Our Speakers 2024
Click on the speaker and their talk title or scroll down to have a look at our curated line-up!
Established in 2008, Aquatect has been providing high-quality aquaria, filtration systems, and maintenance services for over 15 years. Their extensive portfolio includes clients from various sectors, including zoos, public aquaria, wildlife rescue centres, agricultural colleges, homes, and offices.
The team at Aquatect is made up of experts from diverse backgrounds, such as master scuba divers, zoo keepers, joiners, construction professionals, aquarium curators, fish breeders, tank builders, naval engineers, college lecturers, and conservationists. Our team members have held positions as Aquarist at Zoo's and public aquaria.
Sean McIntyre - Sustainable creations, Stretch and Challenge
Do you want to build a zoo quality, showstopper enclosure for £200? Have a chat with Sean!
Sean is a Lecturer/course manager at Reaseheath College delivering Animal Care with over 10 years experience teaching a variety of levels from KS4 to HE learners.
He is passionate about utilising experiential learning opportunities in his teaching - for example, sustainable and cost effective builds to promote interpersonal and hard skills in his students to get them ready for industry and support them to be themselves.
Jack Anderson - Teaching, Learning, Assessment, Employability
Jack has over 17 years' experience working in the further education sector in both a specialist land-based college as well as 2 general further FE colleges. This experience started with being a technician, progressing to a lecturer and department head.
Currently, Jack is Head of Animal and Land Management at Leeds City College - part of the Luminate Education Group. Further to his role as Department Head, Jack works as a moderator for City & Guilds and is working towards a Level 5 Leadership Qualification.
One of Jack's key interests is wildlife. Having initially volunteered and worked in Botswana 18 years ago, this sparked his interest in wildlife conservation and ecology. Since his first trip to Botswana, he has arranged 4 student trips to the country with another going in July 2024. Other interests include working with avian species, having previously been a bird keeper and qualifying as a falconer. Jack also has an interest in horses previously having taken part in competitions.
Ian Taylor - Educational visits in the animal management sector
Before Flooglebinder was born, Ian had been a Lecturer, Marine Biologist, Field Guide, Biodiversity Consultant and Terrestrial Conservationist! Oh, and we should mention tracking! His greatest passion.... he loves to track!
Ian's journey in academia and hands-on conservation paved the way for establishing 'Flooglebinder', a student travel company that would take school and college students worldwide on life-changing trips focused on conservation and sustainability.
Flooglebinder was born in 2012 and over a decade later became the first and highest-scoring Bcorp within the academic space, the first to include students in eDNA analysis and the first to integrate animal management curriculum into a practical setting. The mental well-being and personal development of our students is central to the planning of our learning adventures, ultimately we try to create memorable experiences that inspire sustainable change and this normally involves swapping screens and jeeps for a bit more nature immersion!
We are all too familiar with the Travel industry's poor reputation when it comes to environmental sustainability or social impact - stories about the industry’s contributions to global emissions, pollution, and habitat loss are all too familiar.
This has to change! Flooglebinder wants people to have life-changing travel experiences while leaving the places they visit in a better state than when they arrived. And that starts with a shift in mindset that lasts far beyond the trip itself. Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, our diverse educational study tours give students of all ages a deep understanding of conservation.
What can you expect from a Flooglebinder trip? It’s very hands-on! Our travellers learn by actively helping protect threatened habitats, vulnerable species, and diminishing cultures — whether on an elephant conservation site in Sri Lanka, a coral restoration spot in Thailand, or a reforestation project in the Amazon.
Rob has over 16 Years of experience in a Further education setting teaching Animal Management at two land-based colleges, including the role of Curriculum Area Manager and the wider college Turing Scheme Manager, whilst teaching Rob has travelled on numerous National and International student projects both fully funded and paid for through the Turing scheme and self-funded by the students themselves.
Currently working at GAP Africa Projects, Rob has worked most recently on developing a number of new programmes using his own experiences within the FE sector and as the Turing Scheme Manager to ensure objectives set are achieved and that these projects are purposeful and meaningful. GAP Africa Projects is a specialist travel provider with full ATOL bonding, providing academic trip and volunteering opportunities for groups and individuals.
GAP Africa as a company pride themselves in having a personal approach when it comes to their students and volunteers, they ensure trips are tailored to each group and their curriculum whilst the cost students and volunteers pay is all inclusive of flights, transfers, accommodation, and the full project. Therefore, the work of planning the overall trip and pre departure upkeep is taken care of leaving the lecturers to do their day job.
GAP Africa Project also specialises in International Turing Scheme Projects. Examples of these successful projects have been Agriculture in Costa Rica, Animal Management and Childcare in South Africa and Equine in Texas. GAP Africa believe all students where possible should be provided an opportunity to be involved in an International experience to help them to be curious about their future and by colleges engaging in the Turing Scheme and knowing how they can make best use of the funding more students will have these opportunities.
Anne Rogers - T-Level Update + Q&A
The Animal Care & Management T-Level Specification is out so what a great time to have an Update from Anne Rogers at City & Guilds!
Thomas Kells - Teaching Aquatics
"I just don't know how to teach the fish module!" No worries, Tom is on the case!
Tom has been working in the FE sector since 2016 and held various roles such as technician, practical instructor and lecturer. His passion with aquatics species started at university where he went on to volunteer for Northern Cyprus Marine Turtle Project for 2 summers where he would observe and monitor nesting Green and Loggerhead sea turtles.
Following this, Tom worked in fish behavioural research looking after guppies primarily focusing on husbandry but helping to conduct behavioural research.
"I am very passionate about teaching and changing the views of students especially when they say 'fish are boring!'"
Dom Burke - Dogs Trust "Dog Welfare in Animal Management Education"
"I need more dog content from ANMANCON" - Not a problem, Meet Dom!
Dom is now a Canine Behaviour Officer at Dogs Trust, working on their Dog Friendly Workplaces project, helping businesses to make their work environments more dog friendly, as well as informing policies and creating and delivering training content for their staff. In his role at Dogs Trust, Dom is also working on projects focusing on dogs in education environments, including dogs in animal-related study environments.
Dom has years of experience working both in FE and HE animal collections with a range of species, as well as in the field of companion animal behaviour. Before joining Dogs Trust, Dom worked as a behaviour officer at a cat welfare charity. He also holds a BSc in Animal Behaviour & Welfare, and recently completed his MSc in Animal Welfare, Behaviour, Ethics & Law and the University of Winchester.
You may also have seen Dom speak at the UKACT conference 2023!
Matthew Shackleton - "For enricher or poorer - do we clinically reason our enrichment"
Do you teach Small Animal Rehabilitation Modules? Shackleton Veterinary Physio Is the team to talk to!
Matthew Shackleton is an exotics specialist Veterinary physiotherapist, and part-time lecturer at the University of Nottingham – School of Veterinary medicine.
He has a background in zookeeping and teaching zoo and behavioural sciences at Degree level, and has completed research into gait and lameness of Komodo dragons with the help of professionals from Nottingham, RVC, ZSL, Chester, Paignton Zoo, Crocs of the world, Birmingham wildlife and conservation park, and has subsequently consulted on the gait assessment and treatment of dragon within the UK and abroad.
As well as treating a variety of domestic animals and zoo species at major collections throughout the UK, he also delivered BIAZA accredited workshops on Lameness, enrichment and treatment for zoo and veterinary professionals.
Matthew and his partner Louise and wrote a book chapter (believed to be the first of its kind) on the ethical use of physiotherapy with captive species, within the amazing new book created and edited by Dr Sarah Chapman and Sabrina Brando.
Bex Millington - Practice what you preach, environmentally friendly teaching
Coming shortly
Robyn Meehan - ZSL Conservation success stories
Robyn spent 11 years working in FE at a land-based college, starting out as a Practical Instructor before moving to being a Lecturer and Course Manager for Animal Sciences and Agriculture.
Since leaving FE Robyn has worked at ZSL’s Whipsnade Zoo as a Senior Learning Officer, focusing on working with local colleges and universities to support with course delivery, including running practical days and workshops, guest talks with ZSL scientists, and providing work experience.
Robyn is particularly interested in helping young people find their way into careers they are passionate about, and also in human-animal relationships and making sure that we uphold our responsibilities to animal welfare whilst creating meaningful opportunities for young people.
Caitlyn Henderson - Project Wild Gambia - Research projects and expeditions and how to get involved
Offering Academic Field Courses and Open-Group Conservation Research Expeditions in the Smiling Coast of Africa.
Our mission is to protect and conserve The Gambia’s wildlife while assisting the people and economy of The Gambia through the development of ecotourism.
Overview:
Background of PWG – History, our mission, team
Conservation and Research Successes – What we have achieved over the years, current projects
Our contributions – How we support local communities and groups
What we offer – Academic field courses and open group expeditions
www.projectwildgambia.com
Lorraine Miller - Great Ape Consultancy
Lorraine has a BSc in zoology and wildlife conservation and a HND in captive animal management. She has a zookeeping background with 17 years of experience in the zoological field, working within the UK, Australasia, Asia, Africa and Central America. She has worked with a wide range of taxa including working extensively with the great ape species in zoos, sanctuaries and out in the field.
Lorraine is now a zoological consultant and director of Great Ape Consultancy, a great ape management advisor for the European Endangered Species Breeding Program and works with several animal charities as an advisor, ambassador and trustee.
Lorraine develops courses on great ape management and helps charities facilitate their own courses and learning resources, having worked with organisations such as Wild Welfare, The Southern Thailand Elephant Foundation, Pan African Sanctuary Alliance and Project Numbat.
www.greatapeconsultancy.com
Jake Weeks - The impact of exotic species education in the SEND and SEMH community and expert support for institutions
Jake is a biologist with a PhD in Infection, Inflammation & Immunity which translates well into the respiratory bacterial infections that reptiles and amphibians may get, particular in poor husbandry conditions.
In 2018 he founded The Reptile Academy Ltd, a Social Enterprise not for profit organisation that specialises in the delivery of exotic species education programmes. We offer a range of programmes including a Reptile Ranger Residential, Accredited online course and we have recently launched an ASDAN programme.
The Reptile Academy was awarded Supporting RSB Organisational Membership in January 2024 and is the only Education organisation of its kind to hold this endorsement. They have over 15 formal placement agreements including with over 10 veterinary colleges and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. They are registered to provide T Level Industry placements and look forward to working with the animal management community.
Jake is a Fellow of the International Society of Animal Professionals (Herpetological Education and a Member of the Royal Society if Biology. He sits on the Bioscience Education Research Group and Education Policy Advisory Group and represents the interests of animals in education and highlights the impact of SEND/SEMH animal assisted activities.
www.reptileacademy.co.uk
Adam Harper - Dual Professionality: Walking with Wolves - Wolves of the Western Carpathians
Adam is a member of the Royal Society of Biologists with numerous publications on small mammals around his home in Wiltshire he also contributed to the Wiltshire Mammal Atlas published in 2018. Adam has spent several years working for international NGOs in the field of conservation biology.
His experience includes working as a monitoring coordinator for the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, monitoring migratory whales and dolphins in the Atlantic, collaborating with the Marine Conservation Society supporting their ‘Capturing our Coast’ project, and joining the ‘Association for Nature Wolf’.
Adam has lectured for over ten years in the land-based sector whilst being a part-time guide for Wildlife Seminars, a large carnivore conservation group with a focus on Wolves, Bear and Lynx in the Western Carpathians.
Adam most recently became Director of Education for the online training company Novabright specialising in accessible online courses for the further education sector and pet care businesses.
www.novabright.io
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-harper-575257266
adam@novabright.io
Joe Cooke - UKACT membership and raising welfare standards
Joe was a late comer to the industry, not getting his first position in a zoo until he was 22, as a ‘Zoo Host’ as Chessington World of Adventures. From there he worked at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, All Things Wild and West Midlands Safari Park over a 6 year period. In 2018 Joe moved over to colleges as the Animal Unit Manager at Halesowen College, heading a team of technicians/ Keepers caring for the now 120 species housed at the collection. In the past 6 years the collection has seen significant growth and development in the standards of husbandry and welfare.
In 2019 Joe Cooke started a Facebook group, UK Animal Care Technicians (UKACT), the initial goal of the group being to open up lines of communication between technical staff in colleges nationwide. Since its start, the group has now expanded to over 1,000 members, held 2 conferences, numerous workshops and are currently in the process of becoming a professional organisation. The group facilitates the sharing of best practice, sourcing of animals and acts as a support network for colleagues.
Joe will be talking about the work he is doing with UKACT, the importance of collaboration between college collections and the need for us to demonstrate best practice to our students and aim to be ahead of the industry and not trailing behind. Joe is passionate about college facilities, future-proofing animal management, and trailblazing this concept publicly. He will also outline his findings from surveying the sectors animal unit facilities.
Contact Info: jcooke@halesowen.ac.uk
Facebook - UK Animal Care Technicians
www.UKACT.org
Kirsten Hawkins - Improving Cat welfare through interactive learning
Community Education Officer and Volunteer Manager at Cats Protection
Previous FE Animal Management Lecturer & Course Manager
Experience in managing health and welfare within animal charities
International conservation and research projects
Analysis of the impact of animal welfare education interventions
Miles Price - A summary of embedding conservation and sustainability in to project based learning as part of curriculum
With 9 years experience in the zoo and animal education industry, it has become a personal mission of his to ensure the next generation of experts in the animal industry are well equipped with knowledge and resources to tackle common industry problems and ecological events.
Influencing an impact within education into the local communities, allowing for species to not only survive but thrive.
Kattie Stoneman - Promoting small animal mental health & husbandry.
Looking for an evidence based and thought provoking session - then look no more. Kattie will be delivering a Woodgreen session "Accomodation and Enrichment - Improving Pet Wellbeing".
As part of Kattie's diverse role at Woodgreen, she helps pet owners to keep their pet and to take care of them, offers external partnership training on vulnerable pets, runs pet clinics and much more. Kattie wants to shout off the roof tops about the amazing education sessions that Woodgreen has to offer, covering early years all the way up to FE.
Kattie has years of experience from working in animal rescues, FE colleges & even safaris. Having experience working with variety of species in lots of different environments, she's keen to raise awareness about animal mental health.
Kattie's BSc was in Applied Zoology and she's excited to be starting her postgraduate course this September in Animal Welfare, Policy and Legislation at Hartpury