Benedicta Woode

Benedicta Woode

ExCo Member

Dr. Benedicta Woode is a Research Scientist at the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) under the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission. She currently serves as the Commissioning Scientist for Ghana’s upcoming radio telescope at Kuntunse, leading efforts to ensure the instrument’s calibration, performance, and data integrity. She also holds an Adjunct Lecturer position with the Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA) program, contributing to capacity-building in astronomy across the continent. Dr. Woode is the first Ghanaian female Astrophysicst and holds a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Ghana with postdoctoral training at the University of Leeds. Her expertise lies in the early stages of massive star formation, using single-dish and VLBI techniques, and she has authored peer-reviewed publications on methanol masers and radio continuum studies.

Within AfAS, Dr. Woode is an Executive Committee Member, contributing to the soci- ety’s scientific and outreach missions. She has led public engagement initiatives such as PRAGSAC and served as a mentor and trainer in regional hackathons and school outreach programs. Motivated by a passion for advancing astronomy in Africa, Dr. Woode envisions a future where African researchers and students are equipped with cutting-edge tools to contribute meaningfully to global science.