Dr Alma Mekondjo Nankela founded the RCHS, an Archaeosciences and Consultancy company. She hold a B.Ed. in History and Geography from the University of Namibia (2008). She taught History at Delta Secondary School Windhoek (2009) before she earned her double titled Masters and PhD in Quaternary and Prehistory from the Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle de Paris (MNHN) in France and the University of Ferrara (UNIFE) in Italy (2010- 2017).

Dr Nankela has 13 years of progressive research experience of which over, 10 years were dedicated to the National Heritage Council of Namibia (2021). Here, she commissioned scientific research, developed and implemented cultural resource policies and guidelines in accordance with UNESCO's Conventions and other internationally recognized laws. She advised the culture and heritage sector on the appropriate measures towards scientific research, conservation, management and promotion of Namibia's cultural heritage resources. She worked closely with local communities to strengthens and promote their involvement in the overall preservation of their heritage properties and collaborated with international experts and other bodies relating to scientific research. Her notable scientific and management work is particularly known in the Brandberg and Erongo Mountains (incl. surrounding areas); Twyfelfontein World Heritage Site; Spitzkoppe Mountains; Sperrgebiet and Etosha Parks as well as Khuiseb Delta.

She is an honorary researcher at the National Museum of Namibia. Between (2019-2021), she served as Chairperson of the Namibian National Committee for Human Remains and Heritage Objects (HRC) which reviewed Namibia’s practices for claiming and repatriation of human remains and heritage objects, developed national policy and guidelines and facilitated repatriation and restitution efforts.

Dr Nankela is a professional member of the Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists (ASAPA); Namibia Scientific Society (NSS); The Society of Africanist Archaeologists (SafA) and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).