Ellen Watson is a 2016 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant recipient from the University of Western Australia. Ellen is studying a Bachelor of Science majoring in Conservation Biology.
She completed the Agriculture Semester Program at Bogor Agricultural University in 2016.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake the ACICIS program?
I wanted to learn more about conservation from an international perspective and in a rapidly developing country where I think conservation will play an important role in the future.
Q: What classes are you currently enrolled in?
- Tropical biodiversity and conservation
- Pest and diseases of horticulture crops and foods
- Independent conservation study unit
- Principles of Plant biotechnology
Q: Are you hoping to get involved in any clubs/societies at the University?
I’d like to be involved in the conservation and animal monitoring students societies here – we have already attended a mangrove plating event with one such club, and I am in contact with a member of another conservation club.
Q: What extra-curricular activities are you hoping to do while in Indonesia?
Planting, species monitoring and hiking events set up by conservation groups or otherwise. I’d like to see the mountains, waterfalls and tropical rainforest in the area.
Q: What is your favourite Indonesian food?
Bakso ayam.. or nasi pecel telor
Q: What is your favourite Indonesian word or phrase?
Ga pa pa! Atau… siapa nama anda?
Q: What is your favourite place to eat?
The forestry building cafe!
Q: Are you going to undertake an internship while in Indonesia?
Yes, I am not 100% decided yet, but I am thinking of undertaking the internship at CIFOR and helping to work on one of their research projects.