Jean Damascène UZABAKIRIHO
Senior Lecturer
Windhoek
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Language
Work History
Senior Lecturer
University of Namibia
01.1997 - Current
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology
- A. Lecturer (2012 until now) subject taught: Origins of Microbiology (S3511TM) First-year Microbiology and Biochemistry, Introduction to Microbiology (MBL3632) 2nd-year Microbiology, Environmental Biology and Chemistry and Biochemistry, Microbial Systematics (MBL3611) 2nd year Microbiology, Microbial Ecology (BLG3701) 3rd year Microbiology and Environmental Biology, Research project (BLG3810) 4th year Microbiology, Environmental Biotechnology (MME5911) MSc Microbiology, Extremophiles(MME59220) MSc Microbiology, Microbiology of Wastewater (MME5912) MSc Microbiology
- B. Senior laboratory Technologist (June 2011 to 2012)
- C. Laboratory Technologist (1997-2010)
Regional Manager of Gikongoro Water Treatment Plant
ELECTROGAZ
01.1990 - 01.1994
Teacher at ESO Secondary School
Ministry of Basic Education
09.1989 - 07.1990
Education
PhD - Microbiology
University of Namibia
01.2016
Master of Science - Biology
National University of Rwanda
01.1989
BSc - Biology
National University of Rwanda
01.1987
Humanities High School Certificate - A level
Lycée de Kigali
01.1983
Skills
Microbiology, Studying plant-microbe interactions, Molecular genetics, Bioprospection, Bioremediation and Extremophiles, Water and Food quality assessment
References
Isaac, Mapaure, Professor of Ecology/Environmental Biology Department of Environmental Sciences, imapure@unam.na, +264 61 206 3133, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia, Fax: +264 61 206 4624
Accomplishments
- A) In 2016, I obtained my PhD in MICROBIOLOGY. My study was entitled “Diversity and distribution of Tylosema Esculentum endophytes bacteria communities in Omitara, Harnas and Otjinene, Eastern Namibia”. Tylosema esculentum is a nutritious drought-avoiding and climate change contender plant for future agriculture. It is endemic to the Kalahari Desert. This study assessed the density, diversity and distribution of endophytic microbial community structures associated with leaves, stems, and tuberous roots of T. esculentum in Eastern Namibia using culture-dependent and independent methods. Our results suggested that the microbial community composition was mainly governed by the plant parts rather than its location or sampling time. All microbial communities fell into two clades distinct from known cultivated bacteria. Sequences obtained in this study have shown similarities with the ones occurring in water-stressed environments with plant growth-promoting traits. In conclusion, T. esculentum bean lives in a community with a large diversity of potential plant growth-promoting bacteria.
- B) After serving for more than 15 years as a Technician in the Department of Biological Sciences, with some colleagues I got actively involved in the drafting of the “UNAM CAREER PATH FOR ACADEMIC SUPPORT STAFF POLICY”. This led to the creation of a platform for promotion and career advancement based upon the individual’s merit and achievement.
- A clearly defined organogram with the following advantages was designed:
- (i) Well defined organizational structure that would simplify the flow of responsibilities and the consultation between management, staff and the students through well aligned communication channels and an enhanced scope/area of delegation of individual responsibilities.
- (ii) To implement and develop Faculty/Centre Technical sub-structures as the solution towards realization of well-organized fulfilling academic support (teaching, research and community service) duties.
- (iii) To develop priorities of the Faculty that are revealed on a well-defined organogram.
- (iv) To promote the retention of academic support staff.
- (v) To support academic support staff that are motivated to ascend in their career path, thus stimulating enthusiasm towards their duties.
- C) Wrote a successful grant proposal entitled (2021): “Food security and Nutrition Improvement by Fostering protein-rich legume using low-cost Biotechnology in Namibia (FOODSECBIO)”. In collaboration with Prof. PM Chimwamurombe, Prof H. Kwaambwa, Dr Dipti Ranjan, Dr JD Uzabakiriho, Prof. Awofolu, Omotayo.
- D)Active member of School of Science Decentralised Ethics Committee MSc Microbiology Coordinator in the Department of Biological Sciences
- E)Active member of the Needs Assessment for MSc Natural Sciences (Namibia University of Science and Technology, NUST)
- F) Programme advisory committee member for the Department of Health Science (Namibia University of Science and Technology, NUST) US-Namibia IRES (International Research Experience for Students) member
Publications
- 1. Uzabakiriho JD, Shikongo LK and Chimwamurombe PM. Preliminary investigation of Alternaria tenuissima (Kunze ex Pers) Wilshire and Phoma spp co-infecting Tylosema esculentum (Burchell) A. Shreiber (Marama bean) seeds pods in Namibia. A paper presented at the 2nd Conference on Tropical Crops Biotechnology, Casa do Sol, Hazy View (Mpumalanga), South Africa; 22-25th July, 2009.
- 2. Uzabakiriho JD, Shikongo LK and Chimwamurombe PM. DNA-based detection of Alternaria tenuissima (Kunze ex Pers) Wilshire and Phoma spp co-infecting Tylosema esculentum (Burchell) A. Shreiber (Marama bean) seeds pods in Namibia. A paper presented at the 13th Agricultural Scientific Society of Namibia (AGRISSON) Congress: Climate Change and Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa: Current Agriculture Innovations. 1-2 July 2009. Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Ogongo Campus (Oshakati Country Hotel). Namibia
- 3. F.T Kamati, J.D Uzabakiriho, C. Mukakalisa. Antibacterial and antioxidant activity of L –asparaginase producing actinomycetes from the Aminuis salt pan in Omaheke. Presentation done at the Faculty of Science Annual Research Conference, UNAM, Main Campus, Windhoek 16-17 November 2016.
- 4. M. Jabisa, J.D. Uzabakiriho, C. Mukakalisa, A. Mbangu. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of bioactive compounds extracted from halophilic fungi from Aminuis Salt Pan. Presentation done at the Faculty of Science Annual Research Conference, UNAM, Main Campus, Windhoek 16-17 November 2016.
- 5. C.Siyamba, J.D. Uzabakiriho. Isolation and characterization of endophytic actinomycetes from marama bean for antimicrobial activity in Omaheke region. Presentation done at the Faculty of Science Annual Research Conference, UNAM, Main Campus, Windhoek 16-17 November 2016.
- 6. E. Iipumbu, J.D. Uzabakiriho. Characterization of culturable diazotrophic bacteria with plant growth promoting traits, associated with Tylosema esculentum (Marama beans) in Omaheke region. Presentation done at the Faculty of Science Annual Research Conference, UNAM, Main Campus, Windhoek 16-17 November 2016.
- 7. A. Kanku, Cheikhyoussef, J. D. Uzabakiriho Characterization and Screening of Enzymatic activity and Probiotic function of Endophytic bacteria isolated from Marama bean. Presentation done at the Faculty of Science Annual Research Conference, UNAM, Main Campus, Windhoek 16-17 November 2016.
- 8. M. Matongo, J.D. Uzabakiriho. L-asparaginase producing endophytic fungi isolated from Marama bean of Aminuis and Otjinene in Omaheke. Presentation done at the Faculty of Science Annual Research Conference, UNAM, Main Campus, Windhoek 16-17 November 2016.
- 9. T.K. Chulu, J.D. Uzabakiriho. Isolation and Characterization of Siderophore producing bacteria associated with Tylosema Esculentum occurring in Omaheke Region, Eastern Namibia. Presentation done at the Faculty of Science Annual Research Conference, UNAM, Main Campus, Windhoek 16-17 November 2016.
- 10. J. Kanyanda, M.E Lang and JD Uzabakiriho. Evaluation of antibacterial and antioxidant properties of endophytic actinomycetes isolated from Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s Claw). Presentation done at the Faculty of Science Annual research Conference, Main Campus, Windhoek 14-15 November 2018.
- 11. L.T.T Makoti, E.M Lang and JD Uzabakiriho. Antioxidant, antibacterial and enzymatic activity producing actinomycetes associated with Harpagophytum procumbens. Presentation done at the Faculty of Science Annual research Conference, Main Campus, Windhoek 14-15 November 2018.
- 12. U. Tjijenda, J. D Uzabakiriho and P.M Shipoh. Isolation and characterization of plant growth promoting seed bacterial endophytes associated with Cleome gynadra in Omusati Region of Northern Namibia. Presentation done at the Faculty of Science Annual research Conference, Main Campus, Windhoek 14-15 November 2018.
SUPERVISION OF POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS DURING THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW
- Masters Esther Iyamboh N Plant Growth Promotion ability of ACC deaminase-containing rhizobacteria associated with Pennisetum glaucum (mahangu) under drought conditions. Examination stage
- Masters Sally Johana Shiindi Evaluation of food safety management and hygiene practices by local informal food vendors – a case study of Ekutu-Iyatika informal food market - Walvis Bay, Erongo Region, Namibia. Examination stage
- Masters Sinvula Calvin Alambao Synergetic antimicrobial activity of bioactive secondary metabolites from endophytic fungi and actinomycetes associated with Cassia abbreviata oli. subsp. Beareana (Holmes) Brenan Examination stage
- Masters Ginindza Thembakadzi Kamelu Investigating seed bacterisation with plant growth-promoting endophytes on Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra) productivity and nutrient accumulation under controlled conditions Write up stage
- Masters Hobasen Chamanda /Uiras Comparison of ammonia synthesis by genetically engineered & wild-type Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilus from food by-products. Proposal
- Masters Antimicrobial resistance profile of Enterobacteriaceae recovered from dried foods (mopane worms and dry spinach) at selected retail points in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Proposal
- PhD Iyaloo H Ndunge Impacts of bush encroachment on vegetation diversity, pedological conditions and soil microbial diversity. Data collection
CONTRIBUTION AS EXTERNAL AND/OR INTERNAL MODERATOR
- Dates Institution Subject area Undergraduate/postgraduate
- SEMESTER 2/2018/19 NUST BIOTECHNOLOGY COURSE FOR BSC PROGRAMME UNDERGRADUATE
- SEMESTER 1 NUST BIOINFORMATICS FOR HONOURS PROGRAMME POSTGRADUATE
- 1 NUST MICROBIAL SYSTEMATICS AND PROCESSES FOR HONOURS PROGRMME POSTGRADUATE
- 2 NUST ENVIRONMENTAL INDUSTRIAL AND MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR HONOURS PROGRA POSTGRADUATE
REVIEW OF THESES
- MSc Thesis examination for Ngajozikue Kuhepa Kavikairua (2017). Title of the thesis: Application of bioaugmentation to improve nitrification at the Gammams wastewater treatment plant.
- MSc Thesis examination for Maria A Angula (2017). Title of the thesis: Identification and characterization of beneficial Microbiota in beef biltong from Namibian Central regions.
- MSc Thesis examination for Johannes Nkandi (2017). Title of the thesis: Microbiological quality of fresh beef sold in Windhoek City, Republic of Namibia.
- Ph D Thesis and Oral examination for Sunette Walter (2018). Title of the thesis: Prevalence, antibiotic resistance trends, virulence and effect of some medicinal plant on Staphylococcus isolates isolated from school children in the Mariental District of Namibia.
- MSc Thesis and oral examination for Lucille Dausab (2018). Title of the thesis: An investigation into the prevalence of point mutations associated with antimalarial drug resistance in plasmodium falciparum found in the Zambezi Region of Namibia.
- PhD Thesis and oral examination for Nailoke Pauline Kadhila ( 2019). Title of the thesis: Evaluation of indigenous Namibian mushrooms and plants for antimalarial properties
- MSc Thesis examination for Nambundunga Aina M (2019). Title: Isolation and characterization of Bifidobacteria populations in infants in the Khomas Region.
- MSc Thesis and Oral examination for Ms Tiffany Claasen (2020). Title of the thesis: Assessment of borehole water quality and efficiency of homemade water filter purification devices in Hardap region, southern Namibia.
- MSc Thesis and Oral examination for Mr Abner Tomas (2020). Title of the thesis: Ethnobotanical survey and in vitro evaluation of antimicrobial activity of plants traditionally used as herbs and spices from Kabbe Constituencies in Zambezi Region, Namibia
- MSc Thesis and Oral examination for Mr Augustinus Mbangu (2020) Title of the thesis: Molecular screening of potential bat-borne hantaviruses and determination of bat species richness and composition in selected habitats within the woodland and savanna biomes in Namibia.
- MSc Thesis and oral examination for Ms Rosalia Joseph (2020). Title of the thesis: The efficacy of indoor residual spraying and insecticide susceptibility status of anopheles mosquito population from selected malaria endemic regions of northern Namibia.
- MSc Thesis examination for Alice S Mukwata (2022).Thesis Title: Genetic Diversity and Ethnomycological Study of Temitomyces Mushrooms in the Zambezi region
- MSc Thesis examination for Jennifer Ndura (2022). Thesis title: Potential of selected microalgae in bioremediation of wastewater polluted dam water: a case of Goreangab dam in Windhoek, Namibia
- MSc thesis examination for Kaulo Salushando (2022). Thesis title: Investigation of the effects of prebiotics on the growth performance and gastrointestinal microflora modulation in Oreochromis mossambicus in Hardap Region, Namibia.
- MSc thesis examination for Florencia Silvia Tusevo Petelo (2022). Thesis title: Bacteria associated with petroleum hydrocarbon wastes in Kupferberg landfill dumpsite, Windhoek.
Graduated MSc and PhD students from May 2019 to 2024
- Mr. Charlie Chaluma Luchen (MSc) Isolation and characterization of Vigna unguiculata nodule symbionts and evaluating cowpea yield in response to bio inoculants in the Kavango Region.
- Mr. Ameya Matheus-Auwa (MSc) Prevalence of bacterial zoonosis in selected trophy hunted species and the potential human health risk in Northeast Namibia.
- Ms Florence. Muyoba Mukelebai (MSc) Impact of biofertilizer inoculants on yields of cowpea varieties grown in Omusati region of Namibia.
- Mrs Lang, LB (MSc) Evaluation of antioxidant and DNA damage protecting properties of Harpagophytum procumbens’ (Devil’s Claw) endophytic actinomycetes.
- Shipoh PM (MSc) Isolation, characterization and genetic diversity of Cleome gynandra L. seed endophytes.
- Wynand Swart (MSc) Assessment of microbial communities of olive fermentation in Namibia using dependent and independent methods.
- Hafeni Hamalwa (MSc) Systematics and population structure of the Kenyan cheetah based on mitochondrial DNA analyses.
- Hatutale, M (MSc) Veronguavi Kaura Protein and Microbial Profiling of Buffalo Frog Meat in Northern Namibia
- Faith F Kavishe (MSc) Genetic diversity of Dolichos lablab (Lablab purpureus (L.) sweet) and identification of its rhizosphere bacteria in Namibia
- Veronguavi Kaura (MSc) Isolation and Characterisation of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizospheres bacteria from Tylosema esculentum (Burchell) Schreiber and Vigna subterraneam (L.) Verdc in Namibia
- Paidamoyo N Characterisation and isolation of beneficial bacteria in selected arid climate legumes for use in common legumes in Namibia
- Mataranyika (PhD)
Timeline
Senior Lecturer
University of Namibia
01.1997 - Current
Regional Manager of Gikongoro Water Treatment Plant
ELECTROGAZ
01.1990 - 01.1994
Teacher at ESO Secondary School
Ministry of Basic Education
09.1989 - 07.1990
Master of Science - Biology
National University of Rwanda
BSc - Biology
National University of Rwanda
Humanities High School Certificate - A level
Lycée de Kigali
PhD - Microbiology
University of Namibia
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