Bonface Onyango | Conservation | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Bonface Onyango | Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Graduate research fellow at Pwani University/icipe, Kenya.

Bonface Onyango is a dedicated professional with a passion for bioinformatics and computational biology. With a strong educational background in both biochemistry and bioinformatics, Bonface has honed his skills in data analysis, programming, and research methodologies. His extensive experience includes roles as a Graduate Research Fellow at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), where he contributed to the development of biocollections databases and integrative digital platforms. Additionally, Bonface has served as a Medical Representative at Surgipharm Ltd- Abbott Nutrition Int and as a Research Assistant at the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), where he conducted household surveys and field data collection on various research projects. His teaching experience as both a high school teacher and an online tutor reflects his commitment to knowledge dissemination and capacity building. Bonface has also demonstrated leadership and technical expertise in various bioinformatics projects and hackathons, showcasing his ability to innovate and collaborate in multidisciplinary settings. With a keen interest in leveraging data science and machine learning techniques for biological research, Bonface continues to make significant contributions to the field and is poised to excel in his future endeavors.

Professional Profiles:

Education

Bonface Onyango pursued a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya, graduating in 2019. Subsequently, he embarked on his academic journey in Bioinformatics by enrolling in a Master’s program at Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya, in 2021. He is currently pursuing his Master’s degree, aiming to deepen his knowledge and expertise in this interdisciplinary field.

Professional Experience

Bonface Onyango has accumulated diverse professional experiences across various sectors. As a Graduate Research Fellow at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya, from 2021 to 2023, he spearheaded the development of a biocollections database and constructed an integrative digital platform. Prior to this, he served as a Medical Representative at Surgipharm Ltd- Abbott Nutrition Int in Nairobi, Kenya, from 2020 to 2021. In this role, he meticulously detailed products to doctors, conducted continuous medical education to healthcare professionals, and actively participated in scientific webinars focusing on nutritional products. Additionally, his tenure as a Research Assistant at the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) in Kisumu, Kenya, from 2019 to 2020, involved conducting household data collection surveys on post-COVID-19 impact and supervising field data collection on the contribution of Non-Profit Institutions (NPIs) to the country’s economy. His proficiency and leadership skills were further demonstrated during his time as a Content Supervisor at the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) in Siaya, Kenya, in 2019, where he supervised enumerators during the Kenya Population and Housing Census.

Research Interest

Bonface Onyango’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum of topics within the realm of bioinformatics and computational biology. His primary focus lies in leveraging machine learning techniques for the analysis of genomic data, with specific emphasis on predicting the source of pathogens like Salmonella Enterica from whole genome sequencing data. Additionally, he is deeply involved in exploring microbial diversity in COVID-19 patients using AI-driven approaches. His expertise extends to the development of bioinformatics pipelines for ancestry prediction using whole exome data, reflecting his commitment to unraveling complex biological phenomena through computational methods. Moreover, he has a keen interest in reproducible research practices and machine learning applications in diverse biological contexts.

Award and Honors

Throughout his career, Bonface Onyango has received recognition and accolades for his contributions to various fields. Notable among these honors are his appointments as project lead and technical lead in prestigious bioinformatics hackathons and codeathons organized by institutions like the African Society of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (ASBCB) and Founders Factory Africa. Furthermore, his outstanding performance as a graduate research fellow at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) has been acknowledged, reflecting his dedication and proficiency in developing biocollections databases and integrative digital platforms. Additionally, his role as a content supervisor during the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census highlights his commitment to excellence in data collection and management.

Research Skills

Bonface Onyango possesses a diverse set of research skills that enable him to excel in his field. With a solid foundation in bioinformatics and computational biology, he demonstrates proficiency in data analysis, particularly in handling large-scale genomic datasets and applying machine learning algorithms for predictive modeling. His expertise extends to programming languages such as Python, R, and Bash, along with familiarity with Linux environments. Bonface is adept at utilizing various libraries and tools, including Sklearn, Pandas, Numpy, Git, and Docker, to streamline research workflows and facilitate collaboration. Moreover, his proficiency in citation management software such as Zotero, Mendeley, and Latex underscores his meticulous approach to academic writing and publication. Overall, Bonface’s research skills are instrumental in advancing scientific knowledge and addressing complex biological challenges.

 

 

Felix Kpenekuu | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Felix Kpenekuu | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Felix Kpenekuu is a dedicated environmental scientist with a passion for teaching and research. He is currently affiliated with the Department of Environmental Science at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana. His research primarily focuses on developing innovative multi-scale approaches to assess drought risks and adaptations to climate change, particularly in dryland farming systems. Felix is deeply invested in field-based participatory studies, aiming to understand how climate change and variability impact sustainable development goals. His commitment to advancing environmental science is evident through his extensive academic background and professional experience, which includes teaching roles at various educational institutions and active involvement in community-based environmental initiatives. Felix’s work not only contributes to the academic community but also provides practical solutions to the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

Professional Profiles:

Education

Felix Kpenekuu is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Science at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana, which he began in 2019 and is expected to complete in 2024. In 2023, he achieved Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from the Department of Education in England. He holds an MSc in Environmental Science from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, obtained between 2015 and 2017. Felix also earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with a Second Class Division from the University of Education (UEW) in Winneba, Ghana, during the period of 2007 to 2011. His educational journey began with a Teacher Certificate from Offinso Training College in Offinso, Ghana, which he completed from 2001 to 2004.

Professional Experience

Felix Kpenekuu has a diverse professional background in teaching and academia. Since 2016, he has been a Science Teacher at Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High School in Tanoso, Ghana. Concurrently, he has served as a Part-time Tutor at the Royal Ann College of Health in Manhyia, Ghana, from 2019 to the present. Felix also works as a Part-time Facilitator at Humpty Dumpty School in Ahodwo, Ghana, a role he began in 2018. Additionally, from 2018 to 2022, he was a Part-time Tutor at the University of Development Studies in Manhyia, Ghana. Before these roles, Felix taught science at Afua Kobi Ampem Girls’ Senior High School in Trabuom, Ghana, from 2011 to 2016, and at Anyinasuso D/A Junior High School in Anyinasuso, Ghana, from 2004 to 2007. His extensive experience in education reflects his dedication to teaching and his commitment to enhancing learning experiences for students at various educational levels.

Research Interest

Felix Kpenekuu’s research interests lie in the field of environmental science, with a focus on developing innovative multi-scale approaches for assessing drought risks and adaptations to climate change in dryland farming systems. He is particularly interested in conducting field-based participatory studies that explore how climate change and variability impact the sustainable development goals. Felix’s research aims to understand the complex interactions between climate change and agricultural practices, seeking to find sustainable solutions that can help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on farming communities and contribute to achieving broader environmental and developmental objectives.

Award and Honors

Felix Kpenekuu has garnered various awards and honors throughout his academic and professional journey, underscoring his dedication and excellence in his field. In 2023, he was awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) by the Department of Education, England, recognizing his teaching credentials and proficiency. His commitment to education and research has earned him merit awards for outstanding performance at Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High School and other institutions where he has served. Felix’s leadership in promoting renewable energy was acknowledged through his recognition as a key contributor in the Energy’s Commission Senior High School Renewable Energy Challenge. Additionally, his role as an examiner for the West African Examination Council earned him an Excellence in Service Award, highlighting his contributions to upholding high standards in educational assessments. These accolades reflect Felix’s significant impact in the realms of environmental science and education, marking him as a distinguished professional in his field.

Research Skills

Felix Kpenekuu has developed a robust set of research skills that underpin his work in environmental science. His expertise includes designing and conducting field-based participatory studies, which involve collaborating directly with communities to gather data and insights on the impacts of climate change and variability on dryland farming systems. He is proficient in multi-scale approaches for assessing drought risks and adaptations, integrating local knowledge with scientific methods to develop comprehensive strategies for climate resilience. Felix is skilled in data analysis and interpretation, utilizing statistical tools and software to analyze environmental data and draw meaningful conclusions. His ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly and effectively is demonstrated through his teaching and mentorship roles, where he translates research findings into practical knowledge for students and community stakeholders. Additionally, Felix is adept at writing and publishing research papers, contributing valuable insights to the academic community and advancing the understanding of sustainable development goals in the context of climate change.

Publications

  1. Title: Understanding drought risk management in vulnerable communities in dryland farming systems: Evidence from northwest Ghana
    • Authors: Kpenekuu F., Antwi-Agyei P., Nimoh F., Osei M. A., Guodaar L.
    • Journal: International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction (IJDRR)
    • Volume: 100
    • Article: 104186
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: Not available yet
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2023.104186
  2. Title: Role of social capital in agricultural diversification: Implications for sustainable development in rural regions
    • Authors: Godfred Addai, Lawrence Guodaar, Owusu Amponsah, Dalia M. Ibrahiem, Kpenekuu Felix, Philip Antwi-Agyei
    • Journal: Sustainable Development
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: Not available yet
    • DOI: 10.1002/sd.2938
  3. Title: How do climate change adaptation strategies result in unintended maladaptive outcomes? Perspectives of tomato farmers
    • Authors: Guodaar L., Asante F., Eshun G., Abass K., Afriyie K., Appiah D. O., Gyasi R., Atampugre G., Addai P., Kpenekuu F.
    • Journal: International Journal of Vegetable Science
    • Volume: 26
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: 15–31
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: Not specified
    • DOI: 10.1080/19315260.2019.1573393
  4. Title: Substantial land use and land cover changes in the Owabi Reservoir catchment, Ghana: implications for livelihoods and management
    • Authors: Antwi-Agyei P., Kpenekuu F., Hogarh J.N., Obiri-Danso K., Abaidoo R.C., Jeppesen E., Andersen M.N.
    • Journal: Geosciences
    • Volume: 9
    • Issue: 7
    • Article: 286
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: Not specified
    • DOI: 10.3390/geosciences9070286