Dr. Zwannda Nethavhani | Biodiversity and conservation | Young Scientist Award

Researcher at Agricultural Research Council, South Africa

Dr. Zwannda Nethavhani is a passionate biodiversity researcher specializing in genetics, biosystematics, and conservation science. With a strong academic foundation and a PhD in Genetics from Stellenbosch University, she has contributed significantly to the understanding of edible insects, termites, pangolins, and Lepidoptera. Currently serving as a Researcher at the Agricultural Research Council’s Biosystematics Unit, she employs integrative taxonomic approaches combining morphological and molecular tools. Dr. Nethavhani has experience in mentoring students, leading conservation-centered research, and presenting findings through respected publications and conferences. Her work bridges science and community, especially in sustainable resource use and species protection in Africa. She is a rising leader in conservation genetics and insect biodiversity, with a vision for knowledge translation and biodiversity preservation across ecosystems.

Professional Profile

ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Nethavhani earned her PhD in Genetics from Stellenbosch University , focusing on cataloguing edible insect biodiversity in South Africa. Her research integrated advanced molecular techniques such as DNA barcoding, RAD-sequencing, mitogenomics, and population genetics. Prior to this, she completed an MSc in Zoology at the University of Venda, where she analyzed the spatial structure and sustainable harvesting of Mopane worms. Her Honours explored the impact of environmental stressors on ant biodiversity using statistical modeling in R. She also holds a BSc in Botany and Zoology. Her academic journey reflects a consistent focus on African invertebrate species, conservation ecology, and molecular systematics—skills that position her as a subject matter expert in the field of biodiversity genomics.

Experience

Dr. Nethavhani brings over Nine years of progressive experience in biodiversity and conservation research. As a current researcher at the ARC’s Biosystematics Unit, she manages projects on Lepidoptera systematics, curates collections, and leads collaborations. Her prior postdoctoral work at Tshwane University of Technology involved pangolin conservation, mapping trafficking routes and identifying parasites. At Stellenbosch University, she was a lab supervisor, co-supervised student theses, and served as a practical demonstrator in molecular genetics. Her foundational experience at SANBI, where she supported insect taxonomy for the FBIP-Karoo BioGaps project, shaped her taxonomic and ecological acumen. Zwannda excels at integrating laboratory techniques with fieldwork and public outreach—vital for bridging research with real-world impact.

Award and Honor

Dr. Zwannda Nethavhani’s academic and research contributions have earned her recognition in the field of conservation biology. While specific awards are not listed in the document, her selection for multiple prestigious research roles—such as the postdoctoral fellowship at Tshwane University of Technology and her appointment at the Agricultural Research Council—demonstrates trust in her scholarly merit and leadership capacity. She has published in high-impact journals like Conservation Genetics, PeerJ, and Global Ecology and Conservation, which highlights her scientific credibility and international recognition. Additionally, her role in capacity building through mentorship and teaching has amplified her influence beyond publications. Her trajectory reflects a researcher consistently entrusted with responsibilities that signal excellence, innovation, and societal contribution—qualities that merit consideration for academic and research awards.

Research Focus

Dr. Nethavhani’s research centers on the biodiversity, conservation, and systematics of African insects and endangered species. Her PhD focused on the genomics of edible insects, specifically using DNA barcoding and mitogenomics to catalog species for sustainable use. She has extensively researched the genus Macrotermes, pangolins, and various Lepidoptera using both morphological and molecular data to resolve phylogenetic and taxonomic challenges. A significant area of her work includes conservation genomics—applying genetic tools to inform species protection and combat illegal wildlife trade, particularly for pangolins. Her integrative approach—bridging taxonomy, phylogenetics, conservation policy, and education—addresses biodiversity threats while supporting capacity-building and sustainable ecosystems. Her research is not only scientifically relevant but also socially responsive, making her work both innovative and impactful.

Research Skill

Dr. Nethavhani has a robust skill set spanning laboratory, computational, and field-based research. Her technical proficiencies include DNA extraction, PCR, Sanger and Next-Generation Sequencing (including RAD-seq), and bioinformatics analyses using software such as Geneious, MEGA, MrBayes, PhyloBayes, IQ-tree, and BEAST. She’s proficient in phylogenetic reconstruction, species delimitation, and population genetics using DnaSP, Arlequin, and haplotype networks. She also uses R and QGIS for statistical and spatial analyses. Beyond lab work, she is experienced in specimen curation, collection management, and field surveys. Dr. Nethavhani is skilled in mentoring students, preparing course content, conducting practical lab demonstrations, and writing scientific and popular articles. These multifaceted competencies allow her to work independently and collaboratively across institutions, contributing to impactful research and teaching.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Under the scales: Identification of ticks in rehabilitated African pangolins and confiscated scales
International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife
Year: 2025 (December)
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101117
Co-authors: Thando Radebe, Catherine Maria Dzerefos, Essa Suleman, Raymond Jansen

Title: Scaly trade: Analyses of the media reports of pangolin (Pholidota) scale interceptions within and out of Africa
Global Ecology and Conservation
Year: 2025 (September)
DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03669
Co-authors: Catherine Maria Dzerefos, Raymond Jansen

Title: Multimarker genetic analyses of Gonimbrasia belina, the most harvested wild edible insect of mopane woodlands in Southern Africa, supports concerns over the sustainability of the species
Conservation Genetics
Year: 2025 (June)
DOI: 10.1007/s10592-025-01687-1
Co-authors: Ruan Veldtman, Casper Nyamukondiwa, William Versfeld, Barbara van Asch

Title: Mitogenomics of the Olive Seed Weevil, Anchonocranus oleae Marshall and Implications for Its Phylogenetic Position in Curculionidae
Insects
Year: 2022 (July 6)
DOI: 10.3390/insects13070607
Co-authors: Samuel J. Smit, Elleunorah Allsopp, Virgilio Caleca, Rolf G. Oberprieler, Barbara van Asch

Title: Mitogenomics and phylogenetics of twelve species of African Saturniidae (Lepidoptera)
PeerJ
Year: 2022 (April 18)
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13275

Title: Overview of the Genetic Diversity of African Macrotermes (Termitidae: Macrotermitinae) and Implications for Taxonomy, Ecology and Food Science
Insects
Year: 2021 (June 3)
DOI: 10.3390/insects12060518

Conclusion

Dr. Zwannda Nethavhani embodies the qualities of a visionary scientist: innovative, community-driven, technically skilled, and academically accomplished. Her contributions to biodiversity, from molecular systematics to conservation research, have significant implications for African ecosystems and beyond. She is a powerful advocate for the sustainable use of natural resources, mentorship, and public science engagement. With her interdisciplinary expertise and growing body of high-quality research outputs, Dr. Nethavhani stands as an exemplary candidate for research accolades and continued leadership in conservation science.

Mrs. Marília Marques da Silva | Biodiversity | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student at Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Brazil

Marília Marques da Silva is a dedicated and dynamic early-career researcher whose scholarly contributions to mesocarnivore ecology are both scientifically relevant and socially impactful. Her ability to integrate field ecology, statistical modeling, and conservation planning demonstrates the hallmarks of a future leader in biodiversity research. Her academic trajectory is grounded in excellence, with clear upward momentum evidenced by her international experiences and collaborations. While she is still building her publication record, the quality and focus of her work signal strong potential for impactful future contributions.

Professional Profiles

ORCID Profile | Google Scholar

Education

Marília Marques da Silva holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA). She earned her Master’s degree in Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation from the Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), where she is currently pursuing her PhD in the same field. Her academic journey includes enriching international experiences through research internships at the Universidad de Málaga (Spain) during her undergraduate studies and at CIBIO – Universidade do Porto (Portugal) during her Master’s. Additionally, she has obtained an MBA in Project Management, demonstrating a strong interdisciplinary background that bridges science and strategic planning.

Experience

Marília has developed extensive field and analytical experience through her work on in situ and ex situ conservation projects, particularly focused on Neotropical mammals. Her Master’s research analyzed how environmental and anthropogenic variables influence mesocarnivore occupancy in the Atlantic Forest, while her PhD expands on this by examining coexistence mechanisms in forested landscapes. She has also participated in consultancy projects, including wildlife monitoring and rescue operations, in collaboration with environmental firms. These diverse roles have strengthened her expertise in fieldwork coordination, species monitoring, and ecological data analysis.

Award and Honor

While formal awards are not listed yet, Marília’s contributions have been recognized through research publications, including a peer-reviewed article in Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation (Elsevier/Scopus). She has published a book chapter based on her ecological fieldwork and is actively engaged in international collaborations with institutions in Europe and Brazil, including IPE, CENAP, and Pro-Carnívoros. Her growing academic visibility and research outputs highlight her as a promising early-career scientist in the field of tropical mammal conservation.

Research Focus

Marília’s research centers on the ecology and conservation of Neotropical meso- and large mammals, particularly in human-modified landscapes. Her work investigates the impacts of anthropogenic disturbances on mammalian distribution and behavior, using occupancy models, camera trap data, and ecological theory to inform conservation efforts. By exploring species interactions, resource use, and habitat partitioning, she aims to propose effective strategies that reconcile biodiversity preservation with sustainable development in threatened ecosystems like the Atlantic Forest.

Research Skill

Marília combines technical and soft skills that enhance her contribution to ecological research and conservation. Her competencies include field survey design, camera trapping, biodiversity monitoring, occupancy modeling, and spatial ecology. She is skilled in data analysis using statistical software and in managing collaborative research projects. Her academic foundation is supported by project management skills gained through her MBA. She also communicates effectively in multilingual environments, and her ability to work across international teams further enriches her professional profile.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Heterogeneity in mesocarnivore occupancy highlights the complexity of biodiversity changes in a threatened ecoregion
Authors: M. Marques, M. Magioli, P. Monterroso, G. Curveira-Santos, C.R. Cassano
Journal: Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation
Year: 2025

Conclusion

In conclusion, Marília Marques da Silva is a worthy nominee for the Best Researcher Award. Her focused research on Neotropical mammals, particularly under the lens of anthropogenic pressures, addresses critical conservation issues in the Atlantic Forest. Her early contributions are already shaping ecological discourse, and her cross-national collaborations underline a commitment to global science. With strategic mentorship, increased publication output, and professional society engagement, she is poised to become a leading conservation scientist. Granting her this award would recognize not only her present achievements but also her promising future as a transformative researcher in biodiversity conservation.