Dr. Simo Maduna | Molecular Ecology| Young Scientist Award

👨‍🏫 🌍 Dr. Simo Maduna , a versatile geneticist and educator, holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from Stellenbosch University, where they also achieved a Master’s degree with Cum Laude honors. Their academic journey includes a Certificate in Higher Education Teaching from Harvard University, showcasing a commitment to pedagogical excellence. Currently an Extraordinary Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch University and a Researcher at The Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, they bring a wealth of experience. With a diverse background, including teaching at Somerset West Private High School and facilitating courses at Stellenbosch University, is dedicated to both research and education. Their extensive research contributions in environmental genetics and numerous grants underscore their commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. 🧬🌍 #Genetics #Researcher #Education

Professional Profiles

🎓 Educational Background

Ph.D. in Genetics, Stellenbosch University, 2017, Master of Science in Genetics (Cum Laude), Stellenbosch University, 2014, Certificate in Higher Education Teaching, Harvard University, 2021, Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Genetics, Stellenbosch University, 2012, Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Stellenbosch University, 2011, Certificate in Music, Stellenbosch University and University of South Africa

👨‍🔬 Professional Experience

Current Positions:

Researcher at The Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research Svanhovd, Environment and Natural Resources Division, Jul 2022 – Present, Extraordinary Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch University, Genetics Department, Jul 2022 – Present

Previous Positions:

Postdoctoral Researcher at The Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research Svanhovd, Environment and Natural Resources Division, Jul 2018 – Jun 2022, Postgraduate Co-Supervisor at Stellenbosch University, Genetics Department, Apr 2013 – Jun 2022, Teaching Assistant at Stellenbosch University, Genetics, Mar 2012 – Sep 2015

🏅 Grants, Awards, and Memberships

1st Rufford Small Grant, 2022–2023 IDEA Wild Small Equipment Grant, 2022 & 2018 National Research Foundation Award, 2013–2017 Ph.D. Merit Bursary, Stellenbosch University, 2015–2017 Save Our Seas Foundation Small Grant, 2015 Golden Key Membership, 2011 Studie Trust Bursary – The Sazal Inzalo Foundation, 2010–2012 The DG Murray Trust Bursary, 2009

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Teacher at Somerset West Private High School, Jul 2017 – Dec 2017 Lecturer at Stellenbosch University, Genetics Department Facilitator at Stellenbosch University, Department of Genetics, Feb 2012 – Nov 2014

🔍 Continuous Improvement Programs

Acoustic Telemetric Workshop (VEMCO) Shark Dissection Workshop Computational Molecular Evolution Bioinformatics applied: Introduction to Statistics and Methods Real-time PCR Training Course Fluidigm (Biomarker HD) Gene Expression and SNP Genotyping Training Acoustic Telemetry Workshop (VEMCO) Landscape Genomics Introduction to Evolutionary Quantitative Genetics 8th NCEP Conservation Teaching & Learning Studio (2021) Genetics and Society: A Course for Educators Eukaryotic Genome Assembly using PacBio and Hi-C UPED 650: Online and Blended Learning Ambios Effective Camera Trapping Distance Learning Course Ambios Effective Bird ID Course Species distribution and ecological niche modeling in R

📑 Additional Experience

Reviewer and Editorial Board Member for various journals and publications. This individual possesses a rich academic background, extensive teaching experience, and a notable record in genetic research, education, and environmental conservation.