University
Kenyatta University, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe)
Area of Focus
Chemistry
Education
Ruth Kihika-Opanda is a PhD student in the African Regional Postgraduate Program in Insect Science (ARPPIS) at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), and a PhD candidate at Kenyatta University in the Department of Chemistry. Ruth holds a BSc in Chemistry from Moi University, and an MSc in Chemistry from Kenyatta University. She is a 2019 recipient of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Young Talents Award. Ruth is also a member of the Horticultural Association of Kenya (HAK), Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), and the International Society of Chemical Ecology (ISCE).
Research & Work
Ruth’s research focuses on chemical signaling in worms that depend on plants for their growth and reproduction. They form feeding sites inside the roots of plants where they redirect the plant nutrients to the worm causing a reduced uptake of water and nutrients by the plant, resulting in diminished crop yields. Her research aims to identify message bearing chemicals (semiochemicals) that can be used to develop alternative, environmentally friendly, and sustainable strategies for the management and control of the parasitic worms. This will help farmers to reduce their dependence on nematicides that are harmful to the environment, humans, and beneficial microbes in the soil.
