Professor Mwabvu focuses on the taxonomy, faunistics, and phylogenetics of flightless soil macroinvertebrates and their response to habitat transformation. Retaining the C2 rating signifies recognition by local and international peers, enhancing his standing in the discipline and opening doors for collaboration.
"This rating demonstrates one’s standing in the discipline and opens opportunities to collaborate with other researchers because of the publicity associated with obtaining a rating," he explained.
His research is critical for understanding environmental science, particularly through his work with soil macroinvertebrates like arthropods and earthworms. These organisms play vital roles in ecosystem services such as decomposition and nutrient cycling and are used as indicators of environmental health beyond agricultural ecosystems.
"Farming activities negatively impact soils and soil organisms. My research on the response of soil macroinvertebrates to disturbances informs sustainable agricultural practices to improve food security."
In addition to his research, Professor Mwabvu integrates his findings into the curriculum and involves students in his projects. "Since 2019, I have involved students in my research, either as field or laboratory assistants. This involvement is an example of teaching by modelling," he noted.
Professor Mwabvu in the field doing research work.
Professor Mwabvu has had several research attachments at prestigious institutions, including the Zoological Museum at the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), the Royal Museum of Central Africa (Belgium), the Natural History Museum (Zimbabwe), and the University of Yaounde 1 (Cameroon). He emphasized the importance of these international experiences.
"Growth in academia cannot be separated from collaborations and research visits to other institutions. My research has diversified to include a broad range of soil organisms, leading to different research questions being asked," he added.
At this stage in his career, Professor Mwabvu is driven by the positive impact his work can have on others, especially his students. "My obsession is teaching through role modelling. Society needs more good examples so that younger people can be inspired, even by what others perceive as little things. Retaining my rating is flattering, more so because it demonstrates that my peers recognize that I am an established researcher," he said.
As the Chairperson of the UMP Research Ethics Committee for Animal Sciences, Professor Mwabvu encourages researchers to replace and reduce the number of organisms used in research and to refine their methods to minimize harm. "The recipe for recognition and success includes having good role models, being honest, hardworking, patient, and consistent," he advised.
Professor Mwabvu’s achievements and dedication continue to inspire the next generation of scientists.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.