UCL MSc student Kendra Edwards on her MSc Research Project with the Sumner Lab

I am interested in unravelling the complexities of behavioural ecology, and have a passion for exploring ecosystem restoration, rewilding, and the intricate dynamics of biodiversity patterns. I am fascinated by the interplay between species and their environment, especially in response to the profound challenges posed by climate change and anthropogenic impacts. My research curiosity is equally captivated by the spatial and temporal patterns of biodiversity and the underlying factors shaping them. Throughout this master’s my interests are being shaped and constantly evolving.

For my MSc project, under the supervision of Prof Seirian Sumner, I am researching the patterns and dynamics of global species diversity in social wasp. I am using a Species Distribution Modelling approach to assess the relative wasp diversity in countries across the globe, while also exploring the bias in existing occurrence data collection, identifying potential hotspots where species may occur but not yet be recorded.

Previously, my undergraduate thesis ‘Investigating the influence of a naturalistic feeding regime on the behaviour of Captive-bred Cheetahs (Acinonyx Jubatus) being considered for reintroduction’ involved conducting individual research at a cheetah research centre in the western Cape province of South Africa.