Staff Profile

Currently a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences at MUST, Petros holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from the United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University in Japan. His research interests include; molecular ecology, cichlid diversity and evolution, molecular cloning, recombinant technologies, bioinformatics, microsatellite marker and molecular mechanisms of various infections in fish. Dr. Chigwechokha has published and contributed over 19 papers in leading journals.

Part of his work has led to the discovery of new genes in tilapiine species (deposited in Genbank), which regulate various physiological roles including infections. He has conducted a number of work/consultancies on freshwater fish biodiversity assessment in Malawi’s major Lakes. Petros has worked in an academic institution for over 10 years where he has served in various positions including Deputy Dean and has amassed vast experience in curriculum development and review, academic program implementation and student supervision.

Currently, Dr. Chigwechokha is a member of the National Genetic Improvement Program (GIP) in Malawi.