About us. The Team of 2024.
Servus everyone and Willkommen to the long-awaited Tropentag conference 2024! This year we are excited to greet you at the campus of BOKU university in the European Capital of Music, Vienna.
Throughout the following days, we are going to cover the latest findings, news, and inspiring stories from the world of tropical and subtropical agriculture and bring you along for a ride of discovery.
But first, let us start with a brief introduction of the voices behind the cameras and notepads. We are the Student Reporters – a team of hungry, young professionals, joined by a passion for science. We bring together a diverse set of experiences and backgrounds with one goal in mind: to facilitate scientific exchange and bring academia closer to you. Read along for a more in-depth introduction of our team members.
“Hi, my name is Angela Nyakato and I am currently pursuing an MSc in Agriculture, Ecology and Societies at the University of Kassel.
I am originally from Uganda, where I developed a deep passion for sustainable agricultural practices and rural development. My academic interests lie in food systems, rural development, and transdisciplinary research. My research aims to explore the intersection of ecology, agriculture and social systems, particularly how these dynamics affect rural livelihoods. I look forward to learning from the diverse perspectives of the Tropentag 2024.”
“My name is Anushka Mukherjee and I am a master’s student of Economics at the University of Bonn.
I am interested in the development of sustainable solutions for climate change and its impact on improving livelihoods to build resilience for a better future for everyone. I am joining Tropentag 2024 as a Student Reporter, taking on the role of content creator and videographer to cover stories that speak to those who want to learn from the leading scientists, researchers, government representatives, and private-sector innovators attending this year’s conference. I am glad to be a part of a dynamic and global team ready to engage with the sessions, panels, and workshops through impactful, relatable, and transparent communication. I plan to increase public awareness about Tropentag and ATSAF e.V. and make critical research and discussions accessible to a broader audience to bridge the gap between science and society.“
“Hi, My name is Abul Bashar Polas, I am Bangladeshi.
Currently I am pursuing my doctoral study in Social Ecological Interactions in Agricultural Systems group, at the University of Kassel, Germany. Previously, I have completed my Bachelor’s in Agricultural Economics from Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh and Master’s degree in Environmental sciences, at the University of Cologne, Germany. I have worked at United Nations organized World climate conference in Bonn, Germany. I have also participated in an International summer school in Egypt. My research interests are centered around climate change, landscape conservation, sustainability.“
“Zdraveyte, and nice to meet you! My name is Bojidara Ilieva and I am happy to welcome you to the Tropenatag Conference 2024.
I am a spirited food and agricultural scientist, who has studied Nutritional and Food Science at the University of Vienna and is currently finishing a Master’s degree at the University of Hohenheim in Organic Agriculture and Food Systems.
Ensuring food security and climate resilience is a personal goal of mine, which is at the heart of everything I do: from participating in a parliamentarian debate on the European Green Deal alongside fellow young Europeans, and conducting scientific research in the lab, to supporting climate initiatives at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, and learning from the best as an intern at the German Development Agency for international cooperation in Bonn.
As a Tropentag blog writer and editor-in-chief, I will be coordinating and managing the creative process behind the scenes. There is so much more to be done, discovered, and learned! Luckily, with the right mindset and a driven team, there is hardly anything impossible!”
“My name is Farzin Nourisamani, from Iran.
I’m an interdisciplinary artist with a focus on environmental issues. I’m currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Landscape Ecology at the University of Hohenheim, and my work bridges the gap between scientific research and public understanding, using art to highlight the challenges facing our natural world.“
“Mabuhay from the Philippines! I’m Jekk Mickale Paderes, currently pursuing a Master’s in European Forestry at the Universität für Bodenkultur Wien (BOKU) in Vienna, Austria, as part of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Programme.
My passion lies in sustainable forestry, stakeholder engagement and bioeconomy. As a student reporter for Tropentag 2024, I’m excited to combine my academic background with my love for social media to share insights from the conference. I look forward to bringing key discussions to a broader audience and shedding light on the latest trends and research in global agriculture and sustainability.
Let’s connect and explore the future of innovative solutions for our planet together!”
“Hello, dear readers! I’m Katharina Wahedi, born and raised in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
As a master’s student in International Development Studies at Wageningen University & Research with a background in anthropology, I love to focus on the lived experiences of humans. The Tropentag conference caught my attention because of its overarching aim to explore opportunities for managing natural resources sustainably and improving the quality of life for all individuals and communities. While being a student reporter at Tropentag 2024, I wish to make science more accessible to a wider public. So, I am very excited about diving into the various complex topics and sharing the latest research!“
“Greetings. My name is Kishor Neupane.
I was born in the Himalayas of Nepal and am currently pursuing my MSc in Landscape Ecology at the University of Hohenheim. I am deeply passionate about climate change, sustainability, and ecosystem management. As an enthusiastic volunteer, I have led various impactful initiatives to promote sustainability and climate justice within my community. I am committed to using my expertise and leadership to drive positive change and make the world a better place to live.“
“My name is Lisa Vissers. I grew up in the historical center of Leiden, a picturesque city in the Netherlands renowned for its canals, courtyards, and its centuries-old university.
I am currently pursuing an MSc in Organic Agriculture at Wageningen University & Research. Alongside my studies, I work as a cook in the on-site restaurant of an organic farm, where I get to experience the entire food cycle – from farm to table. My ambition is to help transform agri-food systems by promoting agricultural landscapes that function as diverse, living ecosystems and reconnecting people with the origins of their food.
As a student reporter for Tropentag 2024, I hope to bridge the gap between scientific research and society. My goal is to make the latest findings in sustainable agriculture accessible and relevant to a broad public, increasing awareness and inspiring action towards more resilient food systems.“
“Hello, my name is Mallika Sitaula, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Sustainable International Agriculture at the University of Göttingen and the University of Kassel.
As a student reporter for Tropentag 2024, I am excited to engage in cutting-edge discussions on global agriculture, food security, and sustainability. My academic background equips me to bring an informed and passionate perspective to the reporting team, and I look forward to connecting with researchers, practitioners, and fellow students to highlight the key takeaways from this important event.“
“Hi everyone! I’m Pavan Kumar Naik Banavath from India, and part of the amazing Tropentag student reporter team.
I am a student at a joint master’s degree between the University of Göttingen and the University of Kassel in Germany. My background is in Sustainable International Agriculture, and I’m passionate about Organic Agriculture. I’m excited to bring fresh insights and highlight key moments from the conference through our blog and social media.
Beyond my professional life, I’m a big fan of traveling, photography, and entrepreneurship. Of course, I have a dream to complete a world tour. I’m always eager to connect with like-minded people, share ideas, and collaborate on projects that can make a real difference in the world.”
“Hello! My name is Tochukwu ThankGod Okafor, from Nigeria. I hold a Bachelors degree in Forestry and Wildlife from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
In 2022, I was awarded a fully funded DAAD scholarship by the government of Germany, through which I am currently rounding off my Masters degree in Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation at the University of Greifswald, Germany. This opportunity has enabled me to delve deeper into the dynamics of landscapes and the vital role they play in preserving biodiversity.My journey from Bachelors to Masters showcases my deep rooted passion for understanding and preserving the natural world. This commitment reflects my appreciation for biodiversity, which makes me a strong advocate for Biodiversity conservation.
I am glad to be one of the Student Reporters for the Tropentag 2024 and I’m ready to contribute my quota towards creating engaging contents for our different media platforms.”
