Leila is a biologist from Maranhao, an important wintering area for shorebirds in Northern Brazil (and home to 3 Ramsar sites). She has worked with endangered birds for most of her career, including during her Masters Degree. At the moment Leila is a PhD candidate at Lincoln University, where she studies the influence of the extractive industry on natural resource management.
Leila has conducted comprehensive research on dog disturbance in the estuary and is passionate about seeking better protection for the birds in the estuary.