Yesterday, Michael Mbenoun, a PhD candidate from the TPCP/CTHB group in FABI, presented a prestige seminar on his dissertation entitled Diversity, ecology and taxonomy of tree infecting Ceratocystis species in Africa. This morning Michael went on to successfully defend his PhD thesis and research in an oral exam lead by one of his external examiners, Prof Paal Krokene.  We were priviledged that Prof Krokene, a well known forest pathologist from the Forest and Landscape Institute in As, Norway, could visit the University specifically for Michael's examination. We would like to congratulate Michael on this major milestone in his life! Michael already has one of his chapters published in an ISI-rated journal, with another one in press, and more will follow.

 

Photo: Michael Mbenoun (middle) just after the presentation of his Prestige Seminar, together with Prof Paal Krokene (left) and his supervisors, Profs Mike Wingfield, Jolanda Roux and Brenda Wingfield.