Emma Del Cuore

Emma grew up in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, where yearly trips to the Drakensberg Mountains ignited her love for nature. Inspired by the documentaries of Sir David Attenborough and the groundbreaking work of primate researchers like Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall, Emma always aspired to contribute to the preservation of our natural world. These early influences fostered her passion for both science and storytelling.

Her career journey has included work with an environmental NGO, where she focused on science communication and project management. Translating complex scientific information into visually engaging and accessible forms became a key interest, drawing her to photography. Emma is particularly passionate about exploring how storytelling can inspire action and connect people to pressing environmental challenges.

Emma holds undergraduate and honours degrees in Geography and Environmental Sciences from Stellenbosch University, as well as a Masters degree in Climate Change and Sustainable Development from the University of Cape Town. Her master’s research examined the potential risks of solar geoengineering through stratospheric aerosol injection on terrestrial biodiversity. This work not only deepened her understanding of climate impact assessment and data analysis but also allowed her to explore interdisciplinary challenges at the intersection of science and sustainability.

During her time at the FitzPatrick Institute, Emma hopes to combine her academic and professional background with the invaluable knowledge she will gain in the field of Conservation Biology. She aspires to build a career as a Conservation Biologist, where she can blend scientific research with creative communication to drive meaningful change for people and our planet.

In her free time, Emma enjoys being in nature, exploring new places, reading, collecting National Geographic magazines, and photography.