April 2025: First NamTip PhD student defends her thesis

On 8 April 2025, Ndamonenghenda Hamunyela successfully defended her doctoral dissertation at the University of Namibia (UNAM), becoming the first PhD graduate of the NamTip project. Her research was supervised by Dr. Wellencia Clara Nesongano (UNAM) and Prof. Dr. Katja Tielbörger (University of Tübingen).

Ndamonenghenda’s dissertation, titled “Relative importance of sources of plant recruitment and the role of plant–plant interactions as early indicators of grazing-induced desertification tipping points”, investigated early-warning signals of rangeland degradation in semi-arid savannas. By combining soil seed bank analysis, studies of nurse plant effects on seed-related processes, and the influence of grazing on plant recruitment dynamics, her work offers valuable insights into understand early-warning signals of rangeland degradation. The findings have practical implications for rangeland management, restoration efforts, and policy development, contributing to the long-term resilience of dryland ecosystems.

Her successful defense was attended—virtually and in person—by faculty members, fellow researchers, students, and family members, all celebrating the culmination of this impactful research journey.

Congratulations to Dr. Hamunyela on this significant achievement!