Dr. Nobuhle Ndhlovu

Nobu is a Fisheries Management Expert at the FAO. She has experience in working in the fisheries of Lake Kariba shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe. She holds a doctoral degree in Sustainability Science from UNU-IAS, Japan. She completed her basic degree in Zimbabwe. Nobu is well-traveled and has experienced diverse cultures.

Nobu’s expertise: Fisheries biology, Sustainability sciences, Water Resource Management

Nobu’s Qualifications:

• PhD in Sustainability Science – UNU-IAS, Tokyo, Japan.
• M.Sc. in Integrated Water Resources Management – University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe.
• B.Sc. in Biological Sciences – Midlands State University, Zimbabwe.

Tell us about your field of work.

I work as a Fisheries Management Expert at the FAO to support the development and management of inland small-scale fisheries in Zimbabwe. I really enjoy my work and it is a great feeling to be able to contribute to the community.

How did you get into this field?

I’m passionate about the sustainability of small-scale fisheries (SSF) and always wanted to see the creation of employment in SSF sectors and the eradication of poverty. That led me to this field and eventually, my career took off.

Do you think having a PhD elevates your career opportunities?

Yes. The PhD research on fisheries and climate change definitely set me on the career path. It indeed increased my employability. I encourage anyone who is interested in doing a PhD to commence one, without doubting it. It is a difficult journey but a rewarding one for sure.

How did you apply to the PhD program in Japan?

I applied to many places, but I really wanted the UNU program as it focuses on contemporary issues and allowed me to include all principles of sustainability in my studies. I received a full scholarship from the JF-UNU (Japanese Foundation for the United Nations University) to support my PhD and accommodation while in Japan.

What was it like to do a PhD in Japan as an international student?

Awesome experience. The exposure was great and Japan is one of the leading countries as far as implementing the SDGs is concerned. It is a great place to live and study as well. You get to experience the world’s finest technology. I was indeed fortunate enough to study in Japan and there isn’t anything negative to say.

What advice would you give to anyone who is interested in pursuing higher studies in your field?

Go for it! There’s a lot to do in the field of fisheries, both marine and inland. Capture fisheries are depleting, and fish farming is now the proposed solution to fill the gap. There are lots of opportunities around fisheries management today. All you have to do is to look around.

Connect with Nobu

Bhagya Jayawardana

Bhagya is a final year PhD candidate at the Western Sydney University, Australia. She also works as a Sessional Lecturer at the Australian College of Applied Professionals (ACAP). Bhagya grew up in Colombo, Sri Lanka. She obtained her bachelor’s degrees from the Open University and the National Institute of Social Development in Sri Lanka. She has a master’s degree from the Tribhuvan University, Nepal. She likes hiking and reading books during her leisure time. She is also a great cook.

Bhagya’s expertise: Peacebuilding and Reconciliation, Working with Communities and children, Social Work Ethics.                    

Bhagya’s Qualifications

• PhD (reading) in Peacebuilding and reconciliation, Western Sydney Univerisity, Australia.
• Master of Conflict, Peace and Development Studies, Tribhuvan University, Nepal.
• Master of Social Work, National Institute of Social Development, Sri Lanka.
• Bachelor of Social Sciences, Open university, Sri Lanka.
• Bachelor of Social Work , National Institute of Social Development, Sri Lanka.

Thilomi Samarakoon

Thilomi is currently a second-year PhD candidate at the Applied Ecological Engineering Laboratory, Saitama University, Japan, and she is also affiliated with the Department of Zoology and Environmental Management, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Thilomi obtained her bachelor’s degree in environmental conservation and management from the latter and her master’s degree in environmental toxicology from the Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Thailand. Her passion is researching how xenobiotics affect organisms at the molecular and genetic levels.

Thilomi’s expertise: Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Environmental Toxicology

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Thilomi’s Qualifications

• PhD (Reading), Saitama University, Japan.
• M.Sc. in Environmental Toxicology, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Thailand.
• B.Sc. (Hons.) in Environmental Conservation and Management (First Class), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.

Dr. Dinuke Munasinghe

Dinuke grew up in a suburb close to Colombo, Sri Lanka. He schooled at Carey College and Isipathana College Colombo before completing a Bachelor’s in Environmental Conservation and Management at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. He then went on to pursue his Master’s and PhD degree programs in the United States at the University of Alabama. He is currently attached to the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab. During his leisure time, he enjoys playing the guitar and playing sudoku.

Dinuke’s expertise: Riverine Sediment Transport, Hydrological Modelling, Remote Sensing, Flood Inundation Mapping, Environmental Flow (E-flow) Variation and Regulation.

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Dinuke’s qualifications

• Ph.D. University of Alabama, Geography; Concentration: Geographic Information Science.
• M.S. University of Alabama, Geography; Concentration: Geographic Information Science.
• B.Sc. University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, Environmental Conservation and Management.