Current degree:                PhD Applied Hydrobiology

Type of mobility:              PhD Degree Seeking Mobility

Host university:                Federal University of Technology, Minna

Home university:              Makerere University

Summary:

The need for sustainable management of aquatic resources is my source of motivation. Anthropogenic activities (such as agricultural intensification, industrialization and urbanization) are increasing, and so are the associated effects on aquatic ecosystems. As result, the functioning and survival of the inhabiting organisms is being compromised. there is urgency for sustainable interventions to protect these ecosystems. I have skills in environmental management, aquatic research, data presentation, training/teaching as well as project administration. After my degree, I would like to continue engaging in research aimed at conservation of aquatic resources and capacity building.

Research:

My current research project is on ‘Effect of multiple stressors on macroinvertebrates in streams around Niger State of Nigeria’. Streams ecosystems are being affected by the increasing anthropogenic activities such as alteration of riverine vegetation, direct modification of the water flow (through damming, channelization) and increased organic and inorganic pollution. These activities are exposing stream ecosystems to multiple stressors whose direct, indirect and combined effect negatively impact organism composition, physiology, behaviour and interactions. Understanding the effects of multiple stressors on species populations, communities and the ecosystem functioning is still a major challenge. This has hindered identification and prioritization of key management issues in freshwater (stream) conservation. It is therefore important to understand individual and combined effects of multiple stressors on stream biodiversity to facilitate effective management and restoration of streams as well as understanding of important ecological principles.

Previously, I worked on a research project titled ‘morphological and genetic characterisation of bivalves with respect to their diversity and distribution in Murchison Bay, Lake Victoria, Uganda’ for my MSc dissertation. This research aimed at documenting information regarding the characterisation and ecology (diversity and distribution) of bivalves to guide their exploitation.

Projects:

Harnessing Dietary Nutrients of under-utilised fish and fish-based products in Uganda (NutriFish) project, Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences

Harnessing the High Protein and Nutrient Sequestration Potential of Bivalves for Value Addition for Enhanced Profitability of Smallholder Aquaculture in Uganda (Bivalves for fish Project), Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences

Skills and Expertise:

Teaching; Use and handling of field and laboratory equipment; water sample collection and laboratory analysis of water quality; data management; Report writing; Project Administration;

Courses:

February, 2021: Practical training in data management and applied biostatistics for graduate students, Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

July-August, 2018: Tropical Ecology and Conservation, Mpala Research Centre, Laikipia County, Kenya

March, 2017: Data Management Skills, Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

November, 2016: Scientific Communication and Publishing, Speke Hotel, Kampala Uganda

Connections:

LinkedIn: Diana Nantege

Twitter Handle – @diananantege

Last Modified: Fri, 18 Feb 2022 10:37:50 SAST