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Leida is a passionate, innovative conservationist. She is currently studying for a PhD at the University of Otago looking at “Using Environmental Education to Prevent Further Amphibian Declines” supervised by Professor Phil Bishop. She completed a Master of Science (MSc) degree by research at the University of Kent (UK), under supervision of Professor Richard Griffiths, on Biodiversity Management in 2009. She has a first class Bachelor of Sciences degree from the Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. She has taught high-school science (Biology, Physics and Chemistry) since 1994 (in Brazil and in the UK). She has recently worked with the Kiwi Conservation Club on Environmental Education Program with an amphibian focus.

Publications:
- Griffiths, R. A., M.M., Dos Santos. 2012. Trends in conservation biology: Progress or procrastination in a new millennium? Biological Conservation 153: 153 - 158.
- Dos Santos, M.M., R. A., Griffiths. 2008. Directions in Herpetological Conservation and Natural History. 6th World Congress of Herpetology, Manaus – Brazil. Abstract available: http://worldcongressofherpetology.org/
- Oliveira, C. A , R. M, Silva, M.M, Dos Santos, G. A. B, Mahecha. 2004. Location of the Uretheral Openings in the Cloacas of Tinamous,some Ratite Birds, and Crocodilians: A Primitive Character. Journal of Morphology 260(2): 234-246.
- Dos Santos, M.M,. C. A, Oliveira, G. A. B., Mahecha.1998. Variation of the entry of urecters in to the cloaca of birds: A primitive character or a reproductive strategy? The XXII Brazilian Zoology Congress, Recife, Pernambuco. Brazilian Zoological Society 1144-291.
Presentations and Conferences attended
- DICE (Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology), University of Kent, Annual Lecture. 2002 -2014
- The British Herpetological Society Annual meeting. 2006- ongoing
- 6th World Congress of Herpetology, Manaus – Brazil. 2008

- XXII Brazilian Zoology Congress, Recife, Pernambuco. Brazilian Zoological Society. 1998
Additional experience
- Coordinator of “Green Day”: (event focus on sustainability – Science across curriculum on activities week), St Anselms’ R. C. Catholic School, July 2013 and Astor College for The Arts once a Year, from 2005-2012.
- Officer in Command of CCF/ RAF (Combined Cadet Force/ Royal Air Force), rank Flight Lieutenant, Astor College CCF (Combined Cade Force) – 2003-2012.
- Teacher of Health and Social Care KS5- Astor College For the Arts.
NQT Mentoring
- Numeracy co-ordinator for the science department; Astor College For The Arts
Affiliations
- Member of KRAG (Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group) 2002- Ongoing
- Position: (Volunteer) Organising surveys, workshops and any other support necessary
- SEA (Satellite and Educators Association), August 2007- Feb 2012
- Worked in Partnership with: NASA, NOAA, M.Y. S.P.A.C.E. http://www.sated.org/index.html
- Associate Editor for HERPETOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2002-2009
- Member of NAE ( Nucleus of Speleological Activities) July 1994 – 1999
- Position: Volunteer Role: Speleology: mapping, educational talks, and surveying native caves studying its Biodiversity in Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Dec 95 - Jan 1996 Abrolhos National Marine Park, Abrolhos Island, Caravelas Bahia (Internship). Role: Environmental Educator/metapopulation of migrating birds
Awards
HM Queen Jubilee medal 2012, for time of service as a Royal Air Force Volunteer
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