Dumisile is a dedicated environmental scientist with a strong academic foundation in Marine Biology and Zoology. She currently serves as an intern at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), where she contributes to vital environmental monitoring projects. At CSIR, Dumisile’s work focuses on assessing ocean pollution and its long-term impacts on marine ecosystems. Her research involves evaluating water quality, monitoring pollution levels, and conducting sediment toxicity tests in key locations such as Richards Bay and Durban. This research is crucial for understanding how pollutants affect marine organisms and ecosystems, ultimately informing strategies for mitigating environmental harm.

Dumisile has been actively involved with the Habitable Planet Workshop (HPW) since 2021, participating in HPW33, held in Limpopo. She is also part of the 9th Habitable Planet Online Workshop, where she contributes to key discussions on environmental sustainability. Her commitment to making a lasting impact in environmental management continues to drive her passion for positive change in the world.

Lola is a master’s candidate in Conservation Ecology at Stellenbosch University. She has a background in Zoology, where her interest in water systems and parasitology began. This interest has led her to develop a deep understanding of ecological systems and the critical importance of preserving biodiversity. Fascinated by the complex relationships between parasites and their hosts, Lola’s current research explores the diversity and distribution of ectoparasites and aims to contribute to a broader understanding of parasite host interactions and their implications for conservation.

Her academic journey began in 2023 when she took part in the Habitable Planet Workshop (HPW39). In 2024 she joined the local organizing committee which hosted HPW42 at the University of Johannesburg. Throughout her studies, Lola has actively engaged in diverse research projects and fieldwork, gaining direct experience in studying animal behavior, population dynamics, and conservation strategies. Her dedication and enthusiasm have earned her recognition among peers and colleagues. She wants to help others and make a difference not only in conservation but in other people’s lives. Her love for nature is what drives her to protect biodiversity and get others to do the same.

You know Carl Palmer already mos. But did you know that Carl has a pet name for Dumi? He calls her "Rob". You had to be there I guess.  Once you know that, the video makes more sense.

Dr Chris Bennett is an astro-chemist at the at Georgia Institute of Technology in the USA. Chris is originally from the UK, graduating with his BSc, Honours and MSc from the University of York. Here he met Carl, and the two spent several years trying to graduate in Chemistry and play guitar in a band. Both of them soon discovered they were much better at the Chemistry!  Obviously when he says Carl, he means Lola  ;). 

A chicken and egg type problem.