B.S., University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa; M.S., University of Strathclyde, UK; M.S., University of Pretoria, South Africa; Ph.D., Anglia Ruskin University, UK
Dr. Ellen Mwenesongole holds a B.S. (Hons) in Chemistry, an M.S. in Forensic Science, an M.S. in Chemistry, and a Ph.D. in Forensic Science/Analytical Chemistry. She has played a key role in establishing forensic science programs at both the University of the Free State in South Africa and Botswana International University of Science and Technology. Prior to joining Columbia College in Fall 2025, Dr. Mwenesongole served at the University of Alabama at Birmingham for four years.
At Columbia College, she serves as the Program Coordinator for the Forensic Science program within the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Her research focuses on the detection of illicit and pharmaceutical substances in diverse matrices such as wastewater, spiked beverages, and biological fluids. She also conducts research in wildlife forensics, with a particular focus on the microscopic characterization of animal hair to support species identification in studies related to poaching and conservation efforts. She incorporates this research into her teaching and laboratory sessions to ensure students gain hands-on experience and understand the real-world applications of forensic science.
