Christine listening to her colleagues during the refereed seminar at the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Tourism
Refereed seminars provide a platform for PhD students to present and receive feedback on their research in various fields. As part of the Sokoine University of Agriculture guidelines, every postgraduate student must participate in refereed seminars. The postgraduate committee at the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Tourism at the University hosted refereed seminars on 13th -14th and 24th -25th July 2024. The seminars were officially presided over by the Director of postgraduate studies, Professor Japhet Kashaigili, and the College Principal, Prof. Agness Sirima, who also serves as the chair of the college’s postgraduate committee. The REFOREST coordinator, Prof. Romanus Ishengoma, made opening remarks and urged the students to put their best effort into the seminars. Every REFOREST PhD student had the opportunity to share the results of their research and receive feedback from discussants and examiners from the University.
Christine presenting her research results at the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Tourism
These seminars are examinable; therefore, it was essential for me to prepare thoroughly. The preparation process included consulting with my supervisors and agreeing on which objectives to present, preparing slides for presentation and practicing before some of my colleagues
During the seminars, I presented findings from two of my research objectives, titled “Perception of artisans towards bamboo protection for improved product durability in Uganda” and “Fungal degradation of bamboo treated with crude lake salt and a mixture of borax and boric acid” which were part of my PhD research on preservation of bamboo. The overall aim of my research is to contribute to the utilisation of bamboo as an alternative to timber in Uganda. I received constructive comments and questions. I addressed some of the questions right away, while others were noted for more careful consideration and further research.
Apart from presenting my research findings, I had the opportunity to listen to my colleagues’ research conducted in Tanzania, Rwanda, Mozambique, Ethiopia and Uganda. The opportunity to learn from the diverse and innovative research of my peers was a valuable aspect of the refereed seminars. It has enhanced my presentation skills as I prepare for my final thesis and “Viva voce” examination. Participating in refereed seminars is truly an enriching experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity.
