Michelle Thompson

Technical & Research Officer

I’m an ecophysiologist with varied interests. I spent my undergraduate years at the University of Pretoria and went on to complete all my postgraduate degrees at the institution. I have always had an interest in marine biology and for my Honours research I examined the learning capabilities of benthic sharks, after which I moved to terrestrial species studying torpor and rewarming in eastern rock sengis for my Masters and heat stress in desert birds for my PhD.

I was fortunate enough to be a birder field assistant for a project working with small procellariforms (burrowing petrels) on Marion Island over the 2018/19 year where I fell in love with the unique ecosystem and the species that inhabit the island.

I currently provide administrative, technical and research support to the Marion Island Marine Mammal Programme (MIMMP).

Email: michelle.thompson@up.ac.za