D Cranial Morphometry, Sensory Ecology and Climate Change in African Rodents