Dr. David Kimutai Melly is a research scientist in the field of Botany. Currently, he is a Lecturer of Botany (Plant Taxonomy) at the Bomet University College in Kenya, where he teaches and mentors students while conducting research in the areas of biodiversity conservation. Dr. Melly is also the 2021-2023 Mpala-Smithsonian Postdoctoral Fellow, where he is working on the taxonomic revision of plants of Mpala. During his fellowship, Dr Melly aims to perform a thorough study of plants of Mpala, develop a checklist, a field guide and a digital herbarium. Mpala as a living laboratory supports many ongoing studies. The Centre is a hub for experimental and manipulative research by visiting scientists and students drawn from all over the world.