We are delighted to welcome Ma-Lyse Nema, the first scholar on our PhD student mobility scheme (with PASET-RSIF and Cabot Institute). She joins us from the Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Côte d’Ivoire, and will spend six months with the Bristol research community, continuing her PhD research on landslide hazards and risks in the Kivu catchment of Rwanda.
We caught up with Ma-Lyse to find out more about her research.
Please tell us about your background and what led you to pursue research in landslide hazards and risks in Rwanda
I was raised in a landslide-prone area of western Rwanda, and I’ve always wanted to help discover a solution since my childhood. I’m glad that my dreams are coming true.
Can you share any preliminary findings or insights from your research so far?
My preliminary findings show that rainfall, slope cutting, and deforestation are the factors mostly associated with landslides in the Kivu catchment of Rwanda (CKIV).
What challenges have you faced in your research and how have you overcome them?
It was challenging to reach remote areas during the data collection, and I decided to use motorbikes! Additionally, I had very limited skills in landslide modeling, so I applied for this placement at the University of Bristol to learn more about the causes of landslides and appropriate methods of analysis to apply in CKIV.
What will you be working on during your placement here, and what are your goals?
I will be working on a literature review and data analysis. My goal is to use my landslide inventory and the knowledge and data I have collected to develop a susceptibility map that can be used for better landslide decisions in CKIV and is suitable for future publication.
How do you hope this placement will benefit your research and career?
I will gain new knowledge and skills in understanding landslides and different modeling methods. I will gain experience through connecting with international researchers in my career.
Do you think there will also be benefits for the institutions involved?
Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny will benefit from raising a competent PhD graduate. The PASET will gain another highly skilled woman in applied sciences. The University of Bristol will benefit from my experiences related to climate challenges in sub-Saharan Africa.
Thank you Ma-Lyse!
Landslide photo by Wolfgang Hasselmann on Unsplash