STAFF
Prof. Shimane Makhabu
Associate Professor
Faculty of Sciences (Department of Biological Sciences (BS))
Degrees
- PhD in Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Area of Specialization: Ecology
- Master of Science in Land and Water Management (Range Management option), Silsoe College, Cranfield University, UK. Area of Specialization: Range Management
- Bachelor of Science, University of Botswana. Combined Major: Biology and Environmental Science
Thesis
- PhD thesis topic: Interactions between woody plants, elephants and other browsers in the Chobe Riverfront, Botswana. PhD Thesis, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway. https://ntnuopen.ntnu.no/ntnu-xmlui/handle/11250/244593
- MSc thesis topic: Assessment of elephant impact upon the mopane woodland of Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Botswana. MSc Thesis, Silsoe College, Cranfield University, Bedford, UK.
Professional Societies
- Member of Kalahari Conservation Society.
- Biodiversity (Evolution, taxonomy, animal diversity and ecology components)
- Cell biology (Cell structure and functions components)
- Biological Systematics
- Economic Botany
- Mapping of vegetation of Kgatleng, Kweneng and Central Districts
- Use and conservation of medicinal and food indigenous plants
- Use of goats to control bush encroachment
- Effect of Makgadikgadi vegetation on beef cattle production
- Interaction of elephants and other herbivores on vegetation of Chobe Riverfront
- Determination of home ranges of wildebeest in Central Kalagadi Game Reserve and surrounding Wildlife management areas, by the use of conventional and satellite collars
- Effect of use of artificial watering points by wild animals on vegetation in Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Consultancy Engagement
- 2017 to 2018: Involved as an Ecologist in a consultancy titled “Rangeland and livestock vulnerability assessment to climate change in Botswana”. This was a consultancy for Department of Meteorological Services and it was funded by UNDP. This was part of Botswana’s Third communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). I did it being part of KOBMA HOLDINGS (PTY) LTD
- March 2019 to date: Involved as Conservation Ecologist in a consultancy for the development of management plans for Kasane and Chobe Forest Reserves. Consultancy done for Forest Conservation Botswana.
- To date: “Identification and trials of suitable grass species for restoration of overgrazed Western Sandveld Ranches in Central District, Botswana”. Funded by Forest Conservation Botswana(FCB)
Dr. Mpho Setlalekgomo
Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Sciences (Department of Biological Sciences (BS))
- PhD topic: Metabolic energy relations in the Eastern Cape angulate tortoise (Chersina angulata).
Degrees
- PhD in Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (2010), South Africa.
- MSc in Zoology, University of Port Elizabeth (2002), South Africa.
- BSc Honours in Zoology, University of Port Elizabeth (2000), South Africa.
- BSc Biology and Environmental Science, University of Botswana (1995). Botswana.
Professional Societies
- Member of Zoological Society of Southern Africa (ZSSA).
- Herpetological Association of Africa (HAA).
- Kalahari Conservation Society (KCS)
- Biodiversity (Animal Diversity component)
- Biology of Cells (Genetics component)
- Invertebrate Zoology
- Vertebrate Zoology
- Diversity and distribution of Botswana tortoises.
- Vegetation survey, Botswana
Dr. Tebogo Selebatso
Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Sciences (Department of Biological Sciences (BS))
- PhD topic: Investigating ecotypic differences in the response of stomata and plant fitness to environmental change.
- PhD in Plant Biology, University of Sheffield (2011), UK.
- MSc in Plant Biology, Massey University (2000), New Zealand
- BSc in Biology and Environmental Science, University of Botswana (1990), Botswana.
- Cell structure and Function
- Plant diversity
- Economic Botany
- Ethnobotany
- Plant Anatomy and Physiology
- Ethnobotany,
- Environmental change effects on structure of plants
Potential Research topics
- Indigenous food plants nutritional analysis,
- Uses of indigenous plants
Indigenous Knowledge and Nutritive Values Multi-Disciplinary and Inter-Institutional Research Project (BUAN)
Dr. Mmabaledi Buxton
Lecturer
Faculty of Sciences (Department of Biological Sciences (BS))
- PhD topic: The Bio-ecology of key mosquito vector species in Botswana: Implications for shifting environments
- MSc topic: Dynamics of mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae): Implications on vector management and malaria prevalence under global climate change
Degrees
- PhD (Biological Sciences), Botswana International University of Science and Technology
- MSc (Biological Sciences), Botswana International University of Science and Technology
- BEd (Hearing Impairment and Biology), University of Botswana
Professional Societies
Southern African Society for Aquatic Scientists (SASAqS)
- Biodiversity
- Zoology
- Ecology
My research is mainly focused on biodiversity monitoring and species interaction dynamics in shifting environmental changes with the aim to establish their contribution towards ecosystem functioning, health, agriculture, and food security.
- Aquatic biodiversity and their contribution in ecosystem functioning
- Livestock induced pollution in aquatic habitats
- Vector species of human and animal health importance
Ms. Emang Molojwane
Lecturer
Faculty of Sciences (Department of Biological Sciences (BS))
- MSc (by research) topic: Engineering cyanide-tolerant Arabidopsis thaliana
Degrees
- MSc Molecular & Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa (2015)
- BSc (Honours) Molecular & Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa (2010)
- BSc (Biotechnology), Monash University, Australia (2007)
- Biochemistry
- Bioethics
- History of Biology
- HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control in Botswana
Ms. Mpho G. Batlhophi
Lecturer
Faculty of Sciences (Department of Biological Sciences (BS))
Personal Website | ORCID | Google Scholar | All Publications
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=haVPVGAAAAAJ&hl=en
· MSc topic: The inhibitory effects of ammonia and fatty acids on
methanogenic bacteria during anaerobic digestion of sludge/waste (critical paper).
Degrees
· MSc in Microbial Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA.
· B.Ed. SCIENCE (Biology), University of Botswana.
Teaching interests
· DNA replication
· Transcription of DNA into RNA
· Principles of PCR
· Bacteriology
Primary Research Areas
My research is an interdisciplinary work focused on the microbial analysis of leafy vegetables from wastewater-watered soils, the antibacterial activity of plant extracts on specific microbes, and the microbiological quality of meat products after subjection to different preservation technologies. Molecular detection of bacterial plant pathogens for stored grains and seeds (e.g., rice, ground nuts, beans) and management of such.
· Invasion dynamics of mistletoes in urban and rural landscapes of semi-arid Botswana
· Microbial load determination of unpreserved plastic-bottle-contained cooking melon juice from street vendors of Gaborone, Botswana.
· Determination of Phytochemical and antimicrobial activities of Cucumis meropsis obtained from Takatokwane, Botswana.
1. Determination of the aroma properties of Mustard seeds by SPME-GC-MS. Efrem, M., Negussie, R., Setlalekgomo, MR., Selebatso, T., Batlhophi, MG., Tibe O. & Haki, GD. https://gjournals.org/GJBS
2. INDIGENOUS AND UNDER-UTILISED OIL SEEDS OF BOTSWANA: PROXIMATE COMPOSITION, PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY. R. I. Kobue-Lekalake, O. K. Matenanga, B. Sekwati-Monang, O. Tibe, G. Bultosa, E. Seifu, M. Molapisi, M. G. Batlhophi, J. Gwamba, K. Sonno, G. Mokhawa, T. Phakama, M. D. Setlhoka and G. D. Haki *
Ms. Lebogang M Lesole
Instructor
Faculty of Sciences (Department of Biological Sciences (BS))
Degrees
Post Graduate Diploma in Education, University of Botswana
Bachelor of Science, University of Botswana.
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=JzwsHvgAAAAJ&hl=en
Ms. Amantle T. Searobi
Instructor
Faculty of Sciences (Department of Biological Sciences (BS))
Degrees
- Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences), University of Botswana.
- Post Graduate Diploma in Education, University of Botswana
Courses currently taught
- Biochemistry
- Bilogy of Cells