Francis Ssenkuba | Aquatic | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Francis Ssenkuba | Aquatic | Young Scientist Award 

Mr. Francis Ssenkuba | Aquatic | PhD Researcher at Mbarara University of Science and Technology | Uganda

Aquatic – Mr. Francis Ssenkuba is a dedicated Ugandan biologist whose work focuses on freshwater ecosystems, particularly the parasites, invertebrates, and biodiversity of lakes and lotic systems in Uganda’s rift and forest regions. Born on 16 June 1998 in Kiboga, Uganda, Mr. Francis Ssenkuba earned his Bachelor of Science with Education (Biological) with First Class Honors (2018–2022), then went on to complete a Master of Science in Biology with a specialization in Natural Resources Ecology, Management and Conservation (2023–2024), and is currently pursuing a PhD in Biology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda — his doctoral research centers on point-of-care monitoring of schistosomiasis parasites in Lake Albert (Western Uganda) using environmental DNA (eDNA) loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays. Professionally, Mr. Francis Ssenkuba serves as PhD researcher under the Action towards Reducing Aquatic snail-borne Parasitic diseases (ATRAP) project at Mbarara University (since October 2024), and since May 2022 has also worked as a Research Assistant on a PhD project at Justus Liebig University Giessen (Germany), concerning aquatic biodiversity studies on Lake Albert and Lake Edward. In parallel, from July 2022 onward, he volunteers as a teaching assistant in Hydrobiology and Aquatic Science at the Department of Biology, Mbarara University. Mr. Francis Ssenkuba’s research interests include freshwater ecology and conservation, aquatic macroinvertebrates and molluscs, parasite-host relationships (including schistosomiasis), biodiversity monitoring using molecular methods (eDNA), conservation assessment of threatened species (e.g. molluscs, odonates), and taxonomic inventory of aquatic fauna in tropical African lakes and forest streams. His research skills encompass field sampling of aquatic organisms, environmental DNA metabarcoding and LAMP-based assays, taxonomic identification (macroinvertebrates, molluscs, odonates), ecological survey design, conservation assessment protocols, data analysis for biodiversity and community structure, and project coordination. Mr. Francis Ssenkuba has also secured several research grants — notably as Principal Investigator for a conservation assessment of endemic threatened Odonate species in the Albertine Rift (Echuya Forest Reserve and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park) funded by Rufford Foundation (≈ US$10,491, ongoing since September 2025), and a mollusc and crustacean inventory in Lakes Mutanda and Bunyonyi (Southwestern Uganda) funded via Save Our Species / Conservation Action Fund (≈ US$7,528, 2023–2024). He contributed as a team member in a project rediscovering critically endangered gastropods in Lakes Edward and Albert (Rufford-funded), and also led a short-term survey of odonates in Afromontane forests (Rufford grant ~ US$7,516, 2023). Through these efforts, Mr. Francis Ssenkuba has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to bridging molecular ecology, traditional taxonomy and conservation science to safeguard freshwater biodiversity. In conclusion, Mr. Francis Ssenkuba represents a new generation of aquatic conservationists combining rigorous academic training, hands-on field and molecular research, and active conservation engagement; his work not only enhances scientific understanding of Uganda’s ragged freshwater ecosystems but also contributes critically needed baseline data and conservation assessments that can inform future management and policy — thereby embodying the promise of impactful, ecosystem-oriented science for tropical freshwater conservation.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Bálint, M., Tumusiime, J., Nakintu, J., Baranski, D., Schardt, L., Romahn, J., Dusabe, M.-C., Tolo, C. U., Kagoro, G. R., & Ssenkuba, F. (2024). Environmental DNA barcoding reveals general biodiversity patterns in the large tropical rift Lake Albert. Science of the Total Environment.
Ssenkuba, F., Komujuni, C., & Tumusiime, J. (2022). In vitro anthelmintic activity of Leonotis nepetifolia ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts on Fasciola gigantica. Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, 14(4), 82–90.
Ssenkuba, F., Tumusiime, J., Akite, P., Toloa, E., Ndimulodi, J., Dusabe, C., Albrecht, C., & Kagoro, G. (2025). Unveiling Management Implications for Odonata Assemblages in Tropical Rain Forests of the Albertine Rift, Uganda. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems.

 

José Fernandes Bezerra-Neto | Limnology | Distinguished Academic Leadership Award

Published on by Academic Achievements

Assoc. Prof. Dr. José Fernandes Bezerra-Neto | Limnology | Distinguished Academic Leadership Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. José Fernandes Bezerra-Neto | Limnology – Associate Professor at Federal University of minas Gerais, Brazil

José Fernandes Bezerra Neto is a distinguished academic in the field of environmental sciences, specializing in biogeochemistry, ecology, and aquatic ecosystems. His work primarily focuses on the dynamics of dissolved organic matter (DOM), biogeochemical cycles, and greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 and CH4) from tropical aquatic environments. As an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), he has significantly contributed to the understanding of ecosystem metabolism, water balance, and organic matter degradation in tropical lakes. His scholarly contributions have not only advanced scientific knowledge but have also influenced environmental policies and management strategies. With a remarkable career spanning several research areas, including limnology and ecological modeling, he continues to lead groundbreaking studies that impact both local and global environmental sustainability.

Profile:

Orcid | Scopus

Education:


José Fernandes Bezerra Neto’s educational journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) in 1999, where he developed a keen interest in ecological research. He further advanced his academic expertise with multiple postdoctoral fellowships. His first postdoctoral experience at UFMG focused on limnology and ecosystem ecology, and he later pursued additional postdoctoral work at the University of Alberta, Canada, under the support of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Brazil. His academic training has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of ecological systems, making him a prominent figure in his field. Throughout his education, he built a robust foundation for his current research on tropical aquatic systems and environmental sustainability.

Experience:

José Fernandes Bezerra Neto’s academic and professional experiences have been marked by both leadership and impactful research. He has been serving as a professor at UFMG since 2015, where he holds a position in the Department of Biological Sciences. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to mentor a diverse group of students and researchers, guiding them through complex ecological and environmental challenges. His extensive research experiences, including his involvement in tropical ecosystem modeling and his contributions to the understanding of dissolved organic matter in aquatic systems, have earned him recognition in academic circles. Bezerra Neto’s leadership has extended to securing funding from notable Brazilian research agencies such as CNPq, CAPES, and FAPEMIG, allowing him to advance his projects and collaborate with both national and international scientists. This combination of teaching, research, and leadership positions him as a leader in environmental sciences.

Research Interests:


Bezerra Neto’s research interests center on the biogeochemistry of carbon, focusing on the degradation processes of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in tropical aquatic environments. His work explores the effects of environmental factors on the emission and oxidation of greenhouse gases such as CO2 and CH4. He is also interested in understanding ecosystem metabolism, water balance, and the dynamics of organic matter in lakes. His studies are pivotal for understanding tropical ecosystems’ role in global biogeochemical cycles, especially regarding the impact of human activity and climate change on water quality and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, his expertise in the optics of water and the thermal structure of aquatic systems contributes to a more nuanced understanding of environmental processes in freshwater bodies.

Awards:


José Fernandes Bezerra Neto’s scholarly contributions have earned him various recognitions in the scientific community. He has been awarded several prestigious research grants from Brazilian agencies such as CNPq and CAPES, allowing him to carry out significant studies on tropical aquatic systems. Although he has not yet received the “Distinguished Academic Leadership Award,” his body of work demonstrates the level of dedication and innovation that is deserving of such an honor. His leadership and contributions to advancing the understanding of tropical ecosystems, both in terms of scientific knowledge and in the application of environmental policies, make him an exemplary candidate for such recognition. His continued focus on interdisciplinary research further solidifies his standing as a respected leader in his field.

Publications:


Bezerra Neto’s research has led to a significant number of influential publications. Here are seven of his most notable works:

  1. “Forest-lake ecotones in a tropical forest: Terrestrial invertebrate inputs to lakes decrease with forest distance” (2022) – Freshwater Biology 🧑‍🔬📚
    Cited by: 1
  2. “Modelling the abundance of a non-native mollusk in tropical semi-arid reservoirs” (2022) – Hydrobiologia 🐚📖
    Cited by: 3
  3. “Rainfall and drainage basin shape strongly control temporal and spatial variation of dissolved organic matter in a tropical lake” (2022) – Limnology 🌧️💧
    Cited by: 7
  4. “Characteristics of hydroclimatic conditions in the Rio Doce State Park (MG)” (2022) – Biota 🌳🌊
    Cited by: 2
  5. “Dams pose a critical threat to rivers in Brazil’s Cerrado hotspot” (2022) – Water 🌍⚠️
    Cited by: 1
  6. “Water quality evaluation and dissolved organic matter characterization of a tropical hypereutrophic reservoir” (2021) – Environmental Science and Pollution Research 💧📊
    Cited by: 8
  7. “Is it stochastic? Chaoborus larvae bioturbation likely affect the timing of daily methane (CH4) ebullitive flux in a tropical reservoir” (2020) – Hydrobiologia 🌾💨
    Cited by: 6

Conclusion:


José Fernandes Bezerra Neto’s academic journey is a testament to his leadership in environmental science and his impactful contributions to the understanding of tropical aquatic ecosystems. His research not only advances scientific knowledge but also holds immense practical value for the conservation of aquatic environments and the management of greenhouse gases in the context of global climate change. His extensive publication record, mentorship, and leadership in the academic community highlight his deserving candidacy for the “Distinguished Academic Leadership Award.” Bezerra Neto’s dedication to both research and education underscores his ongoing influence in environmental sciences, making him a highly respected figure within his field.