I am a Jill of all Trades but and a master of one – Investigation. 10 years ago, I penned a list of 20 professions I eyed. The common things were the non-routine and research aspects. Today, I am still discovering what Profession suits my abilities.
My first day in high school, I wasn’t sure what Technical subject to go for out of the 8, however, I was sure that Business Studies would be number 8. 10 years later I have been involved in business management, development and Idea Criticism more than I thought I would ever be.
My love for Design, Maths, Physics and Computer Studies and my drawing Talent made me think I would end up in an Architectural Profession but the Kenyan Government’s algorithm chose Biochemistry due to my good Biology and Chemistry grades. Now all this have been packaged into Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.
Currently, I am a Masters student in JKUAT and an ILRI MSc Fellow working on a project (Identification of virulence factors as novel vaccine targets for contagious bovine pleuropneumonia by the whole genome saturated mutagenesis) incorporating Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics. As an African, I believe drugs, diagnostics and vaccines that suit our infrastructure and culture are a route to better interventions in Plants, Animals and People.
In this self-discovery journey, I believe there is more to learn about the world and myself.
For details: Click on the Tabs below.
Degrees
2019-Present
Masters of Science in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology_Website
I am a few weeks shy of finishing my project work at International Livestock research Institute.
2014-2018
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Technical University of Kenya_Website
Coursework, Projects, 1 internal Attachment, and 2 Internships.
Certificates
March 2020
Good Clinical Practice
IAVI – International Aids Vaccine Institute
March 2019
Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
Open University with Google_Website
2010-2013
KCSE- Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
State House Girls High School_Website
A- (77 Points) for All Sciences, Geography and Computer Studies
2002-2009
KCPE- Kenya Certificate of Primary Education
Roysambu Primary School_Post
377/500.
Part-Time Digital Presence Consultant
I am currently working with different people who want to better their digital Presence.
Ongoing
Bioinformatics Hub of Kenya : Website design
NobleKinmat : Digital Content Strategy
House Call Medics : Website
Dr. Mukami Gathariki : Website
Past
Hikers afrique : Growing Linkedin Audience and Blogging
Kuza Inititative: Social Media Presence
Obaigo: Marketing strategy
WordCamp Nairobi 2018: Live Tweeting and Live Faceboook
Dr. Mercy Akinyi: Website
Ahadi Movers : Digitial Marketing Strategy (SEO)
Hulingarm Salon and Barbershop : Facebook
Orchard Piggery : Logo Design and Facebook
Imba Kwa akili: Social Media Marketing
Previous Full Communications
International acquisition of Agribiotech Applications
Podcaster: The Vulnerable Scientist
Dec 2021- Present
Msc Graduate Fellow
April 2021- May 2022
ILRI- International livestock Research Institute
Science Writer
March 2020- March 2021
Science Media Africa– Science for Everyone
Science Cast – Bridging the Gap Between scientists and the Public : (Company Sold)
Laboratory Intern
May 2016- March 2020
KAVI Institute of Clinical Research – PBMC Harvesting and Molecular Lab.
ICRAF – Genebank (Molecular and Seed Labs)
UNITID – HIVDR and TB Diagnostics
KEPHIS– HQ, Muguga and JKUAT Stations
USIU – School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (Biochemistry and Microbiology Lab)
Science Communicator
May – October 2020
ABBC 2019 Conference
Social Media Management
Website QA
Social media Strategy
Blog and Report Writing
Photography and Editing
Current Project
Identification of virulence factors as novel vaccine targets for contagious bovine pleuropneumonia by whole genome saturated mutagenesis
There is an urgent need for improved vaccines for contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP). CBPP is one of the most infectious and highly contagious diseases of cattle in Africa accounting for more than $38.8 million annual loss in cattle productivity in 12 endemic countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, control of CBPP relies on a live vaccine of limited efficacy and occasional severe side effects. Achieving breakthroughs in developing effective tools, including vaccines, for CBPP intervention requires deeper insights into host-bacteria interactions.
Like other diseases caused by mycoplasma, CBPP is characterized by immunopathology, i.e. dysregulation of the host’s immune response. In vitro data indicates that this dysregulation begins at the very early stages of infection, at the initial site of bacteria-host cell interaction in the lung. We aim towards identifying vaccine candidates that can disrupt the bacteria-induced dysregulation of the host’s immune response.
To pump-prime this objective, we propose to generate a random mutant library of the bacteria which can be used to identify bacterial genes that play an important role in the initial bacteria-host cell encounters and the dysregulation of the host’s immune response. Within the scope of the initial project, we will use the mutant library in established in vitro assays to screen for bacteria that fail to induce the typical response (compared to the wild type bacteria). This will allow a deeper understanding of host-pathogen interactions, and the identified antigens will be tested in future in vivo experiments for their suitability as vaccine candidates.
In-Vitro Adsorption activity of Activated Charcoal on Coliform Bacteria
Activated charcoal has been used before to adsorb different molecules including toxins and drug overdoses. Little research has been done on its ability to adsorb microorganisms. The aim of the study was to examine the adsorption characteristic of activated charcoal on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria using Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella spp . respectively as representatives. The other objective was to find out the effectiveness of activated charcoal on adsorbing bacteria. The study showed that it was effective on gram-negative bacteria more than the gram-negative bacteria. In all, it was more effective with the treatment of 10mg activated charcoal as the effect was dose-dependent. This shows that activated charcoal can be used to remove bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract thus treating diarrheal diseases as previously thought.
Coenzyme Q10 nullified khat-induced hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and inflammation in a mouse model
I briefly supported the project where I administered mice with Khat after crushing the Khat – Dr. Kennedy Chepukosi. I gained skills in animal handling and how to use a mice a model.
I briefly supported Lamp Optimization for a Field-based Diagnosis of a sweet potato viral Disease Under Bramwel Wanjala
I also briefly supported a micorbial-base project where investigation of diesel as a food source for bacteria was being done.
Researching on ‘Data protection Act an its effect on research in Kenya’ article under Dr. Caleb Kibet
- Molecular Biology of Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, and Nematodes: PCR, Gel, Quantification, Sanger and Nanopore sequencing
- Immunological techniques: PBMC Harvesting, ELISA’s including Multiplex using Luminex and Flow Cytometry
- Culture techniques; Bacterial, Plant Tissue, cell, viral and Fungal.
- Science Communication
- Informal Writing: Blogging
- Website Design (WordPress)
- Digital Marketing: Social Media, Email, and SEO.
- Microsoft applications
- Photography, Video editing, and graphic design
English
Swahili
R
German
Python
HTML
CSS
