Kathryn Jeffery

Kathryn Jeffery is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Stirling. She has been affiliated with the university since 2006, though she spent significant time based full-time in Gabon between 2004 and 2017.

Her educational background includes a PhD from Cardiff University (2003) focusing on the socio-genetics of gorilla communities in Lopé National Park, Gabon. Prior to her doctoral studies, she worked for the Forensic Science Service in London, which influenced her forensic approach to wildlife genetics research.

Dr. Jeffery's research interests center on applied conservation science with practical real-world applications. Her work spans vegetation dynamics at savannah-forest transition zones, climate change impacts on forest productivity, fire management practices, and ivory traceability. She is particularly passionate about strengthening the science-policy interface and integrating social factors into conservation programs, emphasizing good research governance and practical applications for environmental management.

Throughout her career, Dr. Jeffery has held significant leadership positions including directing the Wildlife Conservation Society's training centre (CEDAMM) and the SEGC research station in Lopé National Park. From 2010-2017, she served as Scientific Advisor for the National Parks Agency in Gabon (ANPN), where she built the agency's scientific division and provided technical support for government conservation policies.

Currently based in Montpellier, France, she maintains her academic position at the University of Stirling while continuing her research in tropical ecology and conservation. Her career demonstrates a strong commitment to bridging academic research with practical conservation management, with extensive field experience in Central Africa complementing her academic expertise.