Dr. nat. techn. Gichana Zipporah Moraa

Dr. Gichana Zipporah Moraa is a Lecturer and Chairperson of the Department of Environment, Natural Resources, and Aquatic Sciences at Kisii University, Kenya. She is a freshwater scientist and aquaculture researcher with expertise in aquatic ecology, limnology, water quality management, and sustainable aquaculture systems, particularly aquaponics and recirculating aquaculture systems （RAS）.

Dr. Gichana holds a PhD in Natural Resources and Life Sciences （Distinction） from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences （BOKU）, Vienna, Austria. She also holds an MSc in Aquatic Sciences from the University of Eldoret and a BSc in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from Moi University. In addition, she earned an International Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Limnology from BOKU University, Austria, and an International Postgraduate Certificate in Limnology and Wetland Ecosystems from the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, the Netherlands.

Her research interests include freshwater science, sustainable aquaculture systems, aquaponics, aquatic toxicology, aquatic biodiversity conservation, bioremediation, climate resilience, and the sustainable management of inland aquatic resources. Her work integrates ecological monitoring, aquatic toxicology, and nature-based solutions to address environmental challenges and promote ecosystem health, food security, and environmental sustainability.

Dr. Gichana has extensive experience in university teaching, postgraduate supervision, curriculum development, research project management, grant management, and community engagement. She serves as a member of the Kisii University Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committee （ISERC), where she contributes to the ethical review and oversight of scientific research.

She also plays an active role in advancing international research collaboration and academic capacity development. She serves as the Kisii University Representative to the Austria–Africa Research Network (AFRICA-UNINET), where she promotes collaborative research initiatives and strengthens institutional partnerships between African and Austrian universities. She also teaches in the International Joint Master's Programme in Limnology and Wetland Management, a collaborative programme offered by BOKU University, Austria, the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, The Netherlands, and Egerton University, Kenya. Additionally, she is an Adjunct Researcher at the African Institute for Capacity Development（AICAD), contributing to multidisciplinary research, innovation, and regional development

Dr. Gichana also serves as the Matron of the Kisii University Environmental Club, where she mentors students in environmental leadership, conservation, climate action, environmental awareness, and community outreach initiatives, inspiring the next generation of environmental professionals. She is also a Certified Trainer of Trainers (ToT) accredited by the International Labour Organization （ILO）.

She has successfully secured competitive national and international research grants from Kisii University, the Austrian Partnership Programme in Higher Education and Research for Development （APPEAR）, and the Austrian Development Cooperation's Cooperation in Development Research （KOEF）. She has also served as a Consultant Trainer for the Kenya Market-led Aquaculture Programme （KMAP） implemented by Farm Africa and as a Consultant Investigator for Pure Earth （formerly Blacksmith Institute）, New York, undertaking environmental assessments and research on toxic pollutants.

Dr. Gichana has published more than 36 peer-reviewed scientific papers, serves as a reviewer for several international scientific journals, and has supervised and examined numerous postgraduate and undergraduate research projects. She has also contributed to academic curriculum development and institutional policy formulation.

She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Eastern Africa Water Association （EAWA）, AQUAHUB Network, Scientists of Kenya Association （SCOKA）, the Society for Freshwater Science （SFS）, and the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World （OWSD）.  Through her teaching, research, leadership, and international collaborations, Dr. Gichana is committed to advancing freshwater science, sustainable aquaculture, environmental conservation, and evidence-based management of aquatic and natural resources to support sustainable development.