The College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CoNAS) at Sokoine University of Agriculture has much to celebrate with the successful defense of not one, not two, but three PhD candidates on May 10, 2023. The three candidates, Dr. Christopher Mwankuna, Dr. Frank Rwegoshora, and Dr. Nolasko Mwinami, have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields, making significant contributions to advancing knowledge and improving lives in Tanzania.
Dr. Christopher Mwankuna’s research focuses on the screening and determination of conventional drugs that are often adulterated in herbal products. The use of herbal products is prevalent in Tanzania, and the risk of adulteration with conventional drugs is a significant concern. Dr. Mwankuna’s work is therefore crucial in developing reliable and accurate analytical methods to ensure the safety and efficacy of herbal products.
Dr. Frank Rwegoshora’s research characterizes new phytochemicals from Synadenium glaucescens Pax, a plant commonly used in traditional medicine in Tanzania. His work provides valuable insights into the properties of these phytochemicals and their potential for developing new drugs and therapies based on natural products.
Dr. Nolasko Mwinami’s research investigates the data preservation, sharing, and use/reuse practices among agricultural researchers in Tanzania. His study highlights the importance of data management in research and provides insights that can be used to develop policies and guidelines for data management in agricultural research in Tanzania.
The successful defense of three PhD candidates simultaneously is a remarkable achievement for CoNAS and its supervisors. It demonstrates the college’s commitment to producing high-quality graduates who are well-prepared to tackle complex challenges in their respective fields. As Dr. Mwankuna, Dr. Rwegoshora, and Dr. Mwinami begin the next chapter of their careers, they will no doubt continue to make significant contributions to advancing knowledge and improving lives in Tanzania and beyond.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the supervisors, and the three newly-minted doctors on this outstanding accomplishment. The future of research and innovation in Tanzania looks bright, thanks to the contributions of these exceptional scholars.
