Tchalondawa Kisekelwa | Fish Diversity | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Tchalondawa Kisekelwa | Fish Diversity | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Institut Superieur Pedagogique of Bukavu, Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Prof. Dr. Tchalondawa Kisekelwa is an Associate Professor of Biology at the Institut Supérieur Pédagogique of Bukavu 🇨🇩. With a passion for aquatic biodiversity, he specializes in fish taxonomy, ecology, and systematics. His work combines classical field research with molecular techniques to explore the rich ichthyofauna of the Upper Congo Basin and Lake Kivu 🌊. He has discovered ten new fish species, authored multiple peer-reviewed papers, and contributed to ecological understanding in understudied regions. A dedicated educator and researcher, he is shaping the next generation of African scientists through his teaching and ongoing research efforts 🎓🔬.

Publication profile

Orcid

Education Background

Prof. Kisekelwa holds a Ph.D. in Biology from KU Leuven in Belgium 🇧🇪, where he developed expertise in evolutionary biology, systematics, and aquatic ecology. Prior to that, he completed his undergraduate and master’s studies in biological sciences in the Democratic Republic of the Congo 🇨🇩. His education laid a strong foundation in classical biology, and his doctoral work incorporated advanced molecular and ecological methodologies. Through international collaboration and rigorous academic training, he has gained both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that now drive his innovative research in fish diversity and ecosystem dynamics across Central Africa 🐟📘.

Professional Background

With over a decade of academic and research experience, Prof. Kisekelwa currently teaches Animal Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution at the Institut Supérieur Pédagogique of Bukavu 🏫. He leads and collaborates on multiple research projects focusing on freshwater fish ecology, biodiversity, and taxonomy. His fieldwork has led to the discovery of new species and valuable ecological insights in the Congo Basin 🗺️. He has worked on consultancy projects, authored 11 journal articles in high-impact publications, and participated in four active collaborations. His dual role as educator and field researcher allows him to merge classroom knowledge with real-world scientific impact 🧑‍🏫📊.

Awards and Honors

Though not widely decorated yet, Prof. Kisekelwa’s work is steadily gaining international recognition 🌍. His discovery of ten previously unknown fish species and published ecological findings in peer-reviewed journals demonstrate his contributions to African biodiversity science 🐠🧪. His candidacy for the Best Researcher Award reflects growing acknowledgment of his efforts in the academic and conservation community. As his research expands and collaborations deepen, more accolades and honors are likely to follow, especially for his pioneering work in the Upper Congo and Lake Kivu ecosystems 🌿. His commitment to advancing local and global scientific understanding is highly commendable.

Research Focus

Prof. Kisekelwa’s research centers on fish biodiversity, taxonomy, systematics, phylogeny, and ecology, particularly in the Upper Congo and Lake Kivu regions 🐟🧬. He uses both classical morphological studies and molecular tools to address ecological and evolutionary questions. His work includes describing new species, understanding trophic interactions, and exploring isotopic niche differentiation across species. Recent studies highlight the diversity and habitat preferences of species in the Labeobarbus genus 🧫🌱. His long-term goal is to develop a detailed understanding of fish communities and their ecological roles, contributing to regional conservation efforts and global knowledge of freshwater biodiversity 🌊📈.

Publication Top Notes

📘 Insight Into Trophic Niche Differentiation in Labeobarbus (Cyprinidae) in the Luhoho Basin (Upper Congo Basin)

 Year: 2025 🐟🌱🔍

📘 Description of a New Endemic Enteromius (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Upper Malagarazi in Burundi

 Year: 2025🐠📍🛡️

📘 An Updated Checklist of the Fishes from the Upper Malagarazi (Lake Tanganyika Basin) in Burundi

 Year: 2024 📝🌊🗺️

📘 Current Status and Strategic Way Forward for Long-Term Management of Lake Kivu (East Africa)

 Year: 2023  🧭🌍🚰

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Kisekelwa Tchalondawa stands out as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his specialized expertise in fish taxonomy, systematics, phylogeny, and ecology, particularly within the ecologically vital but understudied regions of the Upper Congo and Lake Kivu. His discovery of ten new fish species, with two already published, marks a notable contribution to biodiversity science. With 11 publications in reputable SCI/Scopus-indexed journals, active involvement in three research projects, four consultancy collaborations, and the use of both classical and molecular research methods, his work demonstrates scientific rigor, interdisciplinary depth, and regional impact. His contributions support conservation efforts, expand ecological understanding, and position him as a leading voice in African aquatic research.

KECHNIT Djamel | Water Resources | Best Researcher Award

Mr. KECHNIT Djamel | Water Resources | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student at CRREBaC ( Congo basin water ressources researchcenter ), Algeria

KECHNIT Djamel is a dedicated researcher and PhD student specializing in water resources. His research, centered around the Congo River Basin, focuses on the use of remote sensing and in-situ measurements to optimize river navigation and manage water resources more effectively. With an educational background in hydraulics engineering and extensive professional experience, he has contributed to several key projects related to hydraulic networks, water supply systems, and irrigation. His academic contributions are significant, with two peer-reviewed journal articles and multiple conference presentations on innovative approaches in hydrology.

Publication profile

Google Scholar

ORCID

Educational Background

KECHNIT Djamel is currently pursuing a PhD in Water Resources at the University of Kinshasa, DRC, with an expected completion date in September 2024. His dissertation focuses on the “Application of Remote Sensing and In Situ Measurement for the Determination of an Optimal Scenario of Navigation in the Congo River Basin,” under the guidance of Professor Raphael Tshimanga and co-advisors from Algeria and the UK. Prior to his PhD, he earned a Master’s degree in Hydraulics from the National Higher School of Hydraulics (ENSH) in Algeria in 2018. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hydraulics Engineering from the same institution, which laid the groundwork for his specialization in water resources. His strong academic background in hydraulics and water management has equipped him with the skills necessary for impactful research in the field.

Work Experience

Djamel has extensive professional experience as a hydraulic engineer, contributing to several key projects in Algeria. From October 2018 to August 2021, he worked with ZERARGA HOCINE ARCHITECTS, where he completed the rehabilitation of various road and utility networks, including the drinking water supply network for Bouchaoui Hospital and irrigation network projects in Oran. Earlier, from October 2017 to May 2021, he served at ARTELIA EAU & ENVIRONNEMENT, where he focused on hydraulic modeling for water supply systems. His professional roles have honed his practical skills and knowledge in hydraulics, enabling him to apply theoretical principles to real-world challenges. Djamel’s engineering background complements his academic research, allowing him to approach problems from both theoretical and practical perspectives in the field of water resources management.

Research Focus

KECHNIT Djamel’s research focuses on the application of remote sensing and in-situ measurements for the effective management of water resources, particularly in large and data-scarce river systems like the Congo River Basin. His dissertation explores optimal navigation scenarios by integrating remote sensing data with field measurements. Djamel is particularly interested in assessing uncertainties in remote sensing-based discharge models and utilizing entropy-based approaches for bathymetry and discharge estimation. His work aims to improve water management practices and contribute to sustainable development in the region. By addressing challenges related to data scarcity and environmental variability, Djamel seeks to enhance the scientific understanding of hydrological processes and develop practical solutions for water resource management. His interdisciplinary approach blends engineering, hydrology, and remote sensing, making his research highly relevant in addressing contemporary water-related challenges.

Conclusion

KECHNIT Djamel is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his innovative research, robust academic record, and impactful professional experience in hydraulic engineering. His work on remote sensing applications for large river systems, particularly in the under-researched Congo Basin, has the potential to transform water management in data-scarce regions. While expanding his research scope and publication volume would further strengthen his candidacy, his existing contributions position him as a leading figure in his field.

Publication Top Notes

Assessing uncertainties of a remote sensing-based discharge reflectance model for applications to large rivers of the Congo Basin

Authors: D. Kechnit, R. M. Tshimanga, A. Ammari, M. A. Trigg

Citations: 1-13

Year: 2024

Bathymetry and discharge estimation in large and data-scarce rivers using an entropy-based approach

Authors: D. Kechnit, R. M. Tshimanga, A. Ammari, M. A. Trigg, A. B. Carr, F. Bahmanpouri, …

Citations: 1-15

Year: 2024

Contribution à la conception d’un SIG dynamique: cas de la ville de Kolea (w. Tipaza)

Authors: D. Kechnit

Citations: Not specified

Year: 2018

SIG et télégestion dans la gestion des réseaux d’eau potable cas de la ville d’Ain Taya (w. Alger)

Authors: D. Kechnit

Citations: Not specified

Year: 2017