University
University of Nairobi
Area of Focus
Genetics
Education
Lorine Nyongesa is pursuing a PhD in Genetics at the University of Nairobi, Kenya where she is enrolled in the School of Biological Sciences. She earned her BSc in Microbiology and Biotechnology from the University of Nairobi in 2012 and an MSc in Genetics in 2017 from the same institution. It was while pursuing her undergraduate degree that Lorine developed an interest in research. As part of a team awarded innovation grants by the Kenya National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) (NCST/5/003/INN/3rd CALL 016 and 017), their team graduated three MSc students, filed two patents, and published a paper. They continued to study these same components at the doctorate level.
Research & Work
In her research, Lorine studies Kenyan bacterial isolates of the Xenorhabdus genus. These are microorganisms that produce insect toxins and antimicrobial compounds potentially useful in the biocontrol of insect pests, and therapy for pathogenic microbes. Biocontrol uses living organisms which are natural enemies to help control for pests or disease causing pathogens. Lorine’s research into Xenorhabdus spp. will help find effective, safe and locally available insecticidal and antimicrobial compounds that bring biocontrol solutions closer to use. This will also aid to counter the increasing threats to food security posed by invasive insect pests, and health sector challenges resulting from antimicrobial resistance caused by misuse and overuse of antimicrobials. Lorine hopes to contribute to the use of research and development to solve some of Africa’s challenges in agriculture and health, and is passionate about sharing her findings with farmers, entrepreneurs and investors.
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