Lulu Tunu Kaaya is a Senior Lecturer in Freshwater Ecology at the University of Dodoma, Tanzania. Dr. Kaaya has published twelve peer-reviewed articles based on freshwater ecosystems of Tanzania. She is highly inspired by the youth and spends a significant time in empowering the youth in the field of aquatic sciences. She is a natural mentor to the youth in her field. She uses her research experiences to educate and empower local communities to manage river ecosystems. She is also an advisor for the African Women in Science Program under the African Center for Aquatic Research and Education.