Paul White RN FRGS (Director + Founder) - I am an RN by profession and was first introduced to the eastern Carpathians in 1993 whilst working in Transylvania as an aid worker. During days off I would spend most of my time in the forests and mountains, and soon realised what a 'jewel' this unique wilderness environment was. In 2008 I set up home in Transylvania, and wanted to extend my interest in wildlife and environment into something more proactive, and so the Transylvanian Wildlife Project was born. Conservation is my passion and I am determined to play my part in protecting one of the last remaining refuges in Europe for key species such as wolf, lynx and bear.
Victoria Hillman BSc MSc (Research Director) I am a scientist with a BSc in zoology with marine zoology from the University of Wales, Bangor and an MSc in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from Edinburgh Napier University and an award winning wildlife photographer. From an early age I enjoyed being outdoors and had a fascination for all things living. In the years that followed I developed a deep understanding and passion for the natural world and alongside my studies began to develop my photography. This development is still ongoing today and has blossomed into my own unique way of portraying the natural world. I have been taking photos for as long as I can remember and over the last several years although I have concentrated on wildlife I do also photograph the habitats and plants of the area in which I am working to create an overall picture of the ecosystem. I love every aspect of wildlife and studying their behaviour has allowed me to capture different images and unique moments through photography.
My passion is to share with people the way I see the natural world in the hope that I can help to change peoples’ perceptions and inspire them to get outdoors, understand, enjoy and conserve its beauty. I always put the safety and welfare of both my subject and the environment first even if this means missing a crucial opportunity. The trust that I am able to build up over time with my subjects is very rewarding, allowing me to enjoy and capture aspects of their day to day life.
Peter Thacker BA (Hons) PGCE FRGS (Associate Member) - TWP Education Advisor - Peter is the deputy headmaster of a UK Preparatory School and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. As an experienced teacher, Peter is well placed to deliver the Transylvanian Wildlife Project's education package. Prior to his career in education, Peter was a cavalry officer with The Royal Dragoon Guards and was involved in the Iraq ground war in 2003. As former Deputy Spokesman for British Forces Cyprus and the British Sovereign Base Areas Administration, he is experienced in international media, political and military crisis-management. He is well-versed in the challenges of leadership and is an active member of The Sandhurst Foundation, an international leadership forum. Peter is an avid outdoor enthusiast and, outside of his role with the TWP, particularly enjoys skiing and scuba-diving.
Zsolt Biró BSc MSc (Associate Member) - TWP Environmental Protection Advisor - After graduating from high school, Zsolt moved to Hungary to study biology and environmental protection and gained a BSc degree. He then went to the Gábor Dénes College to study software engineering, and then spent a further four years specialising in programming. Zsolt was eventually promoted to assistant lecturer at the Berzsenyi Dániel College, teaching students how to use the Internet as part of their research. After two years in this post Zsolt then decided to become a self-employed freelance translator. His high quality work was soon recognised and now his client list includes the Microsoft Corporation.
Barna Bereczki (Full Member) - High Alpine Support - 'Barni' specialises in logistical support for project members photographing wildlife in the higher reaches of the Carpathian mountains. He has climbed most of the highest peaks within Europe and has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share.
Laszlo Gal (Full Member) - 'Laci' is the Transylvanian Wildlife Project's resident tracker, who has an in depth knowledge of the eastern Carpathian forests and mountains. Being self employed Laszlo plans his life around his first love, nature. He ventures into the forest alone for several days at a time, living from the land, tracking and photographing bears and wolves amongst other wildlife.
Gemma Armitage (Associate Member) is a passionate wildlife advocate and is the TWP data custodian. An important position as Gemma is responsible for collating all TWP wildlife sightings onto our project database, including species, distinguishing markings, general health and appearance, co-ordinates, and all associated photographs. Gemma also participates in field trips and monitors wildlife activity in the eastern Carpathians.
Botond Balint (Full Member) - TWP Secretary (Romania) 'Boti' studied Mathematics in Cluj Napoca, and now works for an international web design and programming company. In his spare time Boti is an outdoor fanatic and devotes a lot of his time organising activities such as hiking, snow boarding, and mountain biking for local people. He is acutely aware of how important it is to maintain the unique Carpathian wilderness environment for future generations to come.
