Esther Chacha Wambura
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Brussel,BRU
Summary
Passionate and driven interdisciplinary researcher with a strong academic foundation in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Aquatic Ecosystems. Deeply committed to understanding Earth’s past environments through paleoecology, sedimentology, and hydroclimate reconstruction. Skilled in sediment coring, fossil analysis, and biogeochemical proxy interpretation, with hands-on experience across diverse environments from tropical African lakes to polar marine systems. Brings a unique combination of analytical expertise, fieldwork resilience, and a collaborative, solution-oriented mindset, well-suited for tackling complex environmental questions.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Aquatic Researcher
Ghent University
09.2023 - 10.2024
- Conducted palaeolimnology research on Lake Ntambi (a saline crater lake) by extracting sediment cores and analyzing fossil molluscs and ostracods to reconstruct hydroclimate history of western Uganda.
- Presented research findings at the Young Researchers Overseas Symposium (YROS) at the Royal Academy for Overseas Science.
Data Analysts Intern
Ghent University
11.2023 - 03.2024
- Analyzed complex sediment pigment datasets from Antarctic research using R program, extracting meaningful insights to support research decision-making.
- Developed and implemented data visualization tools to enhance communication of findings and streamlined data collection processes for improved efficiency.
Environmental Consultant
Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Ghent and Antwerp
02.2024 - 02.2024
- As part of the Monsoon School, I contributed to a carbon sequestration and carbon credits (Bahari Hewa Kaa) tender call, focusing on mangrove and seagrass restoration.
- Engaged with local communities and policymakers, advocating for sustainable conservation approaches.
- Conducted field research and environmental assessments, supporting data-driven conservation strategies.
- Presented the project outcomes at the Kenya Marine Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) in 2024.
Marine Biodiversity Project Assistant
Ghent University
09.2023 - 01.2024
- Assisted in species composition assessments, contributing to marine habitat conservation initiatives.
- Conducted statistical analysis to evaluate biodiversity trends and ecosystem health, providing recommendations for ecosystem management.
Beach Cleanup Volunteer
University of Dar es Salaam
03.2021 - 05.2021
- Spearheaded and participated in initiatives to raise awareness about marine pollution and coastal biodiversity protection, promoting sustainable waste management practices.
Education
Master of Science - Marine And Lacustrine Science And Management
Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB), Ghent University & Antwerp University
Brussels, Belgium 09.2022 - 10.2024
Bachelor of Science - Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries
University of Dar Es Salaam
Dar Es Salaam 11.2018 - 10.2021
Skills
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Problem Solving
Time Management
Multitasking
Curriculum development
Technical and Laboratory Technique
Data Analysis & Programming
Stakeholder engagement
Science Communication
Scientific Report Writing
Data Collection and Management
Interpersonal & Leadership Skills
Public speaking and Presentation
Research and Analytical skills
Team Leadership and Project Coordination
Software (R, PRIMER6)
Technical Tools (Microsoft Office Suite)
Project management
Paleoecology & Sedimentology
Fieldwork and Sample Collection Techniques and Monitoring
Marine and Freshwater Ecology
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Environmental policy and Conservation Strategies
Community-Based Project Initiatives
Climate Change and Sustainability
Budget and Financial Management
GIS and Remote Sensing
Quantitative Analysis
Species Identification and Biodiversity Assessment
Policy Advocacy
Critical thinking
Coral Research and Ecosystem Restoration
Carbon Sequestration and Biodiversity monitoring
Environmental assessment
Marine biodiversity
Research methodology
Community Engagement
Water quality management
Climate change adaptation
Project planning
Carbon footprint reduction
Adaptability and flexibility
Extra-Curricular Activities
Beach cleanups at University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 03/01/21, 05/31/21, Spearheaded and participated in initiatives to raise awareness about marine pollution and coastal biodiversity protection, promoting sustainable waste management practices.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Accomplishments
Over the course of my academic and research journey, I have developed a strong interdisciplinary foundation in aquatic and environmental sciences, supported by hands-on research, fieldwork, and international academic exposure. I conducted a field-based study on marine biodiversity in the intertidal zones of Audresselles, France, assessing species composition in relation to physicochemical gradients. At Ghent University, I completed an internship analyzing pigment data from Antarctic sediment samples using R, contributing to insights into primary productivity in polar environments. I also co-authored a blue carbon consultancy proposal in Kenya, focusing on mangrove and seagrass ecosystems and their roles in carbon sequestration and community-based carbon offset initiatives. My MSc thesis reconstructed the hydroclimate history of Western Uganda using fossil assemblages (molluscs and ostracoda) from a saline crater lake, which I presented to the RAOS panel. I participated in an Integrated Limnological Field Course in Switzerland, conducting lake monitoring and phytoplankton assessments across varying depths and basins. Throughout these projects, I utilized R for statistical analysis and modeling, developed a deep understanding of biodiversity loss and conservation, and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams blending ecology, data science, and policy.
Certification
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC)
Affiliations
- Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB), Ghent and Antwerp University
- Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC)
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimePart TimeContract WorkInternshipGig WorkLocation Preference
RemoteOn-SiteHybridImportant To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsPaid sick leaveTeam Building / Company Retreats401k matchHealthcare benefitsWork from home optionCompany CulturePaid time offQuote
Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.
Will Rodgers
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Swahili
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Interests
Human-nature interactions
Biodiversity conservation
Climate change resilience
Freshwater and marine ecosystem sustainability
Blue carbon and nature-based solutions
Science communication and environmental education
Interdisciplinary environmental research
Digital data in conservation (eg, remote sensing, citizen science, social media analytics)
Environmental policy and community-based conservation
Data analysis and ecological modeling (R, GIS, PRIMER6, SPSS))
Women in science and inclusive research practices
Sustainable development in the Global South
Software
R programming skills
PRIMER6 Software
Microsoft Office Suite – Word (report writing), Excel (data management), PowerPoint (presentations)
Mendeley / Zotero
SPSS / Excel Statistics
Canva
Zoom / MS Teams
Google meet
WPS/Adobe Acrobat
QGIS
Timeline
Environmental Consultant
Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Ghent and Antwerp
02.2024 - 02.2024
Data Analysts Intern
Ghent University
11.2023 - 03.2024
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC)
09-2023
Aquatic Researcher
Ghent University
09.2023 - 10.2024
Marine Biodiversity Project Assistant
Ghent University
09.2023 - 01.2024
Master of Science - Marine And Lacustrine Science And Management
Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB), Ghent University & Antwerp University
09.2022 - 10.2024
Beach Cleanup Volunteer
University of Dar es Salaam
03.2021 - 05.2021
Bachelor of Science - Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries
University of Dar Es Salaam
11.2018 - 10.2021