Research Student Spotlight February: Tamba Komba

Our monthly spotlight on the work and lives of the next generation of water@leeds researchers.

Name: Tamba Komba

PhD Title: Vulnerability and Resilience Assessment of Freetown (Sierra Leone), Urban Water System

School: School of Geography, Faculty of Environment

Supervisors: Professor Joseph Holden and Dr. Gordon Mitchell

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I am a Sierra Leonean by origin, born and raised in the diamond-rich soils of Kono District before moving to Freetown to pursue higher education in the aftermath of the country's 11-year civil war. With a strong foundation in geological sciences, I embarked on a professional journey that included working with Shandgon Steels (formerly African Minerals SL Limited), the largest iron ore mining company in West Africa at the time, as well as teaching geology at Fourah Bay College, the University of Sierra Leone. My deep passion for environmental sustainability led me to pursue an MSc in Applied Environmental Geology at Cardiff University, where I graduated as the top student of the 2018 cohort. This passion and commitment to sustainable practices naturally transitioned into my current research, where I focus on the vulnerability and resilience of urban water systems—critical environmental sustainability components in rapidly growing cities like Freetown. 

Why did you choose the University of Leeds?

I chose the University of Leeds for its globally renowned reputation in environmental research, specifically in urban water systems, which aligns closely with my interests. The opportunity to work alongside experts in the field and leverage the university's resources was key to my decision.

What is your research about?

My research focuses on assessing the vulnerability and resilience of Freetown's urban water system, aiming to identify weaknesses and improve the system's capacity to anticipate, withstand, and adapt to current and future challenges, particularly in climate change and rapid urbanisation, among other related vulnerability factors.

What did you wish you knew before starting a PhD?

I wish I had known the importance of networking and engaging with a broader academic community early on. It has proven invaluable for collaboration and gaining diverse perspectives on my research and general research ecosystem.

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Photograph: Tamba during fieldwork in Freetown.