Ben Nyakundi Meroka
Research Scientist, Lecturer
Nairobi
Summary
Experienced researcher and lecturer with a flexible, positive, and effective teaching style that inspires and challenges all students to achieve their highest potential. Skilled at adapting presentations to engage university students from diverse backgrounds. Leveraging in-depth knowledge and experience in Zoology to provide relevant information and enhance learning. Recognized for personable demeanor and strong work ethic.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Adjunct Lecturer
Murang'a University of Technology
9 2020 - Current
- Teaching and assessing biological units to undergraduate students in the Physical and Biological, Agriculture, and Education departments from September to December 2020 to date.
- Collaborated with department head to create dynamic, ongoing curriculum development, and instruction improvement program.
- Engaged students with insightful and compelling classroom discussion of topics relevant to coursework to boost student learning and retention.
- Participated in departmental meetings and professional development workshops to stay informed of best practices in education within the field.
Research Scientist
National Museums of Kenya
08.2011 - Current
- Giving professional talks to visiting colleges and university students, mentoring and assessing interns during their industrial attachment at the National Museums of Kenya, coordinating section interns training programme, participating in departmental fieldworks and researches with other scientists, conducting own scientific research projects or in conjunction with immediate supervisor, publishing scholarly research findings in scientific journals.
- Mentored junior scientists, fostering professional growth and enhancing team capabilities.
- Evaluated new technologies for potential integration into existing research processes, driving continuous improvement efforts.
Education
PhD in Zoology -
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture And Technology
09.2024 - Current
Master of Science - Biology of Conservation
University of Nairobi
05.2015 - 09.2019
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife Management
Moi University
Eldoret, Kenya 05.1999 - 12.2004
Skills
Student Engagement
Group Instruction
Classroom Management
Teaching strategies
Teamwork enhancement
Academic Publication
Certification
Certified trainer of trainers (ToT)
References
- Dr. Sharon Kiprotich, Murang'a University of Technology, P.O Box 75 - 10200, Murang'a, Kenya, +254794418079, skiprotich@mut.ac.ke
- Prof. Nathan Gichuki, Department of Biology, P.O Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya, +254724580929, ngichuki@uonbi.ac.ke
- Prof. Nicholas Letting, Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board, P.O Box 41362-00100, Nairobi, +254722284133, nletting@kasneb.or.ke
Publications
- The Status of Flora and Fauna in the Nzoia River Drainage Basin in Western Kenya DOI: 10.2982/028.110.0101
- Small mammal diversity of Mt. Kenya based on carnivore fecal and surface bone remains. DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2018.055
- A non-invasive approach to faunal biodiversity survey of the Yala swamp and Kakamega Forest regions of Kenya. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.2438751
- Ecology of Small Mammals in Oloolua Forest in Nairobi, Kenya. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1313664
Accomplishments
- Benefited from a 3-year multi-institutional grant from World Bank coordinated by Kenya Agricultural Livestock & Research Organization (KALRO) to conduct research on climate change resilience in ASALs of Kenya.
- Benefited from a 5-year departmental grant to conduct zoological surveys in various protected areas in Kenya in collaboration with the Kunming Institute of Zoology (Chinese Academy of Sciences) and the National Museums of Kenya Zoology department. Grant number is CAS grant (SAJC201612).
- Was part of a scientific team co-opted into a National Research Fund project assessing the status of flora and fauna in the Nzoia River drainage basin
Affiliations
- Member of Ecological Society of East Africa
- Member of Mammal Committee of Nature Kenya
Other Responsibilities
Head of Supervisory Committee, Ecose SACCO Ltd
Board Member, Athi river Seventh-day Adventist Church
Timeline
PhD in Zoology -
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture And Technology
09.2024 - Current
Master of Science - Biology of Conservation
University of Nairobi
05.2015 - 09.2019
Research Scientist
National Museums of Kenya
08.2011 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife Management
Moi University
05.1999 - 12.2004
Adjunct Lecturer
Murang'a University of Technology
9 2020 - Current
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