Simo Maduna

Research Statement

Dr. Simo Njabulo Maduna is a molecular ecologist with expertise in multi- and interdisciplinary research that integrates ecology, genetics, conservation, and reproductive biology toward biodiversity conservation, genetic/genomic monitoring, and adaptive management of sustainable natural resources. His research covers a wide variety of topics (aquaculture genomics, genome assembly, landscape/seascape genomics, invasion ecology and genomics, molecular phylogenetics, phylogenomics, wildlife forensics, and eDNA-based biodiversity monitoring) and taxa (chondrichthyans, teleosts, pinnipeds, molluscs, avians, bears, and insects). The latest addition to his research themes and study systems is the domestication of animals and plants, with foci on epigenomics of equines and medicinal plants. His work not only aims to enhance our understanding of these diverse biological systems but also seeks to apply this knowledge to real-world challenges in conservation and resource management. By integrating genomic tools with traditional ecological approaches, he aspires to develop innovative strategies that promote resilience and sustainability in both natural and domesticated populations. Dr. Maduna is always keen on collaborating and perusing uncharted research ventures. His passion for discovery often leads him to partner with experts from diverse fields, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas that can spark groundbreaking innovations. 

Skills and Expertise

• Research project management (conceptualizing projects and developed funding proposals, coordinating multi-collaborator and -funding agency projects, conducting wet laboratory work, curating and analyzing data, writing scientific publications, conducting outreach, and managing funding proposals for future research).

• Establishing research collaborations and strategic partnerships with public and private stakeholders in terms of service delivery for natural resource management and essential biodiversity research priorities within the contexts of climate change, sustainable development, EcoHealth/OneHealth, and food security.

• Supervising and mentoring postgraduate students while providing customized seminars for the development of laboratory and bioinformatics skills to a wider audience in academia and industry.

• Designing, implementing and managing genetic and genomic experimental work, genotypic datasets and associated metadata for population genetics and genomics, seascape/landscape genetics and genomics, phylogeography, molecular phylogenetics and phylogenomics, DNA barcoding and metabarcoding projects.

• Developing and employing several molecular markers (e.g., microsatellites, SNPs and species-specific assays) for genotyping platforms ranging from low to medium throughput (ABI 3730xl DNA Analyzer, Real-Time PCR System, and Biomark HD).

• Seting up of advance molecular techniques (3RAD, GTseq, Megabarcoding, Metabarcoding, Mitogenomics, Epitranscriptomics and DNA methylomics) in the laboratory for DNA library preparation, size selection and high-throughput sequencing with Illumina, Ion Torrent, PacBio and Nanopore sequencing platforms.

• Developing field and laboratory protocols for eDNA-based monitoring of within-species genetic diversity, community structures, invasive species, pathogen surveillance and diet analysis.