Research at Midlands State University is prioritised as outlined in the University’s strategic plan. The research focus embraces national aspirations with the aim of having an impact through innovations and technologies on socio-economic development of Zimbabwe and the African region. The University emphasises on high quality research that is of international standards and prefers global solutions to problems bedevilling mankind. In the coming years this huge critical mass of senior academics will engage in research that would increase the university’ s research output and put Zimbabwe on the global research map and contribute to high ranking of the university in the region and the world.
Dr. Prestige Tatenda Makanga is the Leader of the Place Alert Labs (PALs) initiative at Midlands State University and co-ordinates the health geography work of PRECISE. He is an applied geo-information scientist with a primary interest in global health. At MSU Tatenda also teaches geographical information systems (GIS) and spatial epidemiology. He holds a PhD in Geography (GISc) from Simon Fraser University in Canada, and he was also a co-investigator of the Mapping Outcomes for Mothers (MOM) project, which utilizes geographic methods to elucidate risk and resilience factors associated with maternal outcomes. Tatenda is a former chairman for the Spatial Data Infrastructure initiative that was led by the Survey Institute of Zimbabwe. He is also an active member of the USAID’s steering committee on mapping and reporting maternal deaths, where he is contributing to new policy directions concerning the use of geographical information systems in mapping maternal health trends to better target interventions.
Liberty Makacha is a Research Administrator at Midlands State University (Gweru) Place Alert Labs, Department of Surveying and Geomatics. A PhD candidate with a special interest in exploring the correlates between socio-environmental risk factors including ambient and indoor air pollution and the seasonal nature of adverse maternal outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa using a mixed methods approach, Liberty also holds a Master of Science in Biostatistics and Epidemiology, a BSc (Honours) in Surveying and Geomatics both from the Midlands State University (Zimbabwe) as well as an Intermediate Bachelor of Accounting Science (BCompt -Intermediate) from the University of South Africa (UNISA).
Prior to joining the Midlands State University, Place Alert Labs, Liberty also worked as a Research Assistant, Faculty of Mining and Mineral Processing Engineering, Midlands State University Zvishavane Campus on a paleomagnetic continental reconstruction project using remote sensing and GIS for exploratory discovery of un-mapped mineral deposits.
On the surface, Liberty Makacha is an upcoming researcher in Health Geography spanning the disciplines of global health and the spatial sciences, especially the use of GIS in understanding health phenomena.
Reason Mlambo is an experienced GIS developer who holds a Master’s degree focused in Geographical Information Science from the University Of Edinburgh. He is also co-founder of AeroEye Solutions, a young and innovative, Zimbabwean-based GIS and Mapping Consultancy company with a demonstrated record in designing and implementing web-based GIS systems for a variety of applications. At MSU, Reason teaches Computer Programming and Photogrammetry, and is also active in research involving applications of GIS and Remote Sensing in Environmental Science and Public Health. Prior to joining PALS, Reason was a lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, where he taught courses in GIS, Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. He also has extensive fieldwork experience in engineering surveying.
Yolisa is a research assistant to Prestige Tatenda Makanga, based in Gweru, Zimbabwe. She has been a part of the Mapping Outcomes for Mothers (MOM) project for 8 months. She holds a BSc (Honours) degree in Surveying and Geomatics (Midlands State University) and is currently doing her MSc in Biostatistics and Epidemiology studies (Midlands State University).
Tendai Nkomo is a GIS Database Administrator at Midlands State University- Place Alert Labs with interests in spatial databases and application of geospatial technology in public health. She holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Surveying and Geomatics from Midlands State University in Zimbabwe.
