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African Women in Science (AWIS)
Alumnae Network

Learn More About AWIS

The African Women in Science program is a transformative initiative for early-career African women scientists from the African Great Lakes region. The program aims to build capacity and offer mentorship opportunities for African women scientists who are actively engaged in African Great Lakes and freshwater research.

Participants will be a part of a 11-month cohort of African women scientists and become the next generation of African women scientists catalyzing positive change in the African Great Lakes.

The African Women in Science (AWIS) program is a joint program through the International Institute of Sustainable Development and the African Center for Aquatic Research and Education.

2020 Cohort

During 2020, ACARE worked with 11 African women scientists to present at the International Association for Great Lakes Research conference. This laid the groundwork for ACARE’s current African Women in Science leadership and capacity building program.

2022 Cohort

2024 Cohort

ETHIOPIA – LAKE TINSHU ABAYA

Yordanos Getachew Kasahun, a young scientist from Ethiopia, holds a background in Applied Biology and a Master’s in Aquatic Ecosystem and Environmental Management from Addis Ababa University. Her research is focused on limnological, biological, and ecological modeling for Lake Tinshu Abaya. Passionate about conservation and sustainability, she aspires to make a significant impact in these areas. With a strong dedication to preserving natural resources and biodiversity, Yordanos is committed to creating a more sustainable future.

UGANDA – LAKE VICTORIA

Christine Atuhaire, a PhD student at Makerere University, specializes in remote sensing of plastic litter in freshwater bodies. Her research uses Geomatics techniques and Satellite Remote Sensing to study plastic pollution dynamics. Dedicated to environmental science, her work aims to contribute to sustainability by providing practical solutions for cleaner water bodies. Christine’s commitment to conservation and management of aquatic ecosystems is evident, reflecting her passion for ensuring sustainable use of vital resources. Her research not only enriches academic discourse but also holds promise for real-world applications in improving water body health.

UGANDA – LAKES VICTORIA // ALBERT

Rose Basooma, a female aquatic scientist, boasts vast experience in fisheries, aquaculture management, and environmental conservation. She is currently a PhD Candidate at the Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU in Viena). Employing molecular techniques, her research monitors the ecological health of Ugandan wadeable streams and rivers with in the Lake Victoria Basin. Rose’s dedication to aquatic ecosystem conservation is palpable, driven by her fervor for ensuring sustainable resource utilization. Her research urges collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and environmental practitioners to enhance molecular approaches for freshwater biomonitoring in the region, emphasizing the importance of collective action for environmental stewardship.

TANZANIA – LAKES VICTORIA // MALAWI / NIASSA / NYASA // TANGANYIKA

Happiness Beda is a graduate of the University of Dar es Salaam earning a bachelor’s degree in Aquatic Science and Fisheries Technology. She is currently volunteering in a project called Clean Shore Great Lakes conducted at the three African Great Lakes ( L. Victoria, L. Nyasa and L. Tanganyika). This project aims to reduce plastic litter in the African Great Lakes, promotes citizen science and circular economy. She is passionate about the conservation and management of aquatic resources for sustainable development. As a member of a youth-led organization; Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA), she has been participating in several beach clean-ups even and also engaging in mangrove and coral reef restoration to ensure the conservation of these resources. She focuses on research concerning plastic pollution in Aquatic water bodies and its effects on aquatic species. She believes that one day she will be one of the leading women in addressing plastic pollution in the Aquatic ecosystem.

ZAMBIA – KAFUE RIVER // TANGANYIKA BASIN

Kezzy, a promising scientist and emerging researcher from Zambia, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture from Copperbelt University in Zambia. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Aquatic Animal Health and Ecosystem Management at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, conducting her research at the University of Zambia, College of Veterinary Sciences. Kezzy’s academic journey is fueled by her deep passion for ensuring the sustainability of freshwater environments and the sustainable utilization of aquatic resources. Her focus at the MSc level revolves around investigating heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, she is delving into other critical research areas, including the examination of macroplastics and microplastics in Lake Tanganyika and Kafue River. Kezzy’s multifaceted research interests underscore her dedication to addressing environmental challenges and promoting the well-being of aquatic ecosystems. As a fisheries and aquaculture scientist, Kezzy aims to help find solutions for issues like aquatic pollution, the repercussions of climate change, over-exploitation, the use of illegal, unregulated, and unreported gear, habitat degradation, invasive species leading to the extinction of aquatic biodiversity, and deterioration of aquatic environments. She seeks to make meaningful contributions to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 12, 13, and 14.

MALAWI – LAKE MALAWI / NIASSA / NYASA

Mbumba Chalira is a Fisheries conservation researcher in Lake Malawi with the USAID funded Restoring Fisheries for Sustainable Livelihoods Project in Malawi (REFRESH). She is also in her final year masters in biodiversity informatics at the Malawi University of Science and Technology. Her professional journey is fueled by a profound interest in leveraging technology for conservation. Her deep interest in the intersection of technology and environmental research compelled her to assess the effectiveness of remotely operated underwater vehicles as novel tools for assessing fish biodiversity in Lake Malawi.

MALAWI – LAKE VICTORIA

Mwayi Chirwa, a dedicated and passionate Malawian zoologist, has successfully completed a master’s program at Makerere University, focusing on the intricate dynamics of aquatic ecosystems and communities. My research centers on the “Power dynamics and marketing efficiency of silver cyprinids in Lake Victoria, Uganda”, contributing valuable understandings for the sustainable management of fisheries and the conservation of aquatic biodiversity. By delving into the complexities of power dynamics within the ecosystem and the associated value chain, Mwayi aims to enhance our understanding of the delicate balance governing interactions between actors along Lake Victoria’s value chain. She is currently affiliated with Mzuzu University where she is actively engaged in fisheries and socio-economic studies. Her ultimate goal is to become a productive female fisheries scientist the sector can rely on. Mwayi firmly believes in the transformative power of education, particularly for girls, as educating a girl child has the potential to positively impact the entire nation.

KENYA – LAKE VICTORIA

Alice Hamisi is an aquaculture specialist with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture from Maseno University, Kenya and currently undertaking a Master’s in Aquaculture from the same University. Her research work focuses on macroinvertebrates as bioindicator organisms to monitor the environmental status of Lake Victoria majorly focusing on the current increase in cage aquaculture. She aims to ensure proper management and sustainable utilization and conservation of the African Great Lakes resources for future generations, by championing the adoption of alternative means of producing fish i.e. land-based aquaculture. Alice is also a program manager and an enthusiast in matters of gender mainstreaming and community mobilization and enjoys working closely with women and youths on pursuing alternative means to ensure a change in the food systems.

ETHIOPIA – LAKE TINSHU ABAYA

Yordanos Getachew, a young scientist from Ethiopia, holds a background in Applied Biology and a Master’s in Aquatic Ecosystem and Environmental Management from Addis Ababa University. Her research is focused on limnological, biological, and ecological modeling for Lake Tinshu Abaya. Passionate about conservation and sustainability, she aspires to make a significant impact in these areas. With a strong dedication to preserving natural resources and biodiversity, Yordanos is committed to creating a more sustainable future.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO – LAKE KIVU

Brigitte Mongane is a Congolese scientist and an avid researcher who is currently pursuing a doctorate in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Official University of Bukavu. Her research study centers on the exploitation of methane gas in Lake Kivu and its potential impact on the socio-economic development of the Democratic Republic of Congo and other countries in the African Great Lakes Region. She has worked on projects that study effective ways of preventing water-borne diseases affecting riverside communities on Lake Kivu. Her areas of interest are the intersection of the lake’s natural resources with health promotion, sustainable management, and conservation of the environment and the socio-economic welfare of the region. She is passionate about women in STEM, the empowerment of young African women in science, and finding lasting solutions for the crisis in the pharmaceutical industry in her country.

KENYA – LAKE VICTORIA

Julia Obuya is an Environmental and Fisheries scientist with a strong commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. She is currently affiliated with Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute where she is actively engaged in fisheries and socioeconomic studies of Lake Victoria. Her research interest focusses on the threats posed by cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cHABs) in freshwater ecosystems. She is presently implementing an NSF-funded project to monitor cHABs in Lake Victoria. The project’s primary objective is to address cHABs in Lake Victoria and other freshwater systems, contributing to the co-creation of effective solutions to combat water quality challenges within the African Great Lakes. Julia has a master’s degree in Fisheries science and is passionate about research communication and the mobilization of riparian communities for positive social change.

TANZANIA – LAKE VICTORIA // LAKE MALAWI / NIASSA / NYASA

Aziza Hassan Said, a Lecturer and aquatic researcher at the University of Dodoma in Tanzania, is pursuing a PhD at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, specializing in Aquatic Toxicology. With prior experience as a Fisheries Officer with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, her research focuses on sustainable fisheries and the effects of pollutants on aquatic organisms and ecosystems. Through her Ph.D. studies, Aziza explores strategies to mitigate these impacts. Her blend of academic expertise and practical experience positions her as a vital contributor to aquatic research, fisheries management, and environmental conservation, showcasing her commitment to sustainable resource management and scientific advancement.

RWANDA – BILATE RIVER, ETHIOPIAN RIFT VALLEY RIVER BASIN

Iradukunda Valentine is a Hydrologist and Aquatic Scientist. She has a bachelor’s degree in Water and Environmental Engineering from the University of Rwanda and is pursuing a Master of Science in Water Management (Hydrology and Water Resources) at the Africa Center of Excellence for Water Management, Addis Ababa University; Ethiopia. Her research uses Remote Sensing, Climate, and Hydrological models to model river hydrological responses to Land Use Land Cover, and Climate Change. Valentine believes that healthy aquatic ecosystems and improved water management can lower greenhouse gas emissions and provide protection against climate hazards. Her ambition is to become a productive woman scientist who makes an impact in protecting our planet.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO – LAKE KIVU

Nancy Chimanuka is a lecturer and researcher at the Catholic University of Bukavu, passionate about environmental conservation and community development. She combines her academic expertise with field experience to address critical environmental challenges in the Lake Kivu basin, particularly in managing risks related to landslides and hydric erosion. Her recent work in the Ngweshe chiefdom has highlighted the importance of integrated watershed management for the preservation of natural resources and the reduction of hydric erosion. By combining field data, remote sensing tools, and community surveys, she applied the RUSLE method to estimate soil loss in a portion of the Lake Kivu watershed. This research emphasizes the direct impacts of erosion on the aquatic ecosystem of Lake Kivu. Her innovative approach integrates rigorous scientific methods with participatory solutions centered on local communities. Committed to capacity building, Nancy plays a key role in training and mentoring youth and women in her region, organizing practical workshops and scientific field visits to inspire and support students in their academic and professional journeys.

UGANDA – LAKE VICTORIA

Rebecca Dushimimana is a dedicated Aquatic Biologist with a bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture from Makerere University. She is affiliated with the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute, where she is actively engaged in fisheries and socio-economic studies on Lake Victoria and the River Nile. Her research focuses on vital role of women in the fish value chain, particularly in post-harvest activities. Rebecca advocates for the equitable inclusion of women in fisheries decision-making processes, emphasizing their significance in fostering sustainable resource management and community development. She aspires to be a stand out woman scientist, championing gender equity and inclusivity in the conservation and sustainable utilization of Africa’s Great Lakes. Through her dedication to empowering women and promoting resilient aquatic ecosystems, Rebecca strives to advance fisheries science and make a lasting impact on the sustainable management of aquatic resources.

MALAWI – LAKE MALAWI/NYASA/NIASSA

Sullamithe Manduwa is a University of Malawi researcher and Biological Sciences postgraduate student (Master of Science by Research) under the University of Malawi – University of Cambridge Lake Malawi ecosystem research collaboration. Her current research explores the use of Environmental DNA (eDNA) as a tool in the biomonitoring of Lake Malawi Fish Species. She ultimately aims to contribute in improving the research abilities of Malawians through the mastering of advanced and innovative technologies and skills while preserving all life through leading a multidisciplinary team of researchers towards sustainable development in Malawi and beyond. She has so far collaborated with renowned scientists from the University of Cambridge, University of Antwerp and other reputable universities around the world. She strives to be a part of greater collaborations that will build capacity for research in African Great Lakes.

MOZAMBIQUE – LAKE MALAWI/NYASA/NIASSA

Vanadia Renato Massingue is an early-career researcher from Mozambique, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Aquatic Animal Health and Ecosystem Management at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Malawi. Her passion for aquatic life began during her undergraduate studies in Marine Biology, where she developed a strong commitment to the sustainable use and conservation of aquatic resources. Currently, Vanadia is focused on studying microplastic pollution in Lake Niassa in order to assess its impact on aquatic ecosystems, raise awareness about the environmental risks, and contribute to effective conservation strategies to mitigate pollution in freshwater environments.

ETHIOPIA – LAKE TANA

Abrehet Kahsay is a freshwater ecologist specializing in the ecological dynamics of wetlands, rivers, and lakes. Currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries in Germany, her research focuses on the impacts of harmful algal blooms and environmental changes on plankton communities. She has extensive experience in teaching, research, and project management, having previously served as a lecturer at Bahir Dar University in Ethiopia. With a Ph.D. in Sciences from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, her work has advanced the understanding of tropical aquatic ecosystems affected by human activities. Passionate about empowering women in science, Abrehet advocates for biodiversity conservation and the sustainable stewardship of freshwater ecosystems, particularly in Africa.

KENYA – LAKES VICTORIA & TURKANA

Sharon Miniga is an environmental scientist with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with IT and is pursuing a Master of Science in Fisheries and Aquaculture at Maseno University. Her work focuses on freshwater ecology, emphasizing the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems. She has extensive experience in limnology, fisheries, and water quality research. She is currently working on a collaborative project between Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute and Cornell University to monitor Cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Blooms (cHABs) in Lake Victoria, Kenya with NSF funding. She is also working on ACARE-supported Lake Turkana limnological project, together with acoustic activities that aim to sustainably unlock the lake’s economic potential. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, she addresses environmental issues such as water quality and biodiversity loss. An advocate for environmental education, Miniga strives to inspire global efforts for conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.

KENYA – LAKE VICTORIA

Hilda is a research scientist working with the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) with over 10 years long standing research experience in fisheries and ecology in Lake Victoria. Her research work covers diverse areas of freshwaters biodiversity, conservation, fish catch assessment, fish stock assessment and marine spatial planning. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Biology and is currently involved in assessment of fish responses to environmental stresses in the face of climate change and changing habitats. Some key contributions in Lake Victoria include: Development of a Marine Spatial Plan and zonation for Lake Victoria (www.sawa/explore.blue) to inform aquaculture carrying capacity for Lake Victoria. She has also served as a member of the regional working group on biodiversity under the EU-EAC project ‘TrueFish Farming Story in the Lake Victoria Basin (TRUEFISH). Future research prospects include development of an early warning system using modern approaches like modelling to inform fisheries management in African Great lakes while promoting sustainable utilization of the lake’s resources and building resilience across communities.

ZAMBIA – KAFUE RIVER

Cecilia Mukuka is a fisheries and aquaculture professional with extensive experience in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development in Zambia, focused on sustainable aquatic resource management, conservation, and aquaculture development. She currently heads the Department of Fisheries in Kafue District under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, where she leads conservation initiatives for the Kafue River and promotes aquaculture development. Previously, she played a pivotal role in implementing the Zambia Aquaculture Enterprise Development Project in Kaoma District, contributing to strengthening the aquaculture sector, improving food security, and creating employment opportunities, with a special emphasis on empowering women and youth. Cecilia holds a BSc in Fisheries and Aquaculture from the Copperbelt University, Zambia, and a Master of Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University. She is also an emerging researcher, with her work focusing on assessing the ichthyofaunal status and sustainability in the Kafue River to inform resource management and support conservation strategies.

BURUNDI – LAKES TANGANYIKA AND RWERU

Evelyne is a graduate of the University of Burundi with a Masters Degree in Aquatic Science and Fisheries. She is a fisheries conservation researcher on Lakes Tanganyika and Rweru in the aquaculture sector. Passionate about conservation and sustainability, she aspires to make a significant impact in these areas. With a strong dedication to preserving natural resources and biodiversity. As a fisheries and aquaculture scientist, Evelyne aims to help find solutions for issues like aquatic pollution, the repercussions of climate change, over-exploitation, the use of illegal, unregulated, and unreported gear, habitat degradation, invasive species leading to the extinction of aquatic biodiversity, and deterioration of aquatic environments.

KENYA – LAKE VICTORIA

Harriet Okeyo, Masters student at Maasai Mara University and Research Associate at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, specialized in environmental studies with a focus on sustainable development and innovation. Her research focuses on the value addition of fish wastes to products of economic importance, focusing on her passion for sustainable solutions and circular economy practices with a particular interest in freshwater ecosystems. She is currently working an a collaborative project with youths in sustainable aquaculture (YISA), where she works intently with local communities, policymakers, and stakeholders to bridge the gap between science and practice. Her efforts aim to inspire sustainable behaviors, create economic opportunities, and advocate for robust utilization of fish wastes. Harriet is also working with the Lake Observations by Citizen Scientists & Satellites (LOCSS) which is an effort to better understand how the volume of water in lakes is changing over time on Lake Victoria. Through her research, she champions the untapped potential of fish waste as a resource for creating nutritious and eco-friendly products, addressing food security while minimizing environmental pollution. Her work continues to demonstrate the profound connection of science, sustainability, and socio-economic transformation.

TANZANIA – LAKE VICTORIA

Sophia is a Fisheries Research Officer, Fish Health Expert at the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute. She has been participating in different research activities especially in aquatic health, aquaculture, fish ecology, fish diseases and surveillance. Most of her research activities is located in freshwater particularly in Lake Victoria as she is based in TAFIRI Mwanza station. Ms. Sophia has been providing technical expertise to fish farmers on best aquaculture practices to avoid fish diseases outbreak in the farmed fish species in Lake Victoria, especially to cage fish farmers in Tanzania. She has been participating in research activities relating to fish ecology and evolution of cichlids fish species of Lake Victoria. Ms. Sophia has participated different international training programs to strengthen her career skills including fishbase and fish taxonomy, environmental DNA, Population genetic for conservation biology and many other technical skills for her career growth.

TANZANIA – LAKE VICTORIA // LAKE MALAWI/NIASSA/NYASA // TANGANYIKA

Dr. Asilatu Hamisi Shechonge is a Research Officer at the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute, specializing in Conservation Biology, Molecular Ecology, and Taxonomy. Her work focuses on the biodiversity of African freshwater fish, particularly cichlids and Oreochromis species. Dr. Shechonge employs advanced genetic techniques, including eDNA metabarcoding and molecular tools, to monitor and identify species, addressing threats such as invasive species and habitat degradation. She collaborates extensively with national and international researchers, contributing to the sustainable management of aquatic genetic resources. Dr. Shechonge has been actively involved in key projects like TRUEFISH, aimed at protecting aquatic biodiversity, and has authored over twenty publications in international journals. Her research plays a pivotal role in advancing knowledge and strategies for the conservation of freshwater ecosystems in Africa.

RWANDA – LAKE KIVU

Ujeneza Euphrosine is a dedicated professional with a strong background in bio organic chemistry, industrial chemistry and pollution control. She is actively engaged in research and analysis to evaluate the environmental impact of human activities on the ecosystem of Lake Kivu, where she is currently working on projects. Her work focuses on water quality monitoring of Lake Kivu and its tributaries. These contributions will significantly impact the sustainable management and conservation of Lake Kivu. Her goal is to significantly impact policies and practices that sustainably preserve freshwater resources for now and future generations.

AWIS Sponsors

The African Women in Science (AWIS) program is actively seeking partnerships. The success of AWIS relies on the support of donors who recognize what investing in the next generation of freshwater experts means for our global freshwater future. Together, we can answer the global call to enhance the participation of women in solving our most critical freshwater issues.

To support the AWIS program please contact Ted Lawrence, IISD-ACARE Executive Director, at ted@agl-acare.org