Prof. Pheneas Nkundabakura is a Full Professor of Physics at the University of Rwanda – College of Education, School of Education, in the Department of Mathematics, Science, and Physical Education, where he has served since 2004.

He earned a B.Sc. in Physics from the National University of Rwanda in 1992 and spent approximately 12 years teaching Physics and Mathematics in Rwandan high schools before joining the University of Rwanda - College of Education (formerly Kigali Institute of Education).

He later pursued advanced studies in astrophysics, obtaining a B.Sc. Honours in Astrophysics in 2005 through the South African National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme (NASSP) at the University of Cape Town, an M.Sc. in Astrophysics from the University of the Free State in 2007, and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the same institution in 2011.

His current research in astronomy in the field of education focuses on challenges in implementing Rwanda’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Prof. Nkundabakura has authored and co-authored numerous papers published in peer-reviewed journals and international conference proceedings.

He teaches various undergraduate and postgraduate modules and supervises a large number of Master’s and Ph.D. students at the University of Rwanda.

He is an active member of several research groups and professional societies, including the Rwanda Astrophysics, Space and Climate Research Group (RASCRG), the East African Astronomy Research Network (EAARN), the East African Astronomical Society (EAAS) and the African Astronomical Society (AfAS).

In addition to his academic work, Prof. Nkundabakura is involved in educational development projects. He is an associate member of the African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Teaching and Learning Mathematics and Science (ACEITLMS), Coordinator of the regional node of the Mathematics and Science for Sub-Saharan Africa (MS4SSA) initiative, and Principal Investigator of Sub-component 1.2 (Support for the Professional Development of Math and Science Teachers) under the Rwanda Quality Basic Education for Human Capital Development (QBEHCD) project.