OWSD PhD Fellowship
OWSD Early Career
2023
Epila Jackie
About the project
Her research project will test the potential to use a drought-tolerant native leafy vegetable species, Asystasia gangetica (Nees) Ensermu subsp. micrantha, to alleviate food insecurity in the Lango subregion of northern Uganda. A large majority of Ugandans (85%) rely on rainfed agriculture and are thus vulnerable to climate-change-induced drought stress on food security. Asystasia gangetica (Nees) Ensermu subsp. micrantha is an orphan crop, indigenous crops that are typically grown as subsistence crops by smallholder farmers and are little-known internationally. These crops can grow under harsh conditions and provide dry-season food with minimal farmer input. Despite this, they remain unexploited in northern Uganda, branded as "poor man’s food", and are dwindling due to erosion of indigenous knowledge, war, habitat loss, erratic rainfall patterns disrupting traditional socio-economic activities, limited arable land, and other factors. This project will seek to conserve the species and promote its use as a food crop by studying the potential for hydroponic production of the plant through seeds and stem cuttings in heightened drought- and flood-stress scenarios, as well as determine its nutritional composition and optimum cooking conditions and recipes.
Field of Specialization
Position
Lecturer of Chemistry
About the institution
September 2023
Jackie Epila > Other Awards
To enable me to conduct phytochemical analyses on a wild leafy vegetable for a maximum of 3-months at Ghent University
May 2023
Jackie Epila > Other Awards
To conduct research titled: Conserving the past, nourishing the future: unlocking the agronomical potential of traditional food systems in Northern Uganda with two famine crops. The collaborating partners are Ghent University, Belgium, and, Lira University.
June 2023
Jackie Epila > Other Awards
Awarded during the Present with Power workshop by VIB-IPBO and the Floor Is Yours, Ghent Belgium
March 2023
Jackie Epila > Other Awards
A retooling and skilling fellowship
July 2019
Jackie Epila > Other Awards
Journal of Global Ecology and Conservation, Amsterdam, NL.
November 2016
Jackie Epila > Other Awards
To complete my Ph.D.
June 2012
Jackie Epila > Other Awards
This enabled me to pursue my Ph.D.
November 2023
Jackie Epila > Other Awards
Recycling polythene bags (kaveera) to fuel (paraffin) via pyrolysis.
November 2023
Jackie Epila > Other Awards
Establishing a Botanical Garden at Lira University.
Full Member
Dr Jackie Epila
Membership since:
2023
Field of activity:
Awards
Other Memberships/Affiliations
Lira University
Lira University
Lira University
Lira University
Ghent Students Network and International Students (ISAG)
Belgian Plant Biotechnology Association
Ghent University Faculty of Bioscience Engineering Academic Club
Ontmoeting Buitenlandse Studenten Gent (OBSG)
British Ecological Society
Centre for Environmental Science and Technology (CES&T) Ghent University, Belgium
Nabisunsa Girls School, Kampala Uganda
Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), Uganda Chapter
Degrees:
2016
Doctorate
Biological Systems and Organisms
2012
Master
Engineering sciences
2008
Undergraduate
Chemical Sciences
Publications resulting from Research
1. De Meyer E, Kibungu P, Epila J. (2023) The urban jungle, an unexplored habitat for neglected and indigenous plant diversity. Tropentag Hybrid Conference on Competing pathways for equitable food systems transformation: Trade-offs and synergies, Germany. Book of Abstracts. https://www.tropentag.de/2023/abstracts/links/De_Meyer_G1wE2UQ5.pdf
2. Hubeau M, Mincke J, Vanhove C, Gorel AP, Fayolle A, Epila J, Leroux O, Vandenberghe S, Steppe K. (2019) 11C-autoradiographs to image phloem loading. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change. DOI: 10.3389/ffgc.2019.00020.
3. Epila J, Hubeau M, Steppe K. (2018) Drought Effects on Photosynthesis and Implications of Photoassimilate Distribution in 11C-Labeled Leaves in the African Tropical Tree Species Maesopsis eminii Engl. Forests 9: 109.
4. Epila J, De Baerdemaeker NJF, Vergeynst LL, Maes WH, Beeckman H, Steppe K. (2017) Capacitive water release and internal leaf water relocation delay drought-induced cavitation in African Maesopsis eminii. Tree Physiology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/treephys/tpw128.
5. Epila J, Maes WH, Verbeeck H, Van Camp J, Okullo JBL, Steppe K. (2017) Plant Measurements on African tropical Maesopsis eminii seedlings contradict pioneering water use behaviour. Journal of Environmental and Experimental Botany 135:27-37.
6. Epila J, Verbeeck H, Otim-Epila T, Okullo P, Kearsley E, Steppe K. (2017) The ecology of Maesopsis eminii Engl. in tropical Africa. Journal of African Ecology. DOI: 10.1111/aje.12408.
7. Epila J. (2016) Ecophysiological assessment of drought vulnerability of the African tropical tree species Maesopsis eminii Engl. Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent Belgium. http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-8501422
8. Reyer C, Brouwers N, Rammig A, Brook B, Epila J, Grant RF, Holmgren M, Langerwisch F, Leuzinger S, Lucht W, Medlyn B, Pfeiffer M, Steinkamp J, Vanderwel M, Verbeeck H, Villela D. (2015) Forest resilience and tipping points at different Spatio-temporal scales: approaches and challenges. Journal of Ecology 103: 5-15.
9. Epila J, Verbeeck H, Okullo JBL, Steppe K. (2015) Physio-morphological growth dynamics of equatorial Maesopsis eminii seedlings indicate drought stress vulnerability and resilience. International Symposium on Wood science underpinning tropical forest ecology and management, 26-29/5/2015. Book of abstracts pp 30-31.
10. Epila J. (2012) Exploration of a novel technique to measure water use in climbing plants.
https://lib.ugent.be/catalog/rug01:001894365 (Master’s Thesis)
2. Hubeau M, Mincke J, Vanhove C, Gorel AP, Fayolle A, Epila J, Leroux O, Vandenberghe S, Steppe K. (2019) 11C-autoradiographs to image phloem loading. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change. DOI: 10.3389/ffgc.2019.00020.
3. Epila J, Hubeau M, Steppe K. (2018) Drought Effects on Photosynthesis and Implications of Photoassimilate Distribution in 11C-Labeled Leaves in the African Tropical Tree Species Maesopsis eminii Engl. Forests 9: 109.
4. Epila J, De Baerdemaeker NJF, Vergeynst LL, Maes WH, Beeckman H, Steppe K. (2017) Capacitive water release and internal leaf water relocation delay drought-induced cavitation in African Maesopsis eminii. Tree Physiology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/treephys/tpw128.
5. Epila J, Maes WH, Verbeeck H, Van Camp J, Okullo JBL, Steppe K. (2017) Plant Measurements on African tropical Maesopsis eminii seedlings contradict pioneering water use behaviour. Journal of Environmental and Experimental Botany 135:27-37.
6. Epila J, Verbeeck H, Otim-Epila T, Okullo P, Kearsley E, Steppe K. (2017) The ecology of Maesopsis eminii Engl. in tropical Africa. Journal of African Ecology. DOI: 10.1111/aje.12408.
7. Epila J. (2016) Ecophysiological assessment of drought vulnerability of the African tropical tree species Maesopsis eminii Engl. Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent Belgium. http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-8501422
8. Reyer C, Brouwers N, Rammig A, Brook B, Epila J, Grant RF, Holmgren M, Langerwisch F, Leuzinger S, Lucht W, Medlyn B, Pfeiffer M, Steinkamp J, Vanderwel M, Verbeeck H, Villela D. (2015) Forest resilience and tipping points at different Spatio-temporal scales: approaches and challenges. Journal of Ecology 103: 5-15.
9. Epila J, Verbeeck H, Okullo JBL, Steppe K. (2015) Physio-morphological growth dynamics of equatorial Maesopsis eminii seedlings indicate drought stress vulnerability and resilience. International Symposium on Wood science underpinning tropical forest ecology and management, 26-29/5/2015. Book of abstracts pp 30-31.
10. Epila J. (2012) Exploration of a novel technique to measure water use in climbing plants.
https://lib.ugent.be/catalog/rug01:001894365 (Master’s Thesis)
Tropentag Hybrid Conference on Competing pathways for equitable food systems transformation: Trade-offs and synergies
2025
Germany
The urban jungle, an unexplored habitat for neglected and indigenous plant diversity.
Renewable Energy Conference 2022 (REC22) and Expo: Renewable Energy for Sustainable Industrialization, Inclusive Growth, and Economic Recovery
2025
Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, Uganda
Restoration of carbon in a degraded Savannah woodland ecosystem using Pinus caribaea.
International Symposium on Wood science underpinning tropical forest ecology and management
2025
Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium
Physio-morphological growth dynamics of equatorial Maesopsis eminii seedlings indicate drought stress vulnerability and resilience.
9th Symposium of the Ghent Africa Platform
2025
Ghent Belgium
Combining acoustic emissions, positron emission tomography, and microscopy to understand drought-stress responses of Africa’s tropical forests: A case study of Ugandan Maesopsis eminii Engl. seedlings.
9th Belgian Plant Biotechnology Association symposium (BPBA).
2025
Royal Library, Brussels, Belgium.
The non-food tree crop Maesopsis eminii Engl. investigated with positron emission tomography (PET) and acoustic emissions (AE): A case of technology transfer
11th INTECOL Congress 2013, British Ecological Society UK.
2025
Excel London, UK
Drought vulnerability and resilience of Maesopsis eminii.
2025
Nieuwsbrief Aelmoseneiebos, Nieuw Onderzoek
Speaking Science (Online)
2025
VIB-IPBO, Ghent Belgium and Alliance for Science, Ithaca, NY.
HEAC Joint Support and Monitoring, FAWE-UGANDA
2025
EMBA Hall, Lira University
Tips and Tricks to Obtain Your Own Funding (Online)
2025
VIB-IPBO, Belgium
Lira University EDJAM International Conference
2025
Lira University, Uganda,
Negotiate with Success (Online)
2025
VIB-IPBO, Belgium
ODFP Symposium
2025
iGent Building, Ardoyen Campus, Ghent University, Belgium
Exploring Funding Opportunities for Flemish-African Research and Educational Partnerships through the Open Doors Fellowship Program,
2025
iGent Building, Ardoyen Campus, Ghent University, Belgium
Rethinking Workplace Practices: Prevention of Sexual Harassment in (inter)national Research Centres
2025
AA-Tower, Ardoyen Campus, Ghent University, Belgium
Present with Power
2025
AA-Tower, Ardoyen Campus, Ghent University, Belgium
Cross-Cultural Competence for Leaders Accelerating Sustainable Growth
2025
Vergaderzaal 1.1, Ardoyen Campus, Ghent University, Belgium
14th Research and Education Network for Uganda Annual General Meeting
2025
WIN5 Hotel, Kampala Uganda
Presentation of the Lira University Ministerial Policy Statement FY 2023/2024 to Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports
2025
Uganda Parliament
Clinical Teaching and Assessment Methods, CIRHT, Michigan University & Lira University
2025
Hotel Pauline, Lira Uganda
mWater Surveyor and Portal App training for water supply monitoring in Lira
2025
Lira University Uganda
Presentation of the Lira University Budget Framework Paper (BFP) FY2023/2024 to Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports
2025
Uganda Parliament
Renewable Energy Conference 2022 (REC22) and Expo: Renewable Energy for Sustainable Industrialization, Inclusive Growth, and Economic Recovery
2025
Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, Uganda
FAWE Uganda Chapter Silver Jubilee Fundraising Dinner
2025
Imperial Royal Hotel, Kampala, Uganda
Turnitin and Searching Databases training, Lira University Library Team
2025
Faculty of Education, Lira University, Uganda
Establishment of a technology and innovation support centre (TISC), Uganda Registration Service Bureau (URSB)
2025
EMBA Hall, Lira University
4th Annual Higher Education Conference, Theme: Enhancement of teaching, learning and assessment with Open and Distance eLearning (ODeL) in Higher Education
2025
Hotel Africana, Uganda
Stakeholders Consultative Workshop on Developed Minimum Standards for Physics and Chemistry Programme, NCHE (Zoom meeting)
2025
Online
Examination Management
2025
Public Health Boardroom, Lira University
Human Subject Protection in Research, CIRHT, Michigan University & Lira University
2025
Gracious Hotel, Lira, Uganda
Curriculum Design and Development for the Higher Education Access Certificate Programme-FAWE Uganda Chapter,
2025
Public Health Boardroom, Lira University
Human Capital Management (HCM) System, Ministry of Public Service
2025
Lira University
Working in ICT Driven Higher & Tertiary Education Spaces [Data Collection and Analysis using Survey Monkey & Google Forms, and a Review of Marking Online], Association of African Universities (AAU)
2025
Online
Mentoring Pedagogy, Teaching, and Application of ICT Tools for Online Teaching and Learning: Google Classroom, Association of African Universities (AAU)
2025
Online
Strengthening the Chemical Society in Uganda, Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation
2025
Online
Africa Day Higher Education. Theme: Arts, Culture, and Heritage-Levers for building the Africa we want. Subthemes: SDGs, entrepreneurship, STEM, Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2016-2025), AAU
2025
Online
iThenticate (Turnitin), Research Education Network for Uganda (RENU) and eiffelcorp
2025
Online
Public Procurement and Disposal Procedures
2025
Lira University, Uganda
Effective Teaching and Learning During and Post COVID-19, Cavendish University Kampala, Uganda
2025
Online
Pedagogy in University Education
2025
Faculty of Education, Lira University
Mainstreaming Environment and Sustainable Development Issues in University Academic and Non-Academic Programmes-UNESCO
2025
Lira University
Affordable Smart Farming Solutions for Africa: The Next Driver for African Agriculture, Brussels Development Briefing 45
2025
Brussels, Belgium
9th Symposium of the Ghent Africa Platform
2025
Koninklijke Academie voor Nederlandse Taal en Letterkunde, Koningstraat Ghent, Belgium.
9th Belgian Plant Biotechnology Association symposium (BPBA)
2025
Royal Library, Brussels, Belgium
International closing symposium of the XYLAREDD project.
2025
Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium
Review of Lira University HEAC Program Curricula using the New NCHE Guidelines, FAWE-UG Chapter, 10th & 11th Dec.
2025
Staff Boardroom, Faculty of Education, Lira University
Refresher training course on Research Ethics for Lira University Research and Ethics Committee, 8th-10th Jan.
2025
Pauline Hotel, Lira Uganda,
Communication Skills Basics & Conflict Handling
2025
Ghent University Belgium.
Certificate in Creative Thinking
2025
Ghent University Belgium.
Effective Oral Presentations
2025
Ghent University Belgium.
Old Girls’ Association of Nabisunsa, Main Entrance Fundraising Dinner Dance Gala
2025
Imperial Royal Hotel, Kampala, Uganda