A young pioneer woman

Monique Adams

Rosalia Joseph was born at Etomba in the Ohangwena Region and raised in Okahandja.

Growing up, Joseph lived with her mom and younger brother. She attended primary school at Nau-Aib and completed her secondary education at J.G van der Wath.

Joseph served on different committees in high school, such as Teenagers Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (TAADA).

She also took part in her school’s first Science Fair where they were the winners at the Otjozondjupa Regional Science Fair.

After completing grade 12 she attended Unam and completed her undergraduate studies.

Joseph then worked at the Southern Africa Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) as an intern, as well as the National Botanical Research Institute and later moved to the Solid Waste Management of City of Windhoek for another internship programme.

She is a member of the Namibia Environment and Wildlife Society and the Botanical Society of Namibia, through which she serves on the committee of Active Plant People.

With her impressive academic record, Joseph holds a Master of Science in Medical Entomology, which was done in partnership between Unam, the University of California in San Francisco, and the ministry of health and social services.

“When I discovered entomology in my final year of undergraduate study, I knew that was the field I would want to grow into. I always had a strong passion for medical research and especially controlling vector-borne diseases,” she says.

Coming from two malaria-endemic regions was even more reason for her to pursue becoming a medical entomologist.

Her proudest moment was being a runner-up of the PAMCA-WivC. It all started with an interview on a Zoom call after the organisers reviewed her work in the control of malaria.

“The interview went smooth and I honestly prayed and hoped they would select me. On the last day of the PAMCA conference I was asked to attend the award ceremony and it turned out that I had made it. For my work to be recognised at a continental level this early – I am very honoured but I wouldn’t have done it without my mentors,” she says.

Fun Facts about Rosalia Joseph

· She cannot sleep without her notebook (In case she gets an idea in her sleep)

· A diehard Westlife fan.

· The first thing she does when she gets to the office every morning is eat her packed lunch.

· If she could create a blog about anything it would be about mosquitoes.

Three people she would want to have dinner with and why?

1. Dr Richard Kamwi (Elimination8 Ambassador)

With the both of them being passionate about malaria, Joseph is sure that she will learn a lot from him.

2. Professor Anicia Peters (Pro-Vice Chancellor of Research, Innovation Development at Unam)

Joseph expresses her admiration for Anicia for being a great leader and a voice for the voiceless. She will learn a lot from her, how a young woman can deal with the challenges faced being part of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) field.

3. The First Lady of Namibia, Monica Geingos

Being one of the most influential people in Namibia, it’s always been her dream to sit across from the First Lady and discuss her strong leadership skills as well as her involvement in society with young women.

Her advice for young people is to keep your eye on the ball.

“This advice I got from my mentor, Professor Davis Mumbengegwi, and this has kept me afloat throughout my studies and now in my career. It holds so much meaning and value for me to remain focused,” she says.