Dr. William Okello | Limnology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. William Okello, National Fisheries Resources Research Institute, Uganda

Dr. William Okello is a distinguished researcher with over 18 years of experience in Limnology, working collaboratively with national, regional, and international partners to promote conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources. He holds a Ph.D. in Natural Sciences from the University of Vienna, an M.Sc. in Environmental Science and Technology with a specialization in Limnology & Wetland Ecosystem Management from UNESCO-IHE in the Netherlands, and a Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology from Makerere University. Currently serving as a Principal Research Officer at the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI-NARO) in Uganda, Dr. Okello has played a pivotal role in developing strategic research programs, securing grants, and advancing environmental research, including collaborations on novel greenhouse gas monitoring technologies in Sub-Saharan Africa. With a prolific academic output of over 50 publications, he is also an active postgraduate external examiner at Makerere University. Beyond research, he contributes to community development through his engagement in Rotary projects, translating scientific insights into impactful public policies.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

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Suitability for the Best Researcher Award – William Okello, Ph.D.

Dr. William Okello is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his outstanding contributions to limnology, environmental science, and sustainable water resource management. His extensive research experience, leadership, and impact make him a strong contender.

Education 📚

🎓 Ph.D. in Natural Sciences – University of Vienna, Austria (2010)
🌱 MSc. in Environmental Science and Technology (Limnology & Wetland Ecosystem Management) – UNESCO-IHE, Delft, The Netherlands (2004)
🏥 Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology (BBLT) – Makerere University, Uganda (2002)
🧪 Diploma in Science and Technology (Chemistry & Biochemistry) – Kyambogo Polytechnic, Uganda (1994)

Work Experience 💼

🔬 National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI-NARO)

🏆 Principal Research Officer, Fish Habitat Management Programme (Water Environment) (July 2022 – Present)
- Securing research grants (aiming for $5M over five years)
- Leading research collaborations (e.g., Greenhouse Gas monitoring with University of Leicester, UK)
- Strategic planning, patenting, and commercialization of research products
- Overseeing data collection, analysis, and publication
🌍 Programme Leader, Fish Habitat Management (Nov 2019 – Dec 2023)
- Deputy Director of Research
- Developed strategic plans for environmental research
- Led research projects, financial accountability, and stakeholder engagement
- Mentored and trained research teams
- Ensured environmental compliance in projects

Achievements & Contributions 🏅

📝 Authored & Co-authored 50+ Publications – Peer-reviewed journals, books, technical reports, and conference proceedings
🎤 Presented at National & International Conferences – Sharing expertise in Limnology & Environmental Science
🌍 Consultant for UNIDO – Addressed hypoxic conditions in the Guinea Current Large Marine Ecosystem
🎓 External Examiner at Makerere University (Since 2005) – Supporting postgraduate education and research training
🤝 Community Service as a Rotarian – Implementing projects that improve living conditions in Uganda
📜 Environmental Impact Assessments – Contributed to sustainable project development in Uganda

Awards & Honors 🏆

🌟 Recognized for Leadership & Contributions in Limnology and Water Resource Management
🏅 Multiple Professional Development Certifications
📢 Honored for Policy Contributions in Sustainable Natural Resource Utilization

Publication Top Notes:

Fiducial Reference Measurements for Greenhouse Gases (FRM4GHG): Validation of Satellite (Sentinel-5 Precursor, OCO-2, and GOSAT) Missions Using the COllaborative Carbon Column Observing Network (COCCON)