Marvelous Sungirai

Personal Profile I am an experienced university lecturer with 15 years of teaching expertise in Animal Science. Throughout my tenure at Midlands State University, I have delivered courses such as Rangeland Ecology, Animal Health, Parasitology, Genetics, Immunology, Principles of Wildlife Management, Animal Biotechnology, Animal Breeding, Animal Anatomy and Histology, and Reproduction and Lactation Physiology. As I progressed from assistant lecturer to full tenured senior lecturer, I authored 20 research articles published in peer-reviewed journals indexed by SCIE and SCOPUS. My commitment extends beyond the classroom—I have actively participated in International Conferences on Global Health. Additionally, I served as the Head of the Animal Sciences Department for 5 years and contributed to various university committees, including the senate, international relations, information technology, research, postgraduate studies, and the editorial and publications committee. My academic journey includes a PhD in Applied Biology from Ghent University, an MSc in Tropical Animal Health from the Institute of Tropical Medicine, and a BSc (Hon) in Animal and Wildlife Sciences. Furthermore, I hold a postgraduate diploma in tertiary education from Midlands State University. My passion for learning led me to pursue credit courses in epidemiology, molecular biology, and quantitative genetics. Beyond academia, I had the privilege of serving as the deputy board chairperson in a state-owned parastatal specializing in milling and stockfeed production, where I chaired the Finance Committee and contributed to cooperate strategy and projects.

• Qualtitative and Mixed Methods in International Health Research-Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium, Feb 2022
• During this course, I learnt how to skillfully craft research strategies tailored to specific health questions and socio-cultural contexts.
• We blended qualitative and mixed methods’ designs, allowing us to tackle complex research inquiries effectively.
• We adeptly related theoretical concepts and models to address research questions. The insights into methodological implications showcased a deep understanding of the subject matter.
• I independently conducted basic qualitative research, including data collection and theory- based analysis.
• My presentation of results demonstrated clarity and rigor.
• My critical evaluation of qualitative and mixed methods’ designs in international health research was insightful.
• I scrutinized peer-reviewed articles, protocols, and research reports, contributing to the field’s quality standards. My active participation and diverse perspectives enriched the course, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
• Introductory Course for Editors-Cactus Communications, May 2021
• I demonstrated remarkable dedication and acquired essential skills to navigate the intricate world of scientific communication and research publishing
• Here are some of my notable achievements: I gained a comprehensive understanding of the purpose and audience of scientific communication
• My grasp of in-depth academic publishing for young researchers and the nuances of scientific language stood out
• Language Mastery: My commitment to language excellence shone through
• I honed my grammar skills, delving into proper punctuation, word usage, and avoiding critical language errors
• My ability to express complex ideas succinctly improved significantly
• Research Writing: From crafting abstracts to composing full- fledged research papers and grant proposals, I showcased proficiency in research writing
• My attention to detail and clarity in presenting scientific content were commendable
• Ethical Practices: I delved into research ethics, understanding the ethical considerations in publication
• My commitment to maintaining high standards and avoiding retractions and plagiarism was evident
• Visual Information: I explored the effective use of visual aids, including tables, graphs, charts, and illustrations
• My ability to convey complex data visually enhanced the quality of scientific communication
• Manuscript Preparation: Understanding citations, references, and the peer review process, I prepared manuscripts meticulously
• My attention to detail during final checks and revisions before submission was noteworthy
• Global Impact: In the advanced scientific communication segment, I learned to write for global audiences
• My understanding of intellectual property rights and strategies to promote research for greater impact was impressive
• Applied Epidemiology -Institute of Tropical Medicine / University of Pretoria Oct 2017 I delved into epidemiological modeling and was equipped with practical skills to tackle real-world challenges
• Here's a concise overview of my achievements: I mastered the steps of the risk assessment process, distinguishing between qualitative and quantitative approaches
• My ability to collect and process expert opinions allowed me to estimate risks effectively
• I gained proficiency in evaluating multiple diagnostic tests
• By applying Bayesian analysis methods, I assessed their performance and reliability, a crucial skill for informed decision-making
• I explored the fascinating world of infectious diseases
• Building conceptual compartmental models and generating differential equation-based models, I estimated infection dynamics over time
• My work involved identifying essential parameters using global sensitivity analysis
• My dedication and expertise in these areas undoubtedly contribute to advancing epidemiology and public health
• Advanced Epidemiology_Institute of Tropical Medicine / University of Pretoria May 2017
• During the Advanced Epidemiology course, I demonstrated a strong grasp of essential concepts in epidemiology
• My achievements include mastering advanced statistical models, such as the generalized linear model, mixed models, and survival analysis
• Additionally, I gained proficiency in quantitative risk assessment
• My understanding of disease prevalence, incidence measures of association, and epidemiological studies was evident throughout the course
• My successful completion of this 4-ECTS-credit module reflects my dedication and competence in the field of epidemiology
• Basic Epidemiology-Institute of Tropical Medicine / University of Pretoria May 2016
• During this course, I achieved the following milestones: I gained insights into fundamental concepts of epidemiology, including the quantification of disease incidence and prevalence, measures of association, and their interpretation
• Additionally, I delved into basic sampling designs and statistical testing
• Statistical Competence: I acquired practical skills in performing basic statistical calculations using R Studio
• This included calculating measures of location, dispersal, prevalence, and incidence from field survey data
• I also learned to interpret precision, accuracy, random and systematic errors, as well as the difference between experimental and observational studies
• The course emphasized epidemiology in a One Health environment, allowing me to appreciate the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health
• This holistic approach broadened my understanding of population health and its impact on medical science
• Overall, my participation in the Basic Epidemiology course equipped me with essential tools for analyzing health data, understanding disease patterns, and contributing to public health research
• Multivariable Analysis-Institute of Tropical Medicine Apr 2016
• During this 5 ECTS credit course, I delved into advanced concepts in epidemiology and statistics
• The course focused on equipping me with the necessary tools for public health research
• Here are the key highlights: Linear Regression: I gained insights into modeling relationships between continuous outcome variables and predictors
• Logistic Regression: I explored how to analyze binary outcomes and understand the impact of various factors
• Survival Analysis (Cox Regression): I learned about time-to-event data, survival curves, and hazard ratios
• Understand the four multivariable analysis methods: multiple linear regression, logistic regression, Poisson, and Cox regression (survival analysis)
• Identify the measurement scale of outcome variables
• Justify when to use these methods
• Recognize confounding and effect modification
• Translate research questions into multivariable regression models
• My commitment to mastering these techniques undoubtedly enhanced my ability to critically appraise literature, engage in epidemiological research, and contribute to public health initiatives
• Applied Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases-Institute of Tropical Medicine
• May 2016
• During the Applied Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases course, I demonstrated exceptional competence in various critical areas
• I gained a solid understanding of molecular epidemiology, delving into topics such as population genetics, epidemiological studies, and next-generation sequencing
• My proficiency extended to practical skills, including Sanger sequence analysis, BLAST and online databases, and protein analysis
• Additionally, I mastered techniques like multiple sequence alignment, phylogeny construction, and DNA and RNA extraction
• My expertise in PCR, qPCR, and RT-PCR analysis was evident, as was my ability to interpret results from fragment analysis
• Furthermore, I explored the fascinating epidemiology of diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis
• Tick Identification-University of Pretoria Nov 2014
• I delved into the identification of both soft ticks and hard ticks found in southern Africa
• Molecular Biology- University of Pretoria Nov 2014
• During the course, I demonstrated proficiency in several key areas: DNA and RNA Extraction: I successfully mastered the techniques for isolating genetic material from various sources, including cells and tissues
• My understanding of sample preparation and purification was commendable
• Sanger Sequencing: I delved into the intricacies of Sanger sequencing, a fundamental method for determining DNA sequences
• My ability to interpret sequencing results and identify genetic variations showcased my analytical skills
• BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool): I navigated the BLAST algorithm adeptly, using it to compare DNA or protein sequences against existing databases
• My accurate sequence alignments and insightful interpretations contributed to my success
• Phylogenetic Analysis: I explored the evolutionary relationships among organisms based on molecular data
• My grasp of phylogenetic tree construction and interpretation demonstrated a deep understanding of molecular evolution
• A Primer to Quantitative Genetics-University of Nebraska-Lincoln March 2015
• I achieved significant milestones in understanding the fundamental concepts of quantitative genetics
• Here are my accomplishments: I grasped the foundational principles that underpin the genetic architecture of quantitative traits
• This included comprehending how multiple genes contribute to continuous phenotypic variation
• I delved into the diverse factors influencing trait variability, such as genetic variation, environmental effects, and gene-environment interactions
• Understanding these sources is crucial for dissecting complex traits.I gained insights into estimating heritability—the proportion of phenotypic variance attributed to genetic factors
• This knowledge is essential for predicting response to selection and designing effective breeding programs.I explored the concept of family resemblance, which highlights the resemblance between relatives due to shared genetic material
• Additionally, I learned how heritability informs our understanding of familial trait correlations.I studied how selective breeding can lead to changes in trait values over generations
• By analyzing selection response, I acquired practical skills for improving desirable traits in plant and animal populations.I delved into family-based selection strategies, where entire families are evaluated and chosen for breeding
• This approach considers both individual performance and family performance, optimizing genetic gains
• Overall, my participation in this course equipped me with a solid foundation in quantitative genetics, empowering me to contribute effectively to research, breeding, and genetic improvement endeavors
• Selection Index Theory and Application- University of Nebraska-Lincoln Mar 2015
• During the course, I demonstrated a strong grasp of key concepts related to animal breeding programs
• Specifically, I excelled in the following areas: I exhibited a deep understanding of the principles underlying the design of effective animal breeding programs
• This included considerations related to genetic improvement, population dynamics, and practical implementation
• My proficiency in selection index theory stood out
• I comprehended the intricacies of simultaneous multiple-trait selection, where traits may vary in variability, heritability, and economic importance
• My ability to navigate the complexities of aggregate breeding values and their joint determination by breeding values and economic weights was commendable
• Breeding Objectives Definition: I skillfully defined breeding objectives, recognizing that these objectives must align with production and marketing systems
• My insights into trait prioritization and the relative importance of different traits contributed significantly to the course discussions
• My work in deriving appropriate economic weights was meticulous
• I understood that economic weights should reflect the partial regression of cost per unit of enterprise output value on breeding value for each trait
• These weights play a crucial role in optimizing breeding decisions
• Predicting Selection Response: My ability to predict selection response based on trait breeding values was impressive
• My considered factors such as age classes, means, and information availability to estimate breeding values accurately
• Overall, my active participation and thoughtful contributions enriched the course discussions, and my achievements reflect a solid foundation in Selection Index Theory and its practical application in animal agriculture
• Heterosis and Crossbreeding Systems- South Dakota University May 2015
• During the course, I demonstrated a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of heterosis and mating systems
• My grasp of the concept of retained heterosis, which leads to increased performance in crossbred progeny compared to purebred parents, was commendable
• I also delved into the advantages of maternal heterosis, including enhanced maternal ability, reproduction, longevity, calf survivability, and younger age at puberty
• Additionally, my exploration of paternal heterosis, particularly its impact on bull fertility, showcased my comprehensive knowledge
• Furthermore, I excelled in understanding the significance of lowly heritable traits—those influenced more by environmental factors than genetics
• My insights into how heterosis effectively improves these traits, such as reproduction, longevity, maternal ability, and overall health, were impressive
• I recognized that heterosis provides a powerful tool for enhancing performance in areas that respond slowly to traditional selection methods
• Lastly, my grasp of breed complementarity stood out
• I understood that breeds can be complementary when their strengths offset each other's weaknesses
• By skillfully matching cattle genetically to their environment and considering the resulting progeny's value in the marketplace, I demonstrated a holistic understanding of crossbreeding systems
• Economic Breeding Programmes- Kansas State University May 2015
• I excelled in various aspects related to livestock breeding and genetic improvement
• Throughout the course, I demonstrated a deep understanding of key concepts, including selection index, systems analysis, linear programming, and simulations
• My achievements were marked by my ability to apply these principles to real-world scenarios, enhancing the profitability of production

1. Ramotadima, I., Hyera, J., Sungirai, M., & Lebani, K. (2023). Heartwater: A situation report of the Southern district of Botswana from 2017 to 2019. Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports, 100902.

2. Jairus, M., Jeff, C., Jeffrey, C., & Marvelous, S. (2023). Occurrence and Economic Impact of Cystic Echinococcosis in Cattle Slaughtered in the Matabeleland Region, Zimbabwe. Acta Tropica, 106918.

3. Mugandani, R.; Muziri, T.; Murewi, C.T.F.; Mugadza, A.; Chitata, T.; Sungirai, M.; Zirebwa, F.S.; Manhondo, P.; Mupfiga, E.T.; Nyamutowa, C.; Mudereri, B.T.; Mugari, Z.E.; Mwadzingeni, L.; Mafongoya, P. Mapping and Managing Livelihoods Vulnerability to Drought: A Case Study of Chivi District in Zimbabwe. Climate 2022, 10, 189. https://doi.org/10.3390/cli10120189

4. Esculudis, C., De Matos, C., Cala, A., Sungirai, M., Madder, M., & Mapatse, M. (2022). Morphological identification of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting donkeys (Equus asinus) in Maputo Province, Mozambique. Experimental and Applied Acarology, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-022-00693-z

5. Chitombo, L., Lebani, K., & Sungirai, M. (2021). Acaricide resistance in Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks collected from different farming systems in Zimbabwe. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 53(4), 1-5.

6. Magwaba, T., M. Sungirai, K. Hove, and S. K. Awala. "Genetic and non-genetic factors influencing birth weight in the Tuli cattle breed of Zimbabwe." Welwitschia International Journal of Agricultural Sciences 1 (2019): 49-58.

7. Sungirai, M., Moyo, D.Z., De Clercq, P., Madder, M., Vanwambeke, S.O., De Clercq, E.M., 2018. Modelling the distribution of Rhipicephalus microplus and R. decoloratus in Zimbabwe. Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports.14C, pp.41-49., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2018.08.006.

8. Moyo, D.Z., Chakuya, J., Sungirai, M., 2018. Ixodid ticks of African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), impala (Aepyceros melampus) and elephant (Loxodonta africana) in five protected park estates in the Zambezi valley, Zimbabwe. Experimental and Applied Acarology 75 (4), 409-417.

9. Marvelous Sungirai, Samantha Baron, Nicolaas A. Van der Merwe, Doreen Zandile Moyo, Patrick De Clercq, Christine Maritz-Olivier, Maxime Madder: Population structure and genetic diversity of Rhipicephalus microplus in Zimbabwe. Acta Tropica 01/2018; 180: 42-46., DOI:10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.01.003.

10. Marvelous Sungirai, Samantha Baron, Doreen Zandile Moyo, Patrick De Clercq, Christine Maritz-Olivier, Maxime Madder: Genotyping acaricide resistance profiles of Rhipicephalus microplus tick populations from communal land areas of Zimbabwe. Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases 2018, 9(1)2-9, DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.10.017

11. Sungirai, M., Abatih, E.N., Moyo, D.Z., Clercq, P., Madder, M., 2017. Shifts in the distribution of ixodid ticks parasitizing cattle in Zimbabwe. Medical and Veterinary Entomology 31, 78-87.

12. Sungirai, M., Moyo, D. Z., De Clercq, P., & Madder, M. (2016). Communal farmers’ perceptions of tick-borne diseases affecting cattle and investigation of tick control methods practiced in Zimbabwe. Ticks and tick-borne diseases, 7(1), 1-9.

13. Sungirai, M., Masaka, L., Nyamukanza, C., Chimwaza, E.P. (2015). Effect of grouping weaned piglets by weight classes: Evidence from Zimbabwe. Midlands State University Journal of Science, Agriculture and Technology Special Edition.

14. Masaka, L., Mhaka, V., Sungirai, M., & Nyamukanza, C. (2015). Growth performance of Brangus steers fed graded levels of sun-dried broiler litter as a substitute for cottonseed cake. Tropical animal health and production, 47 (6) 1055-1059. DOI10.1007/s11250-015-0827-2.

15. Sungirai, M., Madder, M., Moyo, D. Z., De Clercq, P., & Abatih, E. N. (2015). An update on the ecological distribution of the Ixodidae ticks in Zimbabwe. Experimental and Applied Acarology, 66(2) 269-280. DOI. 10.1007/s10493-015-9892-5.

16. Timothy Gotora, Lawrence Masaka, and Marvelous Sungirai, “Effect of Cow Urine on the Growth Characteristics of Fusarium lateritium, an Important Coffee Fungus in Zimbabwe,” International Journal of Agronomy, vol. 2014, Article ID 986068, 4 pages, 2014. doi:10.1155/2014/986068

17. Marvelous Sungirai, Lawrence Masaka, and Tonderai Maxwell Benhura, “Validity of Weight Estimation Models in Pigs Reared under Different Management Conditions,” Veterinary Medicine International, vol. 2014, Article ID 530469, 5 pages, 2014. doi: 10.1155/2014/530469

18. Lawrence Masaka, Marvelous Sungirai, Casper Nyamukanza & Chido Bhondai. 2014. Sow removal in a commercial pig herd in Zimbabwe. Tropical Animal Health and Production. 46 (5) 725-731, DOI:10.1007/s11250-014-0554-0.

19. Sungirai M., Masaka L. & Mbiba C. 2014. The prevalence of Taenia saginata cysticercosis in the Matabeleland Provinces of Zimbabwe. Tropical Animal Health and Production. 46 (4), 623-627 DOI:10.1007/s11250-014-0538-0.

20. De Clercq E. M., Vanwambeke S. O., Sungirai M., Adehan S., Lokossou R. & Madder M. 2012. Geographic distribution of the invasive cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus, a country-wide survey in Benin. Experimental and Applied Acarology. 58 (4), 441- 452 DOI 10.1007/s10493-012-9587-0.

2018-2019- Midlands State University Research Board-Project Title: Population dynamics of Boophilus ticks and epidemiology of tick- borne diseases in Binga and Mazowe districts of Zimbabwe. Amount of $USD15 715.

2014- 2015 Midlands State University Research Board-Project Title:

Adaptability of cattle breeds to climate change in Zimbabwe. Amount USD$2 800.

2013 - 2017 - Belgium Development Co-operation (DGD), Belgium government. Ph.D. Scholarship.

2013- 2014 Midlands State University Research Board-Project Title: Factors influencing adoption of ethnoveterinary medicines by communal farmers in Zimbabwe. Amount USD$1 700.

2011 - 2012 – Belgium Development Co-operation (DGD), Belgium government. Masters Scholarship.

2010-2011. Midlands State University Research Board-Project Title: Participatory and seroepidemiological survey of heartwater in Zimbabwe's Midlands Province. Amount USD$5 142.

1. September, 2019 (Liverpool, UK)- 11th European Congress on Tropical Medicine and International Health, Oral Presentation, “Management of ticks and tick borne diseases by communal farmers in Zimbabwe “.

2. November 2017 (Antwerp, Belgium)- 10th European Congress on Tropical Medicine and International Health, Poster Presentation, “Expansion in the distributional range of Ixodid ticks parasitising cattle in Zimbabwe “, Sungirai M., Moyo D.Z., De Clercq P., Madder M.

3. January 2015-“ Dealing with the unexpected: the 2014 Ebola outbreak challenging both human and animal health”. Regional Alumni Network (Institute of Tropical Medicine). Villa das Arábias Boutique Hotel, Maputo, Mozambique (23-25 January 2015). Presented paper on the role of animal health specialist in the control of Ebola.

4. VIII International Conference on Ticks and Tick-borne Pathogens (TTP-8) 24-29 August 2014 Cape Sun Hotel, Capetown South Africa. Paper Presentation by Madder, M.,De Clercq, E., Vanwambeke, S., Jansen, F., Sungirai, M. & Fannes, W. 2014. ‘What happened after the introduction of Rhipicephalus microplus in West Africa: displacement and hybridisation on a large scale’.

5. October 2011-Symposium, “Veterinary Medicine in the tropics”. Symposium jointly organized by be-troplive, VSF Belgium and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Liège, Belgium.

6. October 2010- Zimbabwe Agricultural Science and Technology Conference at Midlands State University. Theme, “Science, Agricultural Research, Production and Policy; Perspectives, constraints and opportunities for sustainable food production.”

December 2005- Ecological research and protected area management, International Conference at Hwange National Park. I presented a poster on the efficiency of utilization of artificial game water supplies at Hwange National Park

Emeritus Prof Dirk   Berkvens

Langveld 1/0102

2600 Berchem

Belgium

Tel: +32   3 2376373

Email: ddbdb@telenet.be

Dr. Maxime Madder

Dagpauwoog 12

4904ZP, Oosterhout,

Netherlands

Tel: +31 6 39563600

Email: Maxime.Madder@clingobal.com

Dr. Tavagwisa Muziri

Acting Dean

Faculty of Natural   Resources Management and Agriculture, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe

Tel: +263 773510022

Email:muzirit@staff.msu.ac.zw

Professor Patrick De   Clercq

Department of Plants and   Crops

Faculty of Bioscience   Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium

Tel: +3292646158

Email:   patrick.declercq@ugent.be