A trailblazer in research and scientific advancement
In a world where the importance of research and scientific advancement is becoming increasingly recognised, individuals like Lahja Omagano Whitney Shingenge are leading the way in making a difference.
As a dedicated researcher and passionate academic, Shingenge's passion for herbal medicines and indigenous knowledge systems has set her apart in the field of molecular biology.
Starting her journey as a postgraduate research fellow at the University of Namibia (Unam), Shingenge has spent over five years conducting research and contributing valuable knowledge to the scientific community. She has, as a result, gained useful skills in areas ranging from field trip administration and logistics, data collection and analysis, as well as producing reports and literature from data obtained.
Tunnel vision
Her focus on herbal medicines and their potential as therapeutic options has led her to explore the future of herbal medicines and their impact on health and well-being.
What sets Shingenge apart in her work is her unique approach to problem-solving and her commitment to creating change in communities. Viewing science as a tool for finding solutions to real-life problems, she aims to use her research to address health issues using medicinal plants while promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management.
Academic objectives
Looking towards the future, she has set ambitious goals for herself over the next five years. She hopes to continue her research on herbal medicines, contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, and work towards Namibia's Vision 2030.
Additionally, she plans to further her academic qualifications to deepen her understanding of herbal medicines and their potential benefits.
"Being an academic at heart, I definitely see myself obtaining another qualification, which will allow me to conduct further research on the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines," Shingenge said.
Despite her successes, she has faced challenges in her research journey, particularly in creating awareness and accessibility to the work she does. She believes strongly in the importance of science communication and has begun utilising social media to raise awareness about the significance of scientific research.
As Shingenge forges ahead in her research career, she is guided by a quote from Marie Curie: “We must persevere and above all have confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained”.
As a dedicated researcher and passionate academic, Shingenge's passion for herbal medicines and indigenous knowledge systems has set her apart in the field of molecular biology.
Starting her journey as a postgraduate research fellow at the University of Namibia (Unam), Shingenge has spent over five years conducting research and contributing valuable knowledge to the scientific community. She has, as a result, gained useful skills in areas ranging from field trip administration and logistics, data collection and analysis, as well as producing reports and literature from data obtained.
Tunnel vision
Her focus on herbal medicines and their potential as therapeutic options has led her to explore the future of herbal medicines and their impact on health and well-being.
What sets Shingenge apart in her work is her unique approach to problem-solving and her commitment to creating change in communities. Viewing science as a tool for finding solutions to real-life problems, she aims to use her research to address health issues using medicinal plants while promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management.
Academic objectives
Looking towards the future, she has set ambitious goals for herself over the next five years. She hopes to continue her research on herbal medicines, contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, and work towards Namibia's Vision 2030.
Additionally, she plans to further her academic qualifications to deepen her understanding of herbal medicines and their potential benefits.
"Being an academic at heart, I definitely see myself obtaining another qualification, which will allow me to conduct further research on the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines," Shingenge said.
Despite her successes, she has faced challenges in her research journey, particularly in creating awareness and accessibility to the work she does. She believes strongly in the importance of science communication and has begun utilising social media to raise awareness about the significance of scientific research.
As Shingenge forges ahead in her research career, she is guided by a quote from Marie Curie: “We must persevere and above all have confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained”.
