I am currently a postdoctoral research fellow at the Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. My research revolves around understanding the biology and ecology of helminth parasites: their life cycles in mollusc and fish hosts, potential veterinary and medical implications, and the influence of environmental changes on the parasites.
The main objective of my research is to identify, describe parasites and explain their interactions with their environments. My research is driven by the concern for freshwater bodies, which have undergone massive degradation over the past years. Environmental degradation, coupled with introductions of non-native species and frequent cases of waterborne parasitic diseases is a major challenge worldwide. I believe that since parasites form part of the natural environment, we must live with them or at least mitigate their effects, and to do so, we must know and understand them.
I completed my doctoral studies at the University of Vienna under the supervision of Dr. Franz Jirsa in March 2020. My research involved investigation of the ecological status of Lake Victoria, Kenya. The work covered: (i) heavy metal pollution in the lake and accumulation of harmful metals in aquatic food products consumed by the local population and (ii) investigation of the parasites of snails and commercial fish, with highlights into their bio-indicative aspects, veterinary and medical implications.
The scholarship and PhD training in Austria was exactly what I needed. I acquired significant knowledge and skills that are enabling me to initiate and carry out relevant scientific research projects. This has set me up for my dream career in academia/research. Austria is a beautiful country, and away from the laboratory I had the chance to try out skiing in Southern Austria. Since it was my first time, I fell over many more times than I can count! It was fun though. During my studies in Austria, I was introduced to and collaborated with many research groups within and outside of Austria. In fact, it was during my PhD studies that I got to know about the parasitology team from the University of Johannesburg, where I currently work.
In the future I would like to continue my work in academia: to teach, mentor young scientists and do research. However, I’m open to work with environmental organisations where my expertise fits.
James Outa is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Johannesburg (South Africa), Department of Zoology, Aquatic Parasitology Research Group. He is a broadly trained ecologist with multidisciplinary research interests that revolve around aquatic parasitology and ecosystem health. He holds an PhD degree in Biology from the University of Vienna, Austria; MSc in Limnology and BSc Ed from Egerton University, Kenya. He acquired his postgraduate and undergraduate qualifications with excellent grades and has published high quality papers in reputable international peer-review journals and conferences. In his academic and professional journey, he has worked with researchers from institutions such as the Natural History Museum, Vienna, Austria; University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Austria; Nagasaki University, Japan and Maseno University, Kenya.