Celebrating Our Incredible Graduate Student Volunteers
At TDARFAC, our work is powered by people. Today, we are proud to celebrate an extraordinary group of ten graduate student volunteers whose dedication, professionalism, and generosity of spirit continue to strengthen our outreach, education, and conservation efforts across Madagascar.
These students have contributed their time, skills, and energy in meaningful ways—supporting field activities, mentoring peers, engaging communities with care and respect, and building the foundations for the next generation of conservation leadership.
Their work directly supports communities, strengthens applied research, and advances Malagasy-led conservation.
We are honored to recognize each of you:
ANDRIAMPANONINTSOA Nomenjanahary Tahina Arnaud
Department of Anthropology and Sustainable Development (ADD), University of Antananarivo
Tahina is a biological anthropology graduate with a focus on biodiversity conservation and human–ecosystem interactions. His experience spans field surveys, primatology, nutrition studies, education, and community engagement. Tahina brings strong analytical skills, adaptability, and a commitment to inclusive, community-centered conservation.
ANDRIANARIJAONA Valisoa Fytahiana
Department of Anthropology and Sustainable Development (ADD), University of Antananarivo
Valisoa is a Master’s student in Anthropobiology and Sustainable Development with a focus on wildlife conservation and lemur protection. She has field experience in Sahamalaza and Marojejy National Parks and skills in community outreach, behavioral observation, and GIS. She recently developed an ArcGIS StoryMap, Echoes Beneath the Waves, documenting polluted coastal sites around Majunga, and highlighting the need for coastal cleanup and marine conservation efforts. Valisoa is actively involved in TDARFAC leadership roles.
FELANTSOA Volatiana Cathy
Department of Anthropology and Sustainable Development (ADD), University of Antananarivo
Volatiana is a Master’s student in Biological Anthropology and Sustainable Development with a strong interest in primatology, lemur conservation, and the social–ecological interactions between humans and wildlife. Her experience includes community-based environmental education and youth outreach, where she has led interactive workshops for children focused on environmental protection, life skills, and language learning. Volatiana brings strong communication skills, creativity, and a deep commitment to education-centered conservation.
NOMENJANAHARY Degraseline
Department of Science and Veterinary Medicine Education (DESMV), University of Antananarivo
Degraseline is a final-year veterinary medicine student with extensive clinical and laboratory experience. She has worked on animal health campaigns with MDI, completed bacteriology internships at the National Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory (LNDV), and received laboratory training at Mahaliana Labs. Her work with TDARFAC focuses on applied field conservation and strengthening One Health approaches.
RAKOTOARIMANANA Rindratiana Natacha
Department of Anthropology and Sustainable Development (ADD), University of Antananarivo
Rindratiana is a Master’s student specializing in biological anthropology and sustainable development, with research experience spanning primatology, food security, and environmental DNA studies. She has worked as a research assistant across multiple protected areas and brings strong skills in fieldwork, community surveys, data processing, and scientific reporting.
RAMISARIVO Ay Ny Fahazavana
Department of Science and Veterinary Medicine Education (DESMV), University of Antananarivo
Ny Fahazavana is a veterinary medicine graduate and doctoral candidate whose work bridges wildlife health, epidemiology, and conservation. Through her volunteer work with TDARFAC, she has supported lemur protection, QGIS mapping, and field transect planning. Her background includes turtle conservation with the Turtle Survival Alliance and applied research on zoonotic disease dynamics in urban Madagascar.
RANDRIANANDRASANA François Noël
Department of Science and Veterinary Medicine Education (DESMV), University of Antananarivo
François Noël is a sixth-year veterinary medicine student with a strong interest in laboratory diagnostics and applied research. His experience includes internships in veterinary clinics, participation in national zoonotic disease symposia, and volunteer work with TDARFAC and the Turtle Survival Alliance. He is particularly motivated to build laboratory skills through upcoming training at Mahaliana Labs.
RASOAMIADANA Fahasoavana
Department of Science and Veterinary Medicine Education (DESMV), University of Antananarivo
Fahasoavana is a veterinary student with hands-on experience in animal care, community outreach, and sustainable development initiatives. Her background includes work with the Turtle Survival Alliance on turtle conservation, WEFE Nexus training on water–energy–food systems, and clinical experience at the University Veterinary Clinic. She brings strong practical skills and a deep commitment to animal welfare.
RAVELOHARISOA Ny Ainandrasana
Department of Anthropology and Sustainable Development (ADD), University of Antananarivo
Ny Ainandrasana is a Master’s student in biological anthropology with a strong interest in primate ecology, habitat restoration, and environmental education. Her experience includes ecological transects, community surveys, habitat restoration, and teaching children through creative education programs. She brings warmth, creativity, and strong community engagement skills to TDARFAC’s work.
TOLOJANAHARY Andre Stevenot
Department of Science and Veterinary Medicine Education (DESMV), University of Antananarivo
Andre is a sixth-year veterinary medicine student with experience in rural clinical internships, veterinary diagnostics, and wildlife conservation. His background includes laboratory internships at the National Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory and volunteer work with the Turtle Survival Alliance. Andre brings a strong interest in veterinary biology and field-based conservation.
Building Skills for Impact: QGIS Training Workshop
Recently, our volunteers took part in a QGIS training workshop led by our internal team, focused on practical skills in mapping, GPS data handling, and spatial analysis.
This hands-on training strengthened our collective capacity to:
Improve project planning and field coordination
Visualize conservation data more effectively
Support evidence-based decision-making on the ground
Geospatial tools like QGIS are essential to modern conservation, and this workshop marked an important step toward more informed, efficient, and impactful projects.
What’s Next: Upcoming Lab Training
We are also pleased to share that upcoming laboratory training is being organized by Dr. Justorien “Donovan” Rambeloniaina, Head Veterinarian for Lemur Conservation at TDARFAC, and Mr. Jhoanny Rasojivola, Field Director & Conservation Project Manager at TDARFAC, in collaboration with Mahaliana Laboratories in Antananarivo.
This training will provide students with hands-on experience in:
DNA extraction
PCR techniques
Laboratory workflows and diagnostics
By investing in applied laboratory skills, TDARFAC continues its commitment to capacity building, mentorship, and Malagasy-led conservation science.
