info@chuka.ac.ke
020 231 0512/ 020 231 0518
Lecturer
Email: ekuria@chuka.ac.ke
Faculty of Science and Technology
Department of Biologicial Sciences
PROFFESIONAL BODIES
1. Member of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Professional Society of Kenya
2. Member of International Parasitic Plant Society (IPPS)
FIELD OF SPECIALIZATION
Plant Science/Biotechnology
WORK EXPERIENCE
Currently: Lecturer, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology,Chuka University.
2018 to 2019: Lecturer at School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Mount Kenya University.
2013 to 2017: Research assistant, Plant Transformation Laboratory, Kenyatta University.
2013 to 2016: Visiting Scientist (3-6 months every year), Animal and Plant Sciences Department, University of Sheffield.
2012: Molecular Lab Technician, World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi, Kenya.
2009-2011: Research Assistant/Laboratory Manager, Plant Transformation Laboratory, Kenyatta University.
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
2017: Doctor of Philosophy (Biotechnology), Kenyatta University
2012: Master of Science (Biotechnology), Kenyatta University
2007: Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology), Kenyatta University
2000: K.C.S.E, Jamhuri High School, Nairobi.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Department representative, FSET Welfare SHG, Chuka University- (2020- to date)
Co-Ordinator, Departmental welfare activities, Department of Biological sciences – (2023
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Chuka University.
Lecturer at School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Mount Kenya University.
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
1. Masters Scholarship, Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in East and Central Africa
2. Doctoral scholarship, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
PUBLICATIONS
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RESEARCH INTRESTS
Genome editing in plants, Plant disease resistance mechanisms, Control of parasitic plants, De novo breeding for disease resistance
KEY RESEARCH PROJECTS/AWARDS
2022: Developing Resistance Against Ralstonia Solanacearum in Potato Through Induction of Systemic Acquired Resistance.
Chuka university internal research fund (Ksh. 190,000)
2022: Management of Potato Cyst Nematode in Kenya Using Nematophagus Fungi
Chuka university internal research fund (Ksh. 929,750)
POST-GRADUATE TOPICS SUPERVISED
1. Phytochemical analysis of Tamarindus indica L. extracts and assessment of their antimicrobial activity Against plant pathogens in Tharaka Nithi county, Kenya.
2. Isolation and characterization of novel antibiotics from bacteria in Tana River and Lake Elementaita in Kenya
3. Induction of Systemic Acquired Resistance Against Ralstonia solanacearum in Irish Potato
4. Characterization of bean root rot pathogens and their control using cattle manure vermicompost.
5. Isolation and Characterization of Cyanobacteria from Sagana Fish Ponds and Determination of Their Potential as Biofertilizers for Maize