David Gwapedza - Water Resources Management - Best Researcher Award

Institute for Water Research - South Africa

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

DAVID GWAPEDZA, Ph.D.

David Gwapedza is a renowned expert in hydrological modeling, sediment transport modeling, and natural resource management, with extensive experience in African countries. He has demonstrated strong capabilities in providing intellectual leadership in collaborative research processes involving multiple partners in UKRI and WRC projects. David's strategic thinking allows him to conceptualize complex issues, write grant proposals, and lead impactful research projects.

EDUCATION AND ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

David earned his Ph.D. in Hydrology from Rhodes University, South Africa, where he developed and evaluated the sediment yield model (WQSED) for catchment management in African regions. His research concentrated on hydrological modeling, erosion and sediment modeling, and catchment management. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Hydrology from Rhodes University and a BSS (Honours) degree in Geography and Population Studies from Lupane State University in Zimbabwe.

RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Currently, David is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Rhodes University, where he drafts manuscripts, presents findings at international conferences, and conducts independent research. He is also a Project Leader and Principal Researcher at the Water Research Commission, where he conceptualizes projects, facilitates collaboration with research partners, and supervises students. His work involves applying hydrological models, leading stakeholder engagement initiatives, and writing scientific publications.

David has also served as a Research Scientist for the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), where he developed online courses, facilitated stakeholder engagement workshops, and provided hydrological modeling support for project partners. His experience includes a PhD exchange program at Technische Universität Braunschweig, where he worked on hydrological modeling using the PANTA RHEI Model.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND PROJECT LEADERSHIP

David has a proven track record in stakeholder engagement and project leadership. He has supported stakeholder engagement for the UKRI-ARUA water project in Rwanda and Uganda, facilitated workshops with the Western Cape Government-LandCare, and collaborated with the World Wildlife Fund. His role as a Project Leader at the Water Research Commission involves supervising students, preparing budgets, and managing project implementation.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

David's excellence in research has been recognized through various awards and scholarships. Notably, he received the Rhodes University research scholarship and the Berkeley scholarship for the BGW workshop. He has also been awarded for the best poster at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland, and received a scholarship from Santa Barbara University, California.

TEACHING AND MENTORING

David is committed to teaching and mentoring the next generation of hydrologists. He supervises postgraduate students, lectures on hydrology courses, and develops tailored lectures and workshops. His teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of practical application and stakeholder engagement in water resource management.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO GIS AND REMOTE SENSING

David's expertise extends to GIS and remote sensing. He has worked as a GIS Intern, where he monitored and evaluated water supply systems, mapped aquifers and water points, and provided GIS information to stakeholders. His technical skills in using GIS software to identify water sources and digitize maps have been instrumental in various research and consultancy projects.

Through his extensive research, leadership, and stakeholder engagement, David Gwapedza continues to make significant contributions to hydrological modeling, catchment management, and natural resource management in Africa. His work not only advances scientific knowledge but also addresses critical water resource challenges in the region.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Modelling storm event-based sediment yield and assessing its heavy metal loading: case of Lake Victoria's Inner Murchison Bay catchment in Uganda 2024

Assessing soil erosion risk in a peri-urban catchment of the Lake Victoria basin 2023 (1)

Equity-based allocation criteria for water deficit periods: A case study in South Africa 2023 (2)

Regionalising MUSLE factors for application to a data-scarce catchment 2018 (19)

Prediction of sediment yield of the Inxu River catchment (South Africa) using the MUSLE 2021 (39)

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Mana Tsujino embarked on her academic journey by pursuing a Bachelor's program in Environmental Sciences at the University of Tokyo, where she achieved a remarkable GPA of 3.6. Her academic excellence was evident as she ranked among the top 4 students in a faculty of over 250 individuals. She furthered her education with participation in the Tsinghua Global Summer School in Sustainability and Climate Change, further enriching her knowledge in environmental studies.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Mana Tsujino has engaged in various professional endeavors, including internships and academic research. Notably, she interned at PwC Sustainability LLC, where she contributed to consulting projects focused on corporate sustainability and climate change adaptation. She also gained experience at Ac-Planta Inc., conducting overseas market research on biostimulants for plants in water-scarce areas. Additionally, Mana demonstrated her commitment to community service through her internship at CheerfulSmile in Cambodia, where she assisted students and engaged in community cleanup activities.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Mana Tsujino's research focus lies in environmental hydrology, particularly in the context of climate change and water resilience strategies. Her publication on groundwater dynamics in small carbonate islands showcases her expertise in this field. Moreover, Mana's dissertation project at the University of Oxford delves into climate change and water resilience strategies in the Philippines, highlighting her dedication to addressing pressing environmental challenges through academic research.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Mana Tsujino's contributions to environmental hydrology and sustainability have the potential to make a significant impact on society. Her research insights and practical experience in internships contribute to the development of effective strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change on water resources. As a delegate at the One Young Youth Summit and recipient of prestigious scholarships, Mana has demonstrated her leadership and commitment to addressing global environmental challenges.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Mana Tsujino's legacy lies in her dedication to advancing knowledge and finding innovative solutions to environmental challenges, particularly in the field of environmental hydrology. Her future contributions are expected to continue shaping the discourse surrounding climate change adaptation and water resilience strategies, with the aim of promoting sustainability and protecting water resources for future generations.