Training and Education

Mpala Research Centre offers exceptional research opportunities. Training young scientists in ecology, evolution, conservation biology, natural resource management, and related disciplines is emphasized, but MRC is open to scientists at all levels, and from all regions of the world. Mpala also supports graduate students from Kenya and other developing countries via fellowships to study at Princeton and other US universities and do fieldwork at Mpala.

In addition to research, MRC promotes scientific education and training by hosting courses on specific subjects, mostly for undergraduate students and faculty, in a comfortable camp on the Ewaso Ny’iro River (capacity is 25). Universities and training organizations are encouraged to use these facilities for field courses and instruction (inquire with the Director, mkinnaird@mpala.org).

Training Courses Previously held at MRC include:

• Wildlands Field School: Four-week field course for undergraduates interested in East African wildlife and cultures, led by Dr. Todd Palmer, UC Davis.
• Geographic Information Systems: Coordinated by the Smithsonian Institution and National Museums of Kenya, funded by Citibank.
• Tropical Ecology: Three-week field course led by Dr. Daniel Rubenstein and colleagues, Princeton University.
• Methods in Behavioral Ecology of East African Savannas: Four-week course for undergraduate and graduate students, led by Dr. Lynne Isbell and Dr. Truman P. Young.
• Ecology of African Savannas: Three-week field course for undergraduate students, led by Dr. Felicia Keesing, Bard College.