Ms. Daphine Ayebare | Space Exploration | Young Scientist Award
Ms. Daphine Ayebare | Mbarara University of Science and technology | Uganda
Daphine Ayebare is a Ugandan physicist specializing in space science with a strong focus on equatorial electrojets and ionospheric dynamics. She is pursuing her Ph.D. at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, where her research builds on earlier studies of ionospheric irregularities and scintillations. Alongside her academic journey, she has gained rich teaching experience as an Assistant Lecturer at multiple universities, delivering courses in solid state physics, quantum mechanics, materials science, and related fields. Her scholarly contributions include peer-reviewed publications in leading journals, and she has actively participated in international workshops and training programs on space weather and satellite data analysis. Recognized with scholarships and awards for her academic excellence, she continues to contribute to advancing space science research and capacity building in Africa.
Academic Profile
scopus
Education
Daphine Ayebare has pursued her academic career with a strong dedication to space science and physics. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physics Education, followed by a Master’s in Physics with a specialization in space science. Building on these foundations, she is currently advancing her expertise through doctoral research in Physics, with her thesis focusing on modeling equatorial electrojets over the African region. Her academic journey has been characterized by consistent excellence and a focus on ionospheric physics, which has shaped her path as a promising researcher in atmospheric and space sciences.
Experience
She has accumulated extensive teaching and academic experience across several universities in Uganda. Currently serving as an Assistant Lecturer, she has taught a wide range of undergraduate physics courses, including solid state physics, materials science, nuclear radiation physics, geophysics, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics. Prior to her current role, she contributed as a part-time and full-time lecturer in other institutions, gaining diverse exposure to different learning environments and student groups. Alongside teaching, she has also engaged in mentoring and academic support for certificate and diploma students, reflecting her commitment to capacity building in the sciences.
Research Interests
Her research interests are centered on space science, ionospheric physics, and atmospheric studies. She has conducted significant work on the trends of ionospheric irregularities, scintillation patterns, and the dynamics of geomagnetic disturbances. Her doctoral research focuses on the characterization and modeling of equatorial electrojets over the African region, integrating ground-based and satellite-based observations. She is also interested in data analysis related to space weather effects on communication and navigation systems, contributing to the broader understanding of geospace environment dynamics in low-latitude regions.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her academic career, Daphine Ayebare has been recognized with competitive scholarships and awards that reflect her academic excellence and research potential. She received full sponsorship for her undergraduate studies and later secured international scholarships that supported her Master’s and Doctoral research. These awards not only highlight her dedication to academic growth but also underscore her role as a beneficiary and contributor to global scientific collaborations. In addition, she has actively participated in international workshops and training schools on space weather, satellite data analysis, and geophysics, further enhancing her research skills and professional standing.
Publications
Characterization of the equatorial electrojet and its magnetic signatures deduced from Swarm observations
Author: Daphine Ayebare, Geoffrey Andima, Patrick Mungufeni, Jean Claude Uwamahoro, Edward Jurua
Journal: Advances in Space Research
Year: 2025
Conclusion
Daphine Ayebare’s exceptional research, dedication to teaching, and active engagement in advancing space science make her an outstanding candidate for the Young Scientist Award. Her work demonstrates both scientific excellence and meaningful community impact, reflecting the qualities this award seeks to honor.