General Assistant
Tuhafeni is a general assistant at Ongava Research Centre (ORC), where he started in 2022. Born in Oshakati in northern Namibia, Tuhafeni is responsible for the general maintenance of ORC’s grounds and facilities. As part of ORC, Tuhafeni is keen on becoming more involved in research-related activities and growing into a field technician role as an immediate goal. In his spare time he enjoys playing football and reading.
PhD | Researcher
frowin.becker@orc.eco
Interdisciplinary ecology, functional ecology, political ecology, sociology
Frowin is an avian ecologist by training, with a penchant for interdisciplinarity. Over the years, his research foci have diversified and now range from functional ecology and land-use to political ecology and quantitative geography. Frowin has participated in ecological research across southern Africa. His years-long involvement with the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project culminated in a doctoral degree, which he completed in 2023 through the Victoria University of Wellington/Te Herenga Waka in New Zealand. Since pursuing a research career, Frowin’s trajectory largely steered him away from Namibia, but his role at the Ongava Research Centre signals an opportunity to apply himself and his expertise in the country of his birth.
PhD | Executive Director
rolf.becker@orc.eco
Euphorbia, succulent plants, CAM photosynthesis, microbial ecology, dryland ecology
Rolf is a scientist, academic and administrator and has a passion for understanding natural phenomena. With a PhD in biochemistry and a bachelor’s degree in business administration, he has dedicated his career to advancing scientific knowledge and making meaningful contributions to his field, through leading and administering teams of academics and students.
Before joining the Ongava Research Centre (ORC), he served as Professor in the Biodiversity Research Centre at the Namibia University of Science and Technology. This role allowed him to engage in research, mentor postgraduate students, and contribute to the academic community by guiding junior personnel. Previously, he held the position of Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources and Spatial Sciences, where he played a key role in shaping educational programmes and fostering excellence in teaching and research.
His passion for research is reflected in his list of publications. Despite being predominantly an administrator, he has authored over 30 scientific journal papers, exploring various aspects of biochemistry and an appreciation of natural resources. Additionally, he's contributed to ten book chapters and has edited three books, aimed at disseminating knowledge and sharing insights with fellow researchers and students. He has also co-authored a field guide on the succulent Euphorbias of southern Africa.
His current research interests lie in the fascinating realms of dryland and microbial ecology, while continuing with studies of Euphorbia plants. These unique ecosystems and their intricate relationships with microorganisms hold great significance for sustainable resource management and the preservation of biodiversity in arid regions. By delving into these subjects, he hopes to contribute to a deeper understanding of our natural world and its delicate balance.
He has actively participated in many national and international conferences, delivering more than 120 presentations and posters to share his research findings and exchange ideas with fellow scientists. Additionally, he has written 12 popular scientific articles to bridge the gap between scientific research and the public, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for science.
Through his research, publications, and leadership roles, he aims to make a lasting impact in biochemistry and natural resources. He is driven by a genuine passion for discovery, and believes that by expanding our knowledge and understanding, we at the ORC can contribute to a more sustainable and harmonious coexistence with our environment. He considers it a privilege to be part of this incredible journey, and looks forward to continuing his contributions to the scientific community.
Featured Publications
Maintenance Manager
maintenance@orc.eco
Fillipus is an experienced welder, born and raised in Namibia. He joined Ongava Research Centre (ORC) in 2023 as maintenance manager and oversees and guides all maintenance-related activities at ORC. Fillipus first pursued an education in mechanical engineering welding fabrication through the Valombola Vocational Training Centre in 2010 after which he then obtained his formal welding certification at the Innovative Welding Training Centre in 2015. Fillipus considers himself a life-long learner, which is reflected in his recent completion of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training diploma through the Namibia University of Science and Technology, which also involved participating in an internship programme at Ondangwa’s Community Skills Development Centre (COSDEC). During his COSDEC stay, Fillipus taught Welding (both theory and practice), Assessment and Moderation. He is also a trained and certified health and safety expert, with leadership experience across a range of Namibian companies.
Campus & Hospitality Coordinator
hileni.mupopiwa@orc.eco
Hileni began her first job at Ongava Game Reserve in 2014 she worked as a ground and housekeeper until 2018. Thereafter, Hileni’s responsibilities became increasingly orientated towards hospitality for the Ongava Research Centre (ORC). In August 2020 she was awarded a diploma in Travel Tourism and Hospitality Management and in early 2021 Hileni was appointed as ORC’s campus and hospitality coordinator. She is responsible for the upkeep of ORC’s accommodation and offices. This includes the management of all stocks of related supplies, and the maintenance of domestic equipment. In addition, she manages ORC’s accommodation for visitors where she ensures that rooms are booked, correctly allocated and ready when visitors arrive. In addition to her daily duties at ORC, in the evenings she voluntarily joins the catering staff at one of Ongava Game Reserve’s adjacent lodges. Through her initiative, Hileni has gained considerable culinary experience, as well as formal training. One of her long-term ambitions is to become more established and influential in the travel and tourism industry.
Senior Technician
simeon.naholo@orc.eco
Simeon grew up in a village called Oshivanda in Namibia’s Omusati Region. After finishing high school in 2007, he decided to move to Outjo in the Kunene Region the following year, in search of employment. There he eventually took up a role at Ongava Game Reserve (OGR). While Simeon was initially contracted to assist with de-bushing efforts on the Reserve, he was permanently recruited as part of OGR’s anti-poaching units in 2010. During this time, his duties primarily involved fence patrol, as well as rhino tracking. In 2013, Simeon accepted a position as a field technician at Ongava Research Centre (ORC’s), where he’s been especially involved in camera-trap-based research. These involvements have led to several research outputs, including co-authored peer-reviewed publications.
Administrative Coordinator
office@orc.eco
Elizabeth is a Namibian and a biochemist. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Applied Biochemistry (Honours) Environmental at the University of Namibia. Elizabeth ‘s interest lies in water quality management, particularly in the occurrence of emerging contaminants and their potential impacts on water quality as well as monitoring and assessing water quality parameters in understanding the health of water systems. Elizabeth actively contributed to value addition and the development of agricultural products through her involvement with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWL) laboratory.
Elizabeth serves as an Administrative Coordinator at Ongava Research Centre (ORC) where her journey began as an intern. At ORC, Elizabeth’s job includes a diverse range of responsibilities which are vital to the smooth operation of the Centre. It is in this role that her newfound interest in business administration took root and began to grow. Elizabeth aspires to integrate her scientific expertise and administrative proficiency to advance the cause of environmental sustainability.
PhD | Researcher
cornelis.vanderwaal@orc.eco
Rangeland ecology, remote sensing, savanna ecology, sustainable land management
Cornelis is a rangeland ecologist with over 25 years’ experience in savanna ecology, rangeland monitoring, and sustainable land management in southern Africa. He holds a PhD in Resource Ecology from Wageningen University, and his career spans government service, academic research, and ecological consultancy. He has contributed to biodiversity impact and management plans, restoration research, carrying capacity and livestock suitability assessments, bush encroachment mapping, and early warning systems for rangelands. His applied research includes studies on black rhino feeding behaviour, vegetation–herbivore interactions, and land degradation. At Ongava Research Centre he focuses on vegetation dynamics, ecological monitoring, and conservation planning in dryland ecosystems; combining field-based approaches with GIS and remote sensing to guide the management of vegetation–herbivore relationships.
BSc (Hon) | Field Technician
Research Fellows
Since 2004 Visiting Researcher University of Queensland (Australia)
Animal behaviour, human-wildlife conflict, long-term datasets
Since 2023Associate ScientistNamibia University of Science and Technology (Namibia)
Plant ecology, forestry, spatial modelling, natural resources management
Since 2022 Former Executive Director Independent
Behavioural ecology, river systems and rural livelihoods
Since 2021Visiting ResearcherSave The Rhino Trust (Namibia)
Rhino ecology, conservation biology
2021-2023 Postdoctoral Researcher University of Georgia (USA)
Human-wildlife conflict, conservation, risk mapping, spatial ecology
Since 2003 Founder/Former Executive Director Independent
Genetics, camera trapping, mathematical modelling, simulation
Since 2023Associate Scientist Arizona State University (USA)
Ecosystem ecology, carbon and nutrient cycling, soil ecology, climate change
Since 2023Associate ScientistNamibia University of Science and Technology
Ecology, restoration, land degradation, ecophysiology, rangeland ecology
Ongava Game Reserve (Namibia)
Conservation and tourism
The Walter Family Causes (USA)
Conservation
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (Namibia)
Conservation & wildlife management
University of Georgia (USA)
Carnivores, human-wildlife conflicts, anthropogenic effects on wildlife
Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
Genetics, edible insects
Technische Universität München (Germany)
Ecology, molecular biology, genetics
University of Namibia (Namibia)
Geography, history, environmental studies, tourism management
Ongoing
MSc Student
Namibia University of Science and Technology (Namibia)
PhD Student
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (Austria)
Using citizen science for cheetah and leopard population estimates in Etosha National Park
Facultative Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) photosynthetic adaptation in southern African species as a novel agricultural production system in drier climates
Dryland forest dynamics (title to be finalised)
Appraisal of drought tolerant indigenous plant species for restoration
University of Edinburgh (Scotland)
The physiological responses of Welwitschia mirabilis and Colophospermum mopane in the context of climate change
Namibia University of Science and Technology (Namibia) / University of Georgia (USA)
Assessing human-carnivore interactions on the periphery of Etosha National Park
Assessing the impact of livelihood transitions on the use of natural resources in the Cuvelai Basin, Namibia
Assessing the dynamics of woodland regeneration in the Ogongo area between 1991 and 2023
2021-2025
Plant influences on soil biogeochemistry and taxonomic and functional diversity of soil microbial communities in a hyper-arid desert
2023-2025
Regeneration of endangered dryland forest species
2023-2024
Nottingham Trent University (UK)
Estimating cheetah densities: A literature review and 12-year camera trap study on Ongava Game Reserve
2022-2024
Livestock-carnivore conflict and the effectiveness of mitigation measures at the interface of protected areas and human settlements in Sub-Saharan Africa
2021-2024
Behavioural dynamics of the African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) in North-East Namibia using model-based suitability, connectivity, movement and genetic analyses
Intern
2022
Laboratory assistance
Drivers of wildlife movement and resource selection at the interface of Etosha National Park and the surrounding human-dominated landscape
An assessment of anthropogenic impacts on wildlife ecology in sub-Saharan Africa
2023
Outreach
Landscape genetics
2021-2022
Identifying migratory corridors and conservation strategies for large terrestrial mammals in central and north-eastern Namibia
Honours Student
2021
Various projects
Raptor ecology
2020-2021
Manchester Metropolitan University (UK)
Temporal patterns in waterhole visitation using long-term camera trap datasets
Bangor University (UK)
Reliability of camera traps in detecting movement
Population-genetic study to determine the genetic diversity and divergence of lion (Panthera leo) populations in northern Namibia
2020
Human-wildlife interactions
2019-2020
Model-Based suitability and connectivity analysis of lion and zebra habitats in a human-wildlife interaction region of northern Namibia
2019
GIS
MSc student
Namibia Chamber of Environment
Ongava Game Reserve
The Walter Family Causes
University of Namibia
Independent
