Dr MUPENZI Christophe is an environmental assessment expert with academic rank of Senior Lecturer. He holds a PhD in environmental sciences (from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Chine (2015 – 2018)), Master of Science in agroforestry and soil management (National University of Rwanda (2009 – 2011)) and Engineering in soil and environmental management (National University of Rwanda (2002 – 2007)). He has a Post Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in higher learning education, obtained  from the  University of Rwanda, college of education-Rwanda (2014-2015). He is chief editor of East African Journal of Sciences and Technology. He has more than fifteen years of experience in developmental projects and ten years of teaching at university level. He has more than 30 published papers in peer reviewed journals. He got many opportunities to attend several national and international conferences, workshops and professional trainings on development and environment related discussions as organizer, presenter or participant, where he published many papers in international journals.  He is member of regulatory council of Rwanda Association of Professional Environmental Practitioners (RAPEP). He is also licensed as Lead Environmental Assessment Expert (Reg. no: RAPEP/EA/233). Currently, he is the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental studies at University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK).  

Message from the Dean

Welcome to the Faculty of Environmental Studies (FES), the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK). Thank you for your interest in the faculty. The faculty of environmental studies was established with a view to meet a national and international need for environmentalists/ Environmental skilled people who can address the environmental challenges.

We offer environmental sciences in all our three campuses that is Kigali campus in the city, Rwamagana campus in the East and Nyanza campus in the southern province of Rwanda.

At present, we have Twelve full time academic staff, having excellent academic record, expertise and experience in different aspects and areas of Environmental sciences. We also employ more than thirty-part time academic staff.

As a team, we are focused on ensuring our students receive a high-quality education in our programs, providing knowledge, skills and training to support their future endeavors. We offer students a unique learning experience a supportive and inclusive learning environment that is focused on bringing hands-on experiences and opportunities to interact with employers and community partners into all our course.

We empower, educate and train future changemakers through innovative and hands-on programs of Masters which has three options including international development studies; environmental economics & natural resource management and finally the option of environmental information systems. We offer this knowledge in three department for undergraduate study: department of rural development, department of environmental conservation & management and the department of Emergency & disaster management.

The faculty aim to maintain the high standard of environmental education. The faculty, alongside necessary offices, staffs and teaching learning equipment are supposed to facilitate standard environmental education.

Our faculty has partnership with Local NGOs, regional and international institutions to facilitate industrial attachment and upgrade academic expertise.

Mission

In general, our mission is to foster excellence in teaching, research, and learning within a systems approach to environmental education. To have graduates who are equipped with skills and practical skills based on international standards. We aspire to graduate students who are able to create and communicate, cope with all challenges, developments and changes in the domain of environment at local and international levels.

Vision

The faculty of environmental studies will strive to be a dynamic centre of innovation and creativity dedicated to teaching, lifelong learning, professionalism, research, entrepreneurship, and partnership with local and global communities.

Advantages of studying at the Faculty of Environmental studies UNILAK

Studying at UNILAK especially at its Faculty of Environmental Studies, students benefit the following:

–       They get an opportunity to develop a range of skills and explore many aspects of environmental sciences. It gives you the chance to sharpen your mind, strengthen your understanding and deepen your experience across the full range of environmental sciences. You acquire both breath of understanding and depth in the areas that interest you most. 

–       Environmental studies’ students understand how their decisions and actions affect the environment, builds knowledge and skills necessary to address complex environmental issues, as well as ways we can take action to keep our environment healthy and sustainable for the future.