Preston is a wildlife veterinarian at the Small Mammal Conservation Organization (SMACON), a WCN partner organization in Nigeria, where his work spans clinical care, wildlife research, and community-based conservation. His work focuses on strengthening conservation approaches for small mammals while addressing the growing challenges linked to zoonotic disease risks. He is pursuing a Master’s in Conservation Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. His dissertation will explore human interactions with bats and pangolins across SMACON’s project sites, and how conservation interventions can both protect wildlife and reduce disease spillover risks. Through this work, Preston aims to strengthen integrated conservation strategies that balance species protection, public health, and community engagement.
He was nominated by Dr. Benneth Obitte, Co-Executive Director of SMACON, a WCN Partner.
Awarded the Veterinary Scholarship.
Location: Nigeria
School: University of Edinburgh