Resume

Experience

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2017 – Present
Cartography Technician & GIS Analyst
Malawi University of Science and Technology
Limbe, Malawi
Manage the Geoinformation and Earth Observation Laboratory at MUST. Provide training in GIS, Remote Sensing and Cartography. Lead implementation of the AFD/FFEM-funded SBAPP Regional Project, conducting national biodiversity assessments, ecosystem mapping and spatial analyses. Contribute to national biodiversity reporting, environmental planning, and the National Ecosystem Assessment through geospatial analysis and policy-relevant technical outputs. Lecture students in GIS.
2020 – 2022
GIS Analyst
UN World Food Programme
Malawi
Collected and analysed spatial datasets on land degradation, food security and natural disasters for a national resilience planning assessment. Produced national-scale GIS maps and cartographic products, and developed technical reports and visual products supporting evidence-based resource allocation for WFP's Integrated Context Analysis.
2025 – 2026
GIS Specialist
UNICEF Malawi
Malawi
Led geospatial assessment and mapping of Community Victim Support Units across ten districts. Coordinated spatial data collection, GPS surveys and geodatabase development. Conducted accessibility, terrain and service coverage analyses, producing GIS maps and analytical reports to strengthen child protection and GBV response planning.

Education

2026 - Present
Malawi University of Science and Technology
Limbe, Malawi
PhD Student
Geo-Information Science
The PhD in Geo-Information Science is a rigorous, research-intensive doctoral programme designed to cultivate advanced expertise in spatial data collection, analysis, modelling, and the application of geospatial technologies for decision making. The programme emphasises high-quality, interdisciplinary research that addresses environmental management, urban planning, disaster risk reduction, natural resource governance, and spatial policy challenges.
2024
Malawi University of Science and Technology
Limbe, Malawi
MSc
Biodiversity Informatics
Postgraduate research programme integrating biodiversity science, spatial data analysis and informatics. Developed advanced skills in species distribution modelling, ecosystem assessment and geospatial data management in support of conservation decision-making.
2015
University of Malawi
Malawi
BSc
Earth Sciences
Undergraduate degree in Earth Sciences, providing a strong foundation in physical geography, geology, environmental science and spatial analysis. Developed core competencies in field data collection, laboratory techniques and scientific communication.

GIS & Remote Sensing

QGIS
ArcGIS Pro
Google Earth Engine
ArcGIS Online
PostGIS
SAR & Optical RS

Programming & Data

Python (GeoPandas, Rasterio)
R
JavaScript / Web Mapping
Ecosystem Mapping
Spatial Biodiversity Assessment
Machine Learning (Geospatial)

Selected Publications

  • Buschke, F.T., Capitani, C., Sow, E.H., …, Mbeya, D., et al. (2023). Make global biodiversity information useful to national decision-makers. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 7, 1953–1956.
  • Nyengere, J., Masuku, P., Mwase, W., …, Mbeya, D., et al. (2025). Determinants of household participation in natural forest regeneration: Evidence from a model forest in Dedza, Central Malawi. Trees, Forests and People, 22, 101076.
  • Basikolo, A., & Mbeya, D. (2025). Assessment of Microbiological Quality, Nutrient Composition, and Physical Characteristics in Groundnut Flour sold in Malawi. Indonesian Journal of Health Research and Development, 3(2), 66–77.
  • Mtewa, A.G., Baloyi, J., Shaba, B., Mbeya, D., et al. (2023). Approaches in the conservation of Cannabis species and their chemical products. Cannabis and Khat in Drug Discovery (pp. 675–697). Elsevier.

Professional Memberships

  • Member, ESRI Young Professional Network (2023 – present)
  • Member, Society for Conservation GIS (2023 – 2024)
  • Member, Cartography and Geographic Information Society – CaGIS (2023 – 2024)