Doreen Yitena Nkwain is a Master’s student of Applied Botany in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Bamenda, Cameroon. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Botany from the same institution, obtained in 2024, and a DIPES I in Biology from the Higher Teachers Training College (HTTC), University of Bamenda, obtained in 2023.
Her Master’s research focuses on the “Effect of Land Use and Altitudinal Gradient on Soil Fungi Diversity and its Conservation Implications in the Mount Cameroon Region,” where she has been actively involved in field sample collection and laboratory work. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of fungal diversity and conservation in one of Africa’s most biodiverse ecosystems.
Her broader research interests span the biodiversity and conservation of fungi and plants, food security, and fungi pathology. She is a member of both the British Mycological Society and PROFAESTEM, and attended the International Conference on Fungi Barcoding themed “Connecting People, Fungi Barcodes and Biodiversity” (2026), deepening her engagement with global mycological research and networks.
Beyond research, Doreen is a passionate Biology teacher dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists, with a particular focus on engaging young girls in STEM. She is also a gender equality activist with a deep interest in gender and its intersectionality’s including climate change, advocating for inclusive spaces in science, education, and society.
Doreen embodies the intersection of science, education, and social justice driven by a vision of a world where biodiversity is protected and every girl has the opportunity to thrive.
Doreen can be contacted by email: [email protected]
