Dr. Betina Lukwambe Appointed Research Fellow at Michigan State University under AAP Programme
By Zamda George, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Betina Michael Lukwambe, a Senior Lecturer at the School of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Technology (SoAF), as a Research Fellow at Michigan State University in the United States.
This prestigious appointment is under the African Futures Research Leadership Programme (AAP), coordinated through the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) led by Michigan State University and designed to strengthen the research capacity of early and mid-career African scholars.
AAP supports collaborative research, leadership development, mentorship, and innovations in teaching. UDSM is among the African universities represented in the consortium.
Dr. Lukwambe is a distinguished scholar in aquaculture, environmental biotechnology, and marine microbiomes. She earned her PhD in Aquaculture from Ningbo University, China, and her research at UDSM focuses on sustainable aquaculture systems, waste management, aquatic disease control, nutrient cycling, and the use of molecular and microbiome-based approaches to improve ecosystem health.
Beyond her academic work, Dr. Lukwambe has demonstrated notable leadership within UDSM and the wider scientific community. She has served as Postgraduate Coordinator at SoAF, contributing to student admissions, programme delivery, and mentorship.
Internationally, she represents Tanzania on the Steering Committee of AfriMAQUA and sits on the board of the Blue Economy Organisation (BEO). She is also an active member of professional bodies including the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), and the Food Security & Nutrition Forum.
As part of Cohort 5 of the African Futures Research Leadership Programme, Dr. Lukwambe will engage in collaborative research projects, including studies on the social and environmental dimensions of cage culture governance in Tanzania. Her work will contribute to advancing sustainable aquaculture and blue economy practices while expanding UDSM's role in global research partnerships.
A Milestone for UDSM
Dr. Lukwambe's appointment underscores UDSM's growing reputation as a hub of research excellence and international collaboration. It also highlights the university's commitment to advancing solutions for pressing challenges in aquaculture, marine ecosystem health, and the blue economy, while empowering women in STEM fields.
Reflecting on her appointment, Dr. Lukwambe said: "This fellowship gives me an opportunity to contribute to sustainable aquaculture and blue economy solutions while strengthening collaborations between UDSM and global partners. I am proud to represent UDSM on this platform".
UDSM is an active member of the AAP Consortium, which connects Michigan State University with African universities to foster joint research, capacity building, and knowledge creation. Dr. Lukwambe's fellowship is yet another milestone in strengthening UDSM's contribution to global academic collaboration and sustainable development.