My name is Meshack Lutoba Madata, and I am currently a Master's student in Applied Zoology at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. My journey into the field of research began with my academic background and grew through my passion for understanding the natural world, particularly in the field of biology and genetics. I started my formal education at Nyakaliro primary school in 2005 and completed in 2011 then I progressed to Nyakaliro Secondary School , where I completed my Ordinary Level education in 2015, followed by my Advanced Level studies at Kabanga Secondary School completed in 2018. During this period, I developed an interest in the sciences, particularly chemistry and biology, which laid the foundation for my academic path. This interest led me to Mkwawa University College of Education, where I pursued a Bachelor of Science with Education degree, majoring in Chemistry and Biology. In 2022, I began my career in academia as a Tutorial Assistant in Biology at Mkwawa University College of Education. Here, I specifically worked in Genetics and Evolution. This experience ignited my ambition to become a researcher, as I realized the importance of research in advancing our understanding of biological systems. I was particularly drawn to genetics as a field due to its potential to solve real-world problems related to biodiversity and conservation. In 2023, I was selected to join the Master’s Program in Applied Zoology at the University of Dar es Salaam, in the College of Natural and Applied Sciences. This opportunity has significantly shaped my academic path, allowing me to deepen my knowledge in zoology and its applications, particularly in the field of genetics. Currently, I am working on my Master's project, which focuses on the genetic diversity and delimitation of giraffe variants within the Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem in northern Tanzania. Giraffes, as iconic species in the African savannas, are facing various conservation challenges. Through this research, I aim to contribute to understanding the genetic differences between giraffe populations, which will aid in conservation efforts and in preserving the species’ diversity. By analyzing genetic markers, I hope to identify distinct genetic variants within giraffe populations across the ecosystem, contributing valuable data to the conservation and management strategies for giraffes in Tanzania and beyond. This is my first research project, and I am keenly aware of the challenges ahead, from designing the study to analyzing the genetic data. However, I am excited about the learning opportunities that will arise throughout this journey. This project is a stepping stone into the world of scientific research, and I believe it will not only shape my future career as a researcher but also contribute to the understanding of giraffe genetics and their conservation. As I progress with my research, I am committed to expanding my skills in molecular biology techniques, data analysis, and fieldwork. I aspire to continue my research in the broader fields of conservation genetics and evolutionary biology and to contribute to the scientific community's efforts to understand and preserve Africa’s unique wildlife. I look forward to the challenges and discoveries that lie ahead and am excited about the possibility of contributing to the conservation of giraffes and other species in the future.