Teddy Chief Chikwane

Research & Expertise

As a researcher at Zone Atelier Hwange & a PhD student at NMU, I am pursuing my passion for ecology and nature conservation, applying data science skills to understand and protect wildlife and ecosystems. My current research focuses on the role of large carcass pulses (elephant carcasses) on the ecology of the vertebrate scavenger community, using camera traps, GPS collars, and fecal samples. I have also gained valuable experience as a data scientist at Thumeza, a logistics company that leverages data to optimize delivery routes and reduce costs. There, I helped develop and implement data-driven solutions for various business problems, such as demand forecasting, route optimization, and customer segmentation. I have a strong background in wildlife management and forest resources management, having graduated with a bachelor's degree in both fields from NUST in 2019. I am proficient in GIS, R-Studio, Python, CSS, HTML, and camera trap software, and am working on multiple publications and presentations in ecological journals and conferences.