W. Bernice Armelle Bancole
About me
• I’m a Distinguished Plant Pathologist & Entomologist with 10+ years in agricultural research, biocontrol innovation, and capacity development. I hold a PhD (University of KwaZulu-Natal) specializing in sustainable pest management and forestry protection, with multinational corporate experience.
• Empowering Women in STEM: As Chair of OWSD Benin Republic Chapter, I lead transformative mentorship programs advancing women in male-dominated fields. Co-founded Data Science for Africa Initiative, training 150+ female researchers in AI and Data Science to bridge the digital gender gap.
• Plant Pathology Research Technical Proficiency
Expert in field/laboratory trial design, biocontrol agent development, and plant pathology diagnostics including seed health testing.
Proficient in serological techniques, bioassays, and entomopathogenic fungi isolation with foundational knowledge in virology: proficient in identifying plant viral pathogens through symptom assessment, basic knowledge on serological methods, and molecular techniques, and integrated disease management strategies for agricultural systems.
• Program Design Management & Leadership
Expert in designing and facilitating complex regional workshops for policy evaluation projects, with specialization in multi-stakeholder engagement across Francophone Africa.
Successfully led large-scale training initiatives spanning 12 countries to bridge gaps between technology and local community development, demonstrating proven ability to coordinate cross-cultural programs and drive scalable STEM equity initiatives.
• Gender Equity & STEM Advocacy
Specialist in developing inclusive programs for women in STEM, including gender-sensitive policy design and evaluation.
Creates comprehensive digital literacy and workforce readiness programs specifically targeted at empowering female participation and leadership in science and technology sectors.
• Project Coordination - Leadership - & Capacity Building
Experienced multi-country project coordination with expertise in strategic planning, team leadership, and professional development initiatives.
Supervised postgraduate students while designing technology-enabled learning solutions for developing regions, with particular focus on mentoring young women across Francophone African nations in STEM fields.
• Research Innovation & Policy Analysis
Quantitative researcher specializing in STEM program impact assessment and public policy evaluation with focus on equity and gender inclusion.
Develops evidence-based recommendations for regional and international organizations while integrating scientific knowledge into policy frameworks for enhanced decision-making support.
• Grant Writing & Funding Acquisition
Proven specialist in developing successful proposals for international funding bodies with expertise in coordinating multi-source funding streams (Genome Quebec, HEC Montreal, CERANO, OWSD, etc.). Builds strategic partnerships to secure sustained program funding and mobilizes financial resources for capacity-building initiatives.
• Network Building & Partnership Development
Expert in curating cross-sector expert networks and forming strategic alliances between academic institutions, NGOs, and industry. Facilitates international research collaborations and manages cross-sector relationships to advance regional policy objectives and foster innovation partnerships.
• International Relations & Diplomacy
Seasoned professional in multinational stakeholder engagement across West and Southern African countries. Active participant in high-level international summits (Francophonie Summit, World Science Forum) with expertise in cross-cultural communication, diplomatic networking, and conference presentation delivery.
Other Memberships/Affiliations
Degrees:
2. W. Bernice A. Bancole, Benice Sivparsad and Dr Ilaria Germishuizen (2023). A precision forestry approach to expanding the forestry pesticide toolkit. Technical Note. TIPWG-Mag, VOL.4 No.2. 2023.https://forestrysouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/TIPWG-Mag-4-2v6.pdf
3. W. Bernice A. Bancole, Benice Sivparsad and Dr Ilaria Germishuizen (2023). Advancing Pest Control in South Africa’s Forestry Sector-Exploring Alternative Solution. SGASA Research Newsletter, August 2023.
4. Megnidio-Tchoukouegno MM, Gueguim Kana EB and Bancole WBA (2023). Machine learning model to predict endophytic colonisation of rice cultivar plant tissues by Beauveria bassiana isolates and their potential as biocontrol agents against rice stem borer using existing knowledge. F1000 Research 2022, 11:1249. 9 https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.126479.1
5. W. Bernice A. Bancole, Mark D. Laing, Kwasi S. Yobo, Mohamed B.E.E.E.M Saeed (2021). Investigating the endophytic competency and pathogenicity efficacy of Beauveria bassiana isolates against Chilo partellus. International Journal of Tropical Insect Science 42, pages 1225-1237. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-021-00641-1.
6. W. Bernice A. Bancole, Mark D. Laing, Kwasi S. Yobo and Abou Togola (2020). Establishment of Beauveria bassiana strains as endophyte in rice cultivars and their biocontrol efficacy against Sesamia calamistis. S Afr J Sci. 2020; 116(11/12), Art. #7914, 9 pages. https://doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2020/7914.
7. Mohamed B.E.E.E.M. Saeed, Mark D. Laing, Ray M. Miller, W. Bernice A. Bancole (2017). Ovicidal, larvicidal and insecticidal activity of strains of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin against the cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne Fabricius (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), on rice grain. Journal of Stored Products Research 74, 78-86.