Bonginkosi Charles Gumbi
Juneau,US
Summary
Experienced researcher specializing in bioinformatics and project management at NOAA-Alaska Fisheries Science Center. Created and implemented laboratory protocols that significantly improved research efficiency. Demonstrated expertise in scientific communication and mentoring, with a history of impactful presentations at top-tier conferences. Committed postdoctoral research fellow with a proven track record of success in the discipline.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Postdoctoral Researcher
NOAA-Alaska Fisheeries Scince Center
Juneau, AK
11.2024 - Current
- Conducted research on the universal epigenetic clock for aging rockfish species (Sebastes spp.).
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop research proposals and laboratory protocols.
- Created reproducible bioinformatic workflows to improve research efficiency.
- Participated in meetings with external partners to discuss ongoing collaborations.
Brewer
Alaskan Brewing Co
Juneau, US
02.2024 - 10.2025
- Operated manual and automated brewing equipment to ensure production quality standards.
- Operated brewing equipment to produce high-quality craft beer.
- Handled grain processing and filtration systems to achieve production targets.
Postdoctoral Fellow
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, US
09.2022 - 12.2023
- Led research on sex chromosome transformation in Microtus oregoni, advancing institutional research initiatives.
- Spearheaded data analysis, mentoring and supervising students to elevate program quality.
- Presented findings at national and international conferences, increasing institutional visibility.
- Refined laboratory protocols through rigorous testing of experimental methods for future studies.
- Organized seminars and workshops to enhance research collaboration on relevant topics.
Graduate Researcher
University of Florida
Gainesville, US
07.2021 - 08.2022
- Annotated and published Florida bonneted bat genome draft, advancing institutional research.
- Produced weekly ad hoc reports and documents for senior team members.
Graduate Researcher
University of Eswatini - Kwaluseni Campus
Kwaluseni, Eswatini
05.2019 - 12.2019
- Led biodiversity surveys in Eswatini while mentoring technicians to enhance fieldwork skills.
- Analyzed data to identify critical trends, improving management strategies.
- Conducted weekly project meetings to ensure adherence to schedule and budget.
- Mentored undergraduate students and farmers in eco-friendly pest control techniques, promoting sustainable practices.
- Analyzed data to identify critical trends and improve management strategies.
Biodiversity Survey Technician
Eswatini National Trust Commission
Lobamba, Eswatini
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Conducted biodiversity surveys in Eswatini to assess ecological health.
- Mentored technicians to enhance field survey skills and data collection.
- Co-authored a paper published in the European Journal of Wildlife Research.
- Developed conservation strategies for adequate biodiversity protection and management in Eswatini.
Education
Ph.D. - Wildlife Ecology
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL01.2022
Master of Science - Environmental Science
University of Eswatini
Kwaluseni, Manzini01.2017
Bachelor of Science - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Eswatini
Kwaluseni, Manzini01.2011
Skills
- R and RStudio proficiency
- Laboratory protocol development
- Teaching experience
- Experimental design
- Scientific writing
- Bioinformatics analysis
- Scientific communication
- Project management
- Presentation skills
- Data science
- Laboratory techniques
- Git and GitHub expertise
- Data management and visualization
- Library preparation techniques
- Genome assembly and annotation
Publications
- Ayala N. Berger, Wendy Y. Ye, Trinh Kondo, Bonginkosi C. Gumbi, Christopher J. Clark, Polly Campbell Geographical variation in the songs of two closely related song-learning species, Anna's and Costa's hummingbird (2025). Animal Behaviour , 226.
- Hayley S. Clements...Bonginkosi C. Gumbi... (2024). The bii4africa dataset of faunal and floral population intactness estimates across Africa's major landuses. Nature, 11:191.
- Ara Monadjem, Felicity Simelane, Julie Teresa Shapiro, Bonginkosi C. Gumbi, Mnqobi L. Mamba, Muzi D. Sibiya, Sifiso M. Lukhele, Themb’alilahlwa A.M. Mahlaba. (2021). Using species distribution models to gauge the completeness of the bat checklist of Eswatini. European Journal of Wildlife Research67:21.
- Viviana Rojas Bonzi, Celine Carneiro, Robert McCleery, Bonginkosi C. Gumbi, Ara Monadjem & James D. Austin (2019). Comparative fine-scale spatial structure of two generalist African savanna rodent species. Journal of Ecology.
- Bonginkosi C Gumbi, Julie T Shapiro, Themba Mahlaba, Robert McCleery, Duncan MacFadyen & Ara Monadjem (2018). Assessing the impacts of domesticated versus wild ungulates on terrestrial small mammal assemblages at Telperion Nature Reserve, South Africa, African Zoology,53:1, 23-29.
Timeline
Postdoctoral Researcher
NOAA-Alaska Fisheeries Scince Center
11.2024 - Current
Brewer
Alaskan Brewing Co
02.2024 - 10.2025
Postdoctoral Fellow
University of California, Riverside
09.2022 - 12.2023
Graduate Researcher
University of Florida
07.2021 - 08.2022
Graduate Researcher
University of Eswatini - Kwaluseni Campus
05.2019 - 12.2019
Biodiversity Survey Technician
Eswatini National Trust Commission
01.2016 - 12.2016
Ph.D. - Wildlife Ecology
University of Florida
Master of Science - Environmental Science
University of Eswatini
Bachelor of Science - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Eswatini
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