Selma Sussana Ndeenda Kosmas

I obtained a B.Sc in Fisheries and Aquatic Science from the University of Namibia in 2011, and thereafter enrolled for a M.Sc. in Environmental & Resource Management at the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus, Germany and graduated in 2013. The focus of my masters' thesis was on assessing the uptake of cyanide from cyanide contaminated soils, using poplar trees.

I am employed as a Biology Lecturer in the Department of Wildlife Management and Ecotourism at the University of Namibia, presently on study leave to pursue the PhD.

Generally, I have an interest in biodiversity management, with particular focus on mammals. At the moment, I am fascinated by the application of molecular genetics in assessing biodiversity, understanding species interactions in 'natural' ecosystems and its application in addressing conservation issues, hence my PhD thesis where I intend to use non-invasive metagenomics to assess the diet of predator species (leopard, hyena, wild dog) in various conservation areas in Angola, to identify individuals within population groups and estimate population density.