Wildlife Forensics Student and Journalist Champions Environmental Issues in Singapore 

Kai Ting learns remote tranquilization methods from a helicopter ride.
Kai Ting learns remote tranquilization methods from a helicopter ride.

The natural world needs champions who are deeply passionate about wildlife and environmental conservation. Initially enrolled in the University of Florida’s online Graduate Certificate program, Kai Ting Yeo decided to pursue her Master of Science in Wildlife Forensic Sciences and Conservation to be one of these champions. Living in Singapore with her pet bird Sunny, a sun conure, she sought a reputable and flexible American graduate program that allowed her to study while maintaining her career. She was drawn to UF’s online Wildlife Forensic Sciences and Conservation graduate program because of its wide range of coursework in both wildlife conservation and forensics, which also ties in topics that are relevant to conservation in a developed world, like cybercrime and human-wildlife conflict. “There’s never a boring day in this program,” she said. 

With over a decade of experience as a journalist who has covered environmental issues, Kai Ting currently works as a radio producer for the Breakfast Show at MONEY FM 89.3 in Singapore while pursuing her graduate degree. She produces various segments including Climate Connections (a weekly segment focusing on the environment, nature, biodiversity, and conservation), Morning Shot, and US Markets Wrap. In her spare time, she volunteers with the Mandai Wildlife Group as a wildlife ranger to manage human-wildlife conflict between long-tailed macaques and humans within the wildlife parks managed by the group. Additionally, she is a docent who educates park visitors about primates and the importance of wildlife and environmental conservation. Kai Ting also finds creative outlets in her conservation work, as she enjoys capturing wildlife photos in nature reserves and parks. 

Wild elephant that Kai Ting’s team collared for monitoring in Botswana.
Wild elephant that Kai Ting’s team collared for monitoring in Botswana.

Her pursuit of a master’s degree does not equate to a drastic new career path for Kai Ting. The decision to enroll in the online graduate program was made after realizing that there is a significant communication gap between scientists and the communities they are trying to educate. “I embarked on this journey as part of my personal drive to be able to bring more timely environmental issues and efforts to light through an expert lens, both as a conservationist and an environmental content producer,” she said. It is her hope to bring insightful environmental research data and projects to the mass public to promote awareness and action toward the environment and conservation.  

Beyond the science-based topics in the curriculum, the law enforcement aspects of her courses are invaluable when approaching issues such as illegal wildlife crime and syndicates in her features at work. After completing her coursework, she was able to analyze environmental and conservation data resources from a strong forensic perspective. “I think that the program gives more than what is needed to enhance each and every student’s knowledge of not just wildlife conservation, but also law enforcement challenges and ways to tackle these challenges,” she said. “This would prove very useful for those who might be considering a career in law enforcement.” 

Kai Ting draws blood sample from a tranquilized wild elephant.
Kai Ting draws blood sample from a tranquilized wild elephant. 

The convenient, fully online format of the master’s program helped Kai Ting manage her studies while continuing to work full-time in Singapore. Balancing work as a journalist with rigorous coursework can be a challenge, especially since she frequently works on last-minute research to clinch exclusive interviews with newsmakers in response to time sensitive and unpredictable stories. Despite this demanding schedule, she still dedicates weekends to conservation volunteering. For successful time management, she emphasizes the importance of building a rough schedule for lectures and assignments while remaining flexible to unexpected changes, often using small pockets of time during the weekdays for her studies. 

For fellow international students who are interested in the graduate program, she advises them to approach their studies and coursework with an open mind. “Some of the issues discussed as part of the assignments will challenge your personal beliefs, or perhaps not be the same laws and policies where you are from and are used to, but when you hear out other opinions and contextualize what you’re learning, you soon realize that these challenging topics are what help you grow the most both personally and professionally in how you analyze issues,” she said. 

Kai Ting’s wildlife team poses with a tranquilized lion they collared for research.
Kai Ting’s wildlife team poses with a tranquilized lion they collared for research.

The unique learning opportunities that come with UF’s M.S. in Wildlife Forensic Sciences and Conservation have bolstered Kai Ting’s understanding and practical knowledge of wildlife conservation. Her biggest highlight so far was a study abroad trip to Africa. During the trip, they discussed interdisciplinary conservation challenges, like human-wildlife conflict, wildlife forensic investigations, and the impact of encroaching development on various stakeholders. Along with her course mates, she gained first-hand experience in wildlife conservation fieldwork through game drives and practical research tasks, including remote tranquilization methods, use of wildlife tracking technology (telemetry and trail cameras), and ear notching and collaring of white rhinos, an African elephant, a brown hyena, and an African lion. “What other university program gives students an opportunity to do all of that?” she asked.  

“I 100% recommend pursuing a degree in wildlife forensic sciences and conservation at UF,” Kai Ting said. “I have learned so much and the learning process has been very enjoyable. We get to interact with our classmates from all over the world and it’s amazing to not only learn from what you watch in the lectures and readings, but also from the perspectives and thoughts of fellow classmates.” 


Kai Ting ear-notching a rhinoceros for identification purposes.
Kai Ting ear-notching a rhinoceros for identification purposes.

The UF Wildlife Forensic Sciences and Conservation online program offers a Master of Science in Wildlife Forensic Sciences and Conservation, a Graduate Certificate in Wildlife Forensic Sciences and Conservation, and online continuing education courses. The program allows students to interact with the content in an asynchronous, online-delivery format on their schedules while taking coursework covering contemporary issues in domestic and international wildlife protection and conservation, current laws and regulations, and the handling and interpretation of evidence found in wildlife crime activities. The program is designed for students and working professionals in wildlife conservation, ecology, and animal protection. Explore programs and apply online.