Curriculum Vitae

Curriculum Vitae

JESSICA COCKBURN

Personal information

Date of Birth: 12 June 1984

Gender: Female

Nationality: South African

E-mail address: jessicacockburn[at]gmail.com

Education

2015-2017: PhD in Environmental Science at Rhodes University

Thesis title: Stewardship and collaboration in multifunctional landscapes: a transdisciplinary enquiry

2011-2013: MSc in Zoology (Plant Protection) at North-West University, With Distinction

Thesis title: Implementation of the push-pull strategy for the control of Eldana saccharina on sugarcane in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2007: BSc Honours in Entomology at Rhodes University, With Distinction

2004-2006: BSc in Entomology & Botany at Rhodes University, With Distinction

2002: Matriculation: Independent Examination Board at Hermannsburg School, A-aggregate (With Distinction)

(Note: All Education completed in South Africa)

Academic Awards

North-West University 2013:

Best MSc student in Zoology 2013

Rhodes University 2007:

Academic Honours Award
The Ewer Prize for Zoology
Entomological Society of Southern Africa Award for Best Honours Student in Entomology 2007

Rhodes University 2004-2006:

Academic Honours Award
Dean’s List for Academic Merit: 2004, 2005, 2006
Lillian Britten Prize for Botany
The Beth Cumming Memorial Prize for Zoology

Additional relevant training

May 2018: STEPS Centre Summer School (Sussex University, England)
October 2017: Academic Journal Writing Course (Rhodes University)
September 2016: Presencing Foundation Programme (Presencing Institute, Cape Town)
May 2016: Transdisciplinary Research Exploratory Training Workshop (Rhodes University)
February 2015: Transdisciplinarity Summer School (Tsama Hub, Stellenbosch University)
June 2014: Social-Ecological Systems Scholars' Winter School (South African Programme ion Ecosystem Change and Society, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, George)
September 2014: Connecting Community: Facilitating Transformative Change (Democracy Development Programme, Durban)
March 2013: Asset-based Community Development (Democracy Development Programme, Durban)
May 2013: ArcGIS 1: Getting Started (ESRI, Cape Town)

Current positions

2020: Lecturer in Environmental Science at Rhodes University.

Recent work experience

2018-2019: Postdoctoral Fellow at Rhodes University: Environmental Learning Research Centre, Department of Education.

2016 - current: Research Associate (Volunteer Position) at Living Lands, a not-for-profit organization with a vision of ‘Collaborations working on living landscapes’.

January - March 2018: Research Consultant

Rhodes University: Ntabelanga-Lalini Ecological Infrastructure Project (NLEIP)

Design and facilitation of a reflection and social learning process for researchers and managers
Data collection, analysis and write up of 'Lessons Learnt' report for NLEIP
Lead author on Lessons Learnt journal article for NLEIP (In Prep.)

2015-2018: Temporary Lecturer and Graduate Assistant

Rhodes University: Department of Environmental Science

Lecturing 3rd Year Environmental Science Students. Topic: Adaptive Co-Management (2016, 2017, 2018)
Guest Lecture to 2nd Year Environmental Science Students. Topic: Transdisciplinary Research in Landscapes (2016)
Assisted with undergraduate student assessments by marking essays and assignments (2015, 2016).
Assisted undergraduate students during tutorials, field trips and practical exercises (2015, 2016).
Supervised and mentored students conducting thesis research (2016, 2017).

2013-2014: Research Coordinator

University of KwaZulu-Natal: Land Use Planning & Management Research Group

Coordination and facilitation of Durban Research Action Partnership between the university and the local municipality
Support for social process monitoring, evaluation and research in the partnership

The partnership focuses on bridging the gap between research and local urban action for sustainable land use planning, biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation

2013-2014: Project Coordinator

WWF-South Africa: Sustainable Sugarcane Project

Project coordination and support
Mentoring junior staff on Sugarcane Catchment Stewardship project
Local stakeholder engagement and relationship management
Midlands Sustainable Sugarcane Supply Chain Collaboration coordinator
Lead author on ‘Resilient Landscapes Approach’ Concept Paper for global WWF-Mondi partnership

Feb-Aug 2013: Logistics Officer

Integrated Fire Management Services: Working on Fire, eThekwini Base

Developed and implemented a data management, mapping and reporting system for controlled burning and invasive alien plant control activities
Facilitated communication between landowners, neighbours and project managers

2008-2010: Teacher: English as a Foreign Language

English Programme in Korea: Sungshin Girls Middle School, Sangju, South Korea

Promoted active, engaged learning of English as a Foreign Language
Employed diverse teaching methods to maintain students’ interest
Participated in Teacher Training workshops

Jan-Aug 2008: Research Assistant

Inland Invertebrate Initiative, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Gained skills in project management and team work
Managed field trips & laboratory activities including specimen collection, processing, storing, dispatching
Enhanced teaching and facilitation skills by working in the environmental education branch of the project with school children

Jan-Aug 2008: Temporary Lecturer: Entomology

School of Conservation & Biological Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Interacted with and instructed undergraduate students through lectures, tutorials and practical lessons
Assessed students through essays, practical exercises and examinations

Peer-reviewed publications

Cockburn, J., Palmer, C.G, Biggs, H. & Rosenberg, E. 2018. Navigating multiple tensions for engaged praxis in a complex social-ecological system. Land 7(4): 129. doi: 10.3390/land7040129

Cockburn, J., Cundill, G., Shackleton, S. & Rouget, M. 2018. Towards Place-Based Research to Support Social–Ecological Stewardship. Sustainability 10(5), 1434. doi: 10.3390/su10051434

Cockburn, J. & Cundill, G. 2018. Ethics in transdisciplinary research: Reflections on the implications of ‘science with society’. In: C. Macleod, C., Marx, J., Mnyaka, P. & Treharne, G.J. Handbook of ethics in critical research: stories from the field. Palgrave Macmillan.

Cockburn, J., Koopman, V., Pereira, L. M., & Van Niekerk, J. 2018. Institutional bricolage to address sustainability challenges in the South African sugarcane industry: A case study of the SUSFARMS® initiative in the Midlands area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In L. M. Pereira, C. A. McElroy, A. Littaye & A. M. Girard (Eds.), Food, energy and water sustainability: Emergent governance strategies. Oxon, United Kingdom: Routledge.

Taylor, C., Cockburn, J., Rouget, M., Ray-Mukherjee, J., Mukherjee, S., Slotow, R., Roberts, D., Boon, R., O’Donoghue, S., Douwes, E. 2016. Evaluating the outcomes and processes of a research-action partnership: The need for continuous reflective evaluation. Bothalia 46: 46(2), a2154. doi: 10.4102/abc.v46i2.2154

Cockburn, J., M. Rouget, R. Slotow, D. Roberts, R. Boon, E. Douwes, S. O’Donoghue, C. T. Downs, S. Mukherjee, W. Musakwa, O. Mutanga, T. Mwabvu, J. Odindi, A. Odindo, Ş. Procheş, S. Ramdhani, J. Ray-Mukherjee, Sershen, M. C. Schoeman, A. J. Smit, E. Wale, and S. Willows-Munro. 2016. How to build science-action partnerships for local land-use planning and management: lessons from Durban, South Africa. Ecology and Society 21(1):28. doi: 10.5751/ES-08109-210128

Boon, R., Cockburn, J., Douwes, E., Govender, N., Ground, L., Mclean, C., Roberts, D., Rouget, M. & Slotow, R., 2016, ‘Managing a threatened savanna ecosystem (KwaZulu-Natal Sandstone Sourveld) in an urban biodiversity hotspot: Durban, South Africa’. Bothalia 46(2), a2112. doi: 10.4102/abc.v46i2.2112

Cockburn J.J., Coetzee, H.C., Van den Berg, J. & Conlong, D.E. 2014. Large-scale sugarcane farmers’ knowledge and perceptions of Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), push-pull and integrated pest management. Crop Protection 56: 1-9.

Cockburn, J.J, Khumalo-Seegelken, B., and Villet, M.H. 2014 IziNambuzane: IsiZulu names for insects. South African Journal of Science 110: #2013-0292.

Cockburn J., Coetzee, H., Van den Berg, J., Conlong, D.E. & Witthöft, J. 2014. Exploring the role of sugarcane in small-scale farmers’ livelihoods in the Noodsberg area, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. South African Journal of Agricultural Extension 42: 80–97.

Other publications

Cockburn, J., Biggs, H., Rosenberg, E., & Palmer, C. G. 2018. Tsitsa Project Learning Report 2018. Learning through reflective praxis: Lessons from integrated sustainability research with a governance focus in a complex social-ecological system, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Tsitsa Project internal report. Rhodes University, Grahamstown.

Cockburn, J., Cundill, G. & Shackleton, S. 2018. Building collaborative stewardship practice in South African landscapes. Department of Environmental Science Policy Brief No. 18. Rhodes University, Grahamstown.

Cockburn J., Dubazane, N., Kotze, D. & Lindley, D. 2014. Defining the Resilient Landscapes Approach working Concept Paper, Mondi Wetlands Programme WWF-South Africa, Cape Town.

Cockburn, J. 2014. Understanding the impacts of global change on urban socio-ecological systems in Durban: The eThekwini Municipality UKZN Joint Research Partnership. The Leopard’s Echo: Kloof Conservancy Bi-Annual Magazine: July - Dec 2014: 3-12.

Cockburn, J.J. 2012. Molasses grass: how to make Eldana uncomfortable in your cane. The Link 21(3):18-19.

Cockburn, J.J. & Conlong, D.E. 2011. An approach to controlling Eldana: Let’s ‘push-pull’ it! The Link 20(2):12-13.

Conference presentations

Integrated landscape management for sustainability: Insights from diverse initiatives across South Africa. Paper presented at the Fountainhill Estate Research Symposium, Wartburg, October 2018.

Fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration for sustainable landscapes: Insights from the Langkloof in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Paper presented at the Thicket Forum, Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa), June 2018.

Towards multi-stakeholder collaboration for sustainable landscapes: Lessons from the Langkloof in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Paper presented at the Rhodes University Environmental Colloquium, Grahamstown, March 2018.

Exploring enablers and barriers of landscape-scale collaborative stewardship initiatives in South Africa: Voices from the landscape. Paper presented at the II Open Science Conference of the Programme of Ecosystem Change and Society, Oaxaca (Mexico), November 2017.

Stewardship and development for transformation: Learning at the interface of research and practice in diverse social-ecological contexts in South Africa. Paper presented at the Transformations 2017 Conference, Dundee (Scotland), August 2017.

Ideals vs. Reality: Grappling with the nitty-gritty of knowledge co-production processes in science-society partnerships. Dialogue Session co-hosted at the Resilience for Development Colloquium, Johannesburg, May 2017.

A learning jar and two maps: Mobilising local knowledge for collaborative stewardship in multifunctional landscapes across South Africa. Paper presented at the Resilience for Development Colloquium, Johannesburg, May 2017.

Re-imagining stewardship practice in South Africa in the context of complex social-ecological systems: a dialogue between theory and practice. Special Workshop Session hosted at the Symposium of Contemporary Conservation Practice, Howick, November 2016.

Facilitating stewardship in South Africa: Integrating insights from theory and practice to frame a new agenda. Paper presented at the Symposium of Contemporary Conservation Practice, Howick, November 2016.

Exploring stewardship in multifunctional landscapes: Bridging the gap between theory and practice. Paper presented at the Arid Zone Ecology Forum, Springbok, October 2015.

‘Landscape Mobilisers’ building platforms for collaboration to improve stewardship: Lessons from South Africa. Paper presented at the Programme on Ecosystem Change and Society Conference, Stellenbosch, November 2015.

What does it mean to be a place-based social-ecological systems researcher? Reflections on tools, competencies and positionality: Co-hosted a Special Session for Young Scholars. Programme on Ecosystem Change and Society Conference, Stellenbosch, November 2015.

Stewardship: What does it mean? Paper presented at the Symposium of Contemporary Conservation Practice, Howick, November 2014.

Evaluating a transdisciplinary research partnership: what matters more – tangible or intangible outcomes? Paper presented at the Symposium of Contemporary Conservation Practice, Howick, November 2014.

Developing a partnership bridging the science-policy divide to plan and manage for a threatened ecosystem: The case of eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa. Paper presented at the 6th Annual International Ecosystems Services Partnership Conference, Bali, August 2013 and at the MILE eThekwini-University Research Symposium, Durban, October 2013.

Why Don’t They Do It? Using Exploratory Network Analysis to understand adoption of IPM practices. Paper presented at the 18th Congress of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa, Potchefstroom, July 2013.

A mixed-methods investigation into farmers’ knowledge and perceptions of sugarcane insect pests. Poster presented at the 47th Conference of the South African Society for Agricultural Extension, Bloemfontein, July 2013.

Community engagement and leadership

2015-2016: Student Volunteer at the After-Care Enrichment Programme at the Lebone Centre (Grahamstown)

2015: Joint coordinator of the “Research in Africa Cross-faculty Seminar Series” for postgraduate students at Rhodes University (Grahamstown)

2014: Coordinator of the “Masikhulume Ngemvelo” (Let’s Talk about Nature) initiative to develop a Zulu language dictionary of sustainability terms (Durban)

2010: Joint Coordinator of the “Let’s Build a Jungle Gym” fundraising initiative (Sangju, South Korea

2006-2007: Rhodes University Mountain Club Committee Member (2006) and Chairperson (2007) (Grahamstown)

References:

Professor Sheona Shackleton

University of Cape Town: Professor and Deputy Director, African Climate and Development Initiative

sheona.shackleton[at]uct.ac.za

Tel: +27 21 650 4581

Dr Georgina Cundill Kemp

Rhodes University & International Development Research Centre (Canada)

gkemp[at]idrc.ca

Tel: +1 613 696 2238

Mr Anthony Edmonds

Donovale Farming Company: Sugarcane Farmer

ant[at]edelnet.co.za

Tel.: +27 33 390 2535