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
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.