معرفی
Dr. Michela Balestri is an Associate Lecturer in the School of Law and Social Sciences at Oxford Brookes University, where she also earned her PhD in Primate Conservation in 2018. Her academic work bridges teaching and research in conservation biology, primatology, and environmental education, with fieldwork conducted in Madagascar and Java, Indonesia.
Her educational background includes a BSc and MSc in Conservation Biology and Evolution from the University of Pisa. At Oxford Brookes, she contributes to programs such as Anthropology (BA/BSc), Primate Conservation (MSc), and Primatology and Conservation (MRes), teaching modules on conservation education and primate conservation methods.
Her research focuses on the ecology and behavior of nocturnal primates, especially the southern woolly lemur (Avahi meridionalis) in Madagascar and the Javan slow loris in Indonesia. She investigates human-wildlife interactions, agrochemical impacts on biodiversity, and the role of education in conservation. Her work emphasizes sustainable agroforestry and wildlife-friendly farming practices.
Analysis of her recent publications (2017–2024) reveals a strong interdisciplinary focus on primatology, conservation education, agroecology, and policy. Themes include the effects of habitat fragmentation, pollinator decline due to agrochemicals, conservation technology, and virtual science engagement during the pandemic. Her research often involves collaborative teams and field-based studies in tropical regions.
- Interdisciplinary research in primatology and conservation
- Strong emphasis on education and community engagement
- Field studies in Madagascar and Indonesia
- Contributions to sustainable coffee farming initiatives
- Publications in high-impact journals across ecology, conservation, and education
Dr. Balestri has not received any explicitly mentioned scientific awards. She collaborates extensively on research projects and contributes to public science communication, including virtual science festivals. Her work supports both academic training and real-world conservation outcomes.
She is actively involved in research networks related to primatology and sustainable agroforestry, including the Primatology and Conservation and Wildlife Friendly Coffee projects at Oxford Brookes. These initiatives integrate ecological research with community-based conservation and farmer training programs in Indonesia.
