Sullamithe Mercy Manduwa

Sullamithe Mercy Manduwa is a Master of Science in Biological Sciences (by Research) student at the University of Malawi, supported through the University of Malawi-University of Cambridge Lake Malawi Ecosystem Research Collaboration. Her research applies environmental DNA techniques to study freshwater biodiversity and fish community composition in Lake Malawi. She integrates molecular and ecological data to contribute to the sustainable conservation and management of the life supported by the lake. Her interest in advancing the conservation and sustainability of freshwater ecosystems extends through impactful collaborations with scientists from different institutions including the University of Cambridge, Bangor University, Institute of Science Tokyo, and Antwerp University on multidisciplinary studies addressing biodiversity, conservation, and genomic diversity in the African Great Lakes. Sullamithe strives to use innovative, science-based approaches to strengthen the sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems while empowering local communities to participate in the protection of Africa’s Great Lakes. Her current projects include collaborative work with the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development initiative, conducting environmental DNA studies in Lake Malawi as part of the project’s innovative research areas of sustainability. She is also an active member of the African Women in Science program, where she works alongside women scientists dedicated to advancing the preservation, conservation, and management of the African Great Lakes.