Ms. Cynthia Wakhungu, Agricultural Chemistry, Best Researcher Award

Ms. Cynthia Wakhungu, Technical University of Kenya, Kenya

Professional Profile

Scopus

Professional Summary

• Dedicated science professional with a strong background in process, research, and analysis. Proficient in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Experienced in report writing, concept notes, proposals, and grants. Excellent tutor and researcher with a passion for developing new technologies and improving processes.

Career Objective🎯

• To contribute to national economic growth through research and knowledge transfer, while strengthening human development and values.

Skills🛠️

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in data collection, management, and analysis
• Competent in preparing reports, manuscripts, and proposals
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Effective in multicultural environments

Education🎓

• Ph.D. in Microbiology (2019 - Present)
  University of Nairobi
• M.Sc. in Plant Pathology (2016)
  Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya
• B.Sc. General (Botany and Zoology) (2013)
  Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya

Professional Experience💼

• Assistant Lecturer (03/2023 - Present)
  The Technical University of Kenya
  Teaching, student supervision, and research collaborations
• Field Officer (01/2021 - 06/2022)
  International Food Policy Research Institute, Kenya
  Market survey on aflatoxin contamination awareness
• National Program Supervisor/Technical Advisor (06/2021 - 07/2021)
  Ministry of Health Kenya
  Coordination of Measles and Rubella Vaccine campaign
• Project Team Leader (01/2016 - 03/2016)
  Bioversity International Kenya
  Promotion of agrobiodiversity activities and their impacts on nutrition

Research Interests🔬

• Mycotoxin analysis and mitigation
• Plant pathology and disease management
• Sustainable agricultural practices
• Biodiversity and environmental conservation

Conferences Attended🌍

• Responding to Climate Change through Land Governance (2023)
• Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (2023)
• Fourth Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (2023)
• The Future of Malabo Declaration Beyond 2025 (2024)
• Innovations for Sustainable Production of Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species (2024)

Notable Publication📝

• Paper Title: Mycotoxins contaminating herbs and spices in Africa: A review

•           Authors: Wakhungu, C.N, Okoth, S, Wachira, P, Otieno, N.A
•           Journal: African Journal of Biological Sciences
•           Volume: 3
•           Issue: 3
•           Pages: 10-28
•           Year: 2021​

 

• Paper Title: Incidence and severity of Fusarium wilt on Bambara nut (Vigna subterranea L.) landraces in Western Kenya

•           Authors: Nderitu, J., Mwaura, L., & Kimenju, J.
•           Journal: African Journal of Agricultural Research
•           Volume: 16
•           Issue: 3
•           Pages: 401-410
•           Year: 2021​ ​

• Paper Title: Distribution of Fusarium wilt of Bambara nut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) in farmers’ fields of Busia County in Western Kenya and its management using farmyard manure

•           Authors: Wamalwa, B.M., Nderitu, J.H., Kimenju, J.W., & Kariuki, I.W.
•           Journal: Journal of Plant Pathology
•           Volume: 103
•           Issue: 2
•           Pages: 543-552
•           Year: 2021​