The participants of the nano-science workshop.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology is set to become a hub of Nano-science and Nanotechnology in the region as it hosts Hampton University- USA scholar, Prof. Peter Njoki, courtesy of Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program (CADFP). This was revealed during the capacity building workshop conducted by the School of Natural Sciences (SONAS) on 27th June, 2023 in an effort to recap the activities carried out during the professor’s one-month visit to the University. The visit which is geared towards exploring various areas of collaboration between MMUST and Hampton University in nano-science research came after MMUST scholars from SONAS won the CADFP grant.
The CADFP grant winners were: Dr. Maxwell Mageto (Chairman of Department- Physics), Dr. Benard Omogo (Physical and Inorganic Chemistry scholar- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry), and Dr. Fred Lisouza (Lecturer and Researcher of Analytical Chemistry- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry). Dr. Omogo is visiting the University of Arkansas- USA to discuss possible areas of collaboration on the same for mutual benefits. This will create a prolific collaboration between MMUST, Hampton University, and the University of Arkansas.
In his presentation, ‘Nano-materials and Nano-technology’, Prof. Njoki tackled the use of nano-technology to explore the new, unique, and unexpected properties of materials where he emphasized the synthesis of metal nanoparticles. “Before coming up with a product, it is crucial to understand its worth, required equipment, characterization needed, as well as the subject theory. Use nano-particles that are affordable and locally available to achieve the desired results for efficiency,” he urged.
In addition, Prof. Njoki tackled ‘Writing a Research Proposal’, he urged the participants to persuade their supervisors that they have a legitimate research topic and plan for addressing the topic in order to understand the significance of the research. “Ensure you have all it takes to carry out research. As you prepare yourself to successfully perform the proposed research, it is key to have the right equipment for analysis,” he stated. The Professor who will be at MMUST till 30th June, 2023, guaranteed his support as the institutions look forward to creating a fruitful collaboration.
The Carnegie scholar from Hampton University- USA, Prof. Peter Njoki making a presentation during the workshop.
Expressing his delight for the interaction, the Dean SONAS, Dr. Joseph Owino noted that the collaboration will create products that will help solve unaddressed issues in nanotechnology, especially in nano-medicine to handle drug-resistant pathogens and diagnostics. “Our students’ presentations are an indication that they gained a lot. The ideas will not only be used in writing grant-winning proposals in the University but also be transformed into remarkable innovations which will solve societal challenges. Through the shared experiences, we look forward to forming research collaborations, sharing of facilities, supervision of students as well as sharing equipment for research analysis,” he said.
According to the Chairman of Department- Physics, Dr. Maxwell Mageto, the collaboration will put MMUST on the global map in the area of Nano-science. He revealed that the Carnegie Scholar imparted the University postgraduate students with skills to write outstanding theses and research papers which will be published in the highly profiled journals. “At the nano level, there is a barrier between the disciplines causing a breakdown. For this reason, Physics and Chemistry come together to join the gap. Physics gives rise to medical technology that helps human life,” he stated.
He added that through the interaction, the participants shared knowledge of the applications of solar cells, light-emitting diodes, electro-chromatic windows, and photo-catalysis.
A section of the participants listening keenly.
Reiterating Dr. Mageto, the Chairman of Department- Pure and Applied Chemistry, Dr. Bernard Juma acknowledged that the shared experience will create a unique opportunity for collaborative research on nanotechnology. He added that the interaction will enable the establishment of common projects in the future, thus influencing the practical concept of teaching at the University.
“This exposure has created a new dimension on most of the ongoing research focusing on nanotechnology. The interaction has proven possibilities in the synthesis of nanoparticles. We shall incorporate the ideas in the undergraduate programs to create more understanding of nanoparticles and their impacts,” he said.
Exploring the possible areas of research collaboration between SONAS and the School of Medicine (SOM), Dr. Antony Sifuna (Lecturer- Department of Medical Biochemistry) advocated for creating a connection between nano-science and nano-medicine in the University. He added that nano-science will help in the expansion of research area that involves structures in the application of nanotechnology in medicine. He encouraged the use of nano-particles as a novel technique in medical research especially in diagnostic instruments and tissue engineering.
“Technologies provide doctors with considerably direct access to critical data on the reasons for changes in the signs of illness. Similarly, nano-technology has great promise in manipulating things at the atomic level to change a wider array of medical treatments. Let us come together to upscale collaborative research in this discipline,” urged Dr. Sifuna.
Prof. Njoki making a comment on the postgraduate student research project.
Dr. Lisouza acknowledged that the students have gained hands-on skills in nano research and encouraged the spirit of unity, collaboration, and hard work in order to succeed in this cause.
Expressing their interest in nanotechnology research, postgraduate students made exciting presentations on their research work in the areas of Chemistry and Physics. Their presentations were geared towards the application of nano-particles in various aspects of scientific research. They stated that nano-particles are eco-friendly, affordable, and easy to manufacture. For this reason, they are the most suitable candidates for various commercial and domestic applications in catalysis, imaging, medical applications, and environmental application.
Indeed, such collaboration will cultivate the necessary skills needed to conduct nano-science and nano-technology research which will enable the University to churn out competitive products in nano-research.
By Verna Awuor Kungu and Ivy Alivitsa
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
