Sullamithe Mercy Manduwa

Sullamithe Mercy Manduwa conducted her Master of Science in Biological Sciences (by Research) at the University of Malawi, in collaboration with the Durbin Group at the University of Cambridge, applying environmental DNA metabarcoding to assess freshwater fish biodiversity and community composition in Lake Malawi. Her work integrates molecular and ecological approaches to inform the conservation and sustainable management of one of the world's most biodiverse freshwater ecosystems.

Manduwa is a scientist who believes that the complexity of the African Great Lakes calls for innovative and collaborative science. Her research has brought her into active partnership with institutions across multiple continents, including the University of Cambridge, Bangor University, the Institute of Science Tokyo, and the University of Antwerp, as well as engagement with the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development. She builds these connections in service of research that is rigorous, relevant, and lasting.

As a member of African Women in Science, she works alongside women scientists dedicated to the conservation and management of Africa's Great Lakes. Sullamithe is committed to advancing field-grounded freshwater research and to strengthening the capacity of the next generation of scientists on the continent to participate meaningfully in the stewardship of these irreplaceable ecosystems.