About ARKive

Richard Edwards, Wildscreen Chief Executive

Appointed to the role of Chief Executive in March 2011, Richard believes Wildscreen has a clear role to play in the global conservation effort.

It is his strong belief that wildlife and environmental films and photos are one of the most powerful, emotive and effective tools for raising global environmental awareness, igniting that spark of interest in the natural world, and reconnecting people with nature.

Richard has been with Wildscreen for over 10 years and brings a wealth of experience and skills to the role. He joined Wildscreen to work on the ARKive project in January 2001, as Head of Media Production, and was promoted to ARKive Director in October 2003. He is an Oxford University Zoology graduate, and also has an MSc in Environmental Sciences from the University of London.

During his time with Wildscreen, Richard has built strong professional relationships with some of the most famous names in natural history media production, conservation biology and academia.

Ellie Dart, ARKive Online Outreach Manager

As the Online Outreach Manager, Ellie is responsible for ARKive’s digital communications. With considerable marketing experience, specifically digital communications, Ellie’s responsibilities include improving ARKive’s visibility online and increasing visits to the ARKive website. Ellie has an e-marketing Award from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) as well as a CIM professional diploma in Marketing and a degree in Geography.

Ellie is passionate about protecting the environment. Prior to joining Wildscreen, Ellie spent five years working on digital projects for the Environment Agency.

Michelle Lindley, ARKive Research Manager

One of the ARKive media team's most experienced members, Michelle joined Wildscreen prior to the launch of ARKive in 2003. Michelle's daily role includes: managing the ARKive media production workflows and processes, liaising with ARKive's media donors around the world, as well as locating and selecting video and images for the growing ARKive collection.

Prior to joining Wildscreen, Michelle carried out a six month voluntary research placement in Ireland, studying the local otter population. This fieldwork compliments her BSc in Zoology from the University of Sheffield and MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation from the University of Leeds.

Dr Verity Pitts, ARKive Research Manager

One of the senior members of ARKive's skilled and experienced media team, Verity's principal duties include: managing the day to day operations of the ARKive media team, researching imagery for the ARKive collection, communicating with the ARKive media donors and liaising with the in-house IT team.

Verity joined Wildscreen in 2003, after completing her PhD at the University of Bristol, following a degree in Zoology from the same institution.

Lucie Muir, ARKive Research Manager

Lucie joined Wildscreen in 2005, following the completion of her MSc in Wildlife Conservation and Management and degree in Zoology from the University of Newcastle. As part of the ARKive media team, Lucie's responsibilities include working with ARKive’s many media donors to select the films and photographs that make up the project’s unique multimedia collection.

Derek Kilkenny-Blake, ARKive Senior Editor

After undertaking a Wildlife Filmmaking degree at the University of Derby, and working for many years within Bristol's natural history filmmaking industry, Derek joined Wildscreen in November 2002. As ARKive's senior moving image and sound editor, Derek is responsible for the editing of the thousands of video clips that appear on the ARKive website. Derek is also project curator for WildFilmHistory – an online guide to the history and heritage of wildlife filmmaking – another of Wildscreen's key initiatives.

Merove Heifetz, Chief Operating Officer, Wildscreen USA

Merove joined Wildscreen USA as the Chief Operating Officer in January 2009, and is responsible for managing Wildscreen USA's operations. As an MBA graduate from the George Washington University School of Business, Merove's primary area of expertise is in nonprofit management with organisations that focus on international business, technology, conservation, and sustainable development. Prior to joining Wildscreen USA, Merove was responsible for the international expansion and general operations at MissionFish / eBay Giving Works – the online platform that enables nonprofits to raise funds on eBay. Her previous experience also includes working with Earthwatch Institute and Geekcorps. Merove has a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Boston University.

Liana Vitali, ARKive Science, Education and Outreach Officer, Wildscreen USA

As the ARKive Science, Education and Outreach Officer at Wildscreen USA, Liana is putting her experience in environmental education and her passion for wildlife photography to good use. On any given day, Liana may be traveling to conferences promoting ARKive, organizing special events and networking opportunities and managing the day-to-day responsibilities of the office. Prior to joining the Wildscreen USA team, Liana worked with the US Environmental Protection Agency at the Chesapeake Bay Program hosting public education events, writing blog entries and awarding grants supporting environmental restoration projects. Liana earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from The Pennsylvania State University.