Ph.D. in Ecology and Biodiversity conservation, University of Bologna, Italy (2021)
monitoring of butterfly species distribution, assessment of forest vegetation dynamics, conservation and preservation of biological ecology in the coastal forests of Kenya
Duration
2 months, March 2026 - May 2026
Host at the University of Passau
Prof. Dr. Christine Schmitt
(Chair of Physical Geography with a focus on Human-Environment Research)
Dr. Fungomeli will undertake a two-month research visit at the University of Passau to contribute to an ongoing collaborative research project focused on plant and butterfly diversity in the Kenyan coastal
forests. This visit follows her engagement as a keynote speaker at the 9th European Conference of Tropical Ecology (GTOE) at the University of Passau in February 2026. The primary objective of this
visit is to advance the development of a joint research DFG proposal on biodiversity conservation in Kenyan coastal forests, a project in collaboration with Prof. Christine Schmitt, Prof. Jan Habel
(University of Salzburg), and Prof. Thomas Schmitt (Senckenberg German Entomological Institute) and Dr. Mike Teucher (Halle University). The main objectives of the research visit are: (i) to finalize the DFG research proposal on plant and butterfly diversity patterns in Kenyan coastal forests, including detailed methodologies for fieldwork, data analysis, and conservation strategy development. (ii) to collaborate with researchers from the University of Passau and other partner institutions to refine the project’s scope and interdisciplinary approaches, integrating ecological, environmental, and socio-economic factors in conservation planning. (iii) to initiate data analysis and develop publication for previous vegetation and butterfly surveys conducted at the Kaya Kambe Sacred forest with Prof. Christine Schmitt, and for joint publications. (iv) give a public lecture jointly organized with Prof. Schmitt and PICAIS highlighting
the cultural significance as well as the outstanding biodiversity of the Kenyan coastal forests.
