Monica Mwale is a senior scientist at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and serves as the secretariat of the South African node of IBOL (SABOL), managed through SANBI. With over 20 years of experience studying the molecular systematics and genetics of wildlife, including terrestrial and marine organisms (fish, birds, and mammals), her research focuses on the use of genetic markers through DNA sequencing and next-generation technologies, alongside morphological data, to understand the diversity, phylogenetics, and evolutionary relationships among species or populations to inform biodiversity conservation and management.

Monica Mwale also utilizes genetic technologies in developing forensic technologies for species identification using DNA barcoding for their application in enforcement and compliance. Additionally, she has taught evolution and systematics, being involved in training undergraduate and postgraduate students, including interns.