Bonphace Okoth

• Isolation of bacteria from environmental samples and conducting Microbiological (Culture-based assays) and Molecular (qPCR) analysis of over 665 clinical and environmental samples.
• Analysis and interpretation of quantitative Polymerase Chain reaction and culture-based results for Salmonella spp. Shigella spp., Campylobacter spp., Listeria spp. And Escherichia Coli.
• Preparing lab standard operating procedures, rules, and regulations and ensuring that each is up to date and is adhered to.
• Training of field and lab staff on safe collection and handling of samples and sample data.
• Supervision of 6 field staff and 7 lab staffs to ensure project goals are achieved effectively.
• Entry and Management of lab and field data using Kobo collect toolbox.
• Purchase, management, and inventory of lab and field supplies.
• Conducted periodic performance reviews for staff members, offering constructive feedback to facilitate professional growth
• Managed operational documents and produced reports detailing activities
• Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance on technical skills development and career growth opportunities
• Coordinated staff training programs to keep abreast of advances in scientific knowledge relevant to field
• Managed team of technicians, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and proper handling of lab equipment
• Actively participated in professional conferences and workshops, sharing laboratory best practices and fostering culture of continuous improvement
• Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members
• Kept laboratory in compliance with applicable guidelines and laws
• Collaborated with research teams to optimize experimental design and data collection methods
• Designed processes to increase efficiency by minimizing error and reducing repetitive tasks.

 ZymoBIOMICS DNA/RNA Co-extraction.
 Maintaining a chain of custody and sample integrity from DNA extraction through qPCR using aseptic BSL 2 procedures.
 Use of Taqman gene expression custom array cards in multipathogen detection of bacteria and viruses using Applied Biosystem ™ Quant Studio ™ 7 Flex Multipathogen Real-Time PCR System.
 Performed and interpreted multiple real-time PCR assays in order to detect and characterize target pathogens and ensure assay quality.
 Analysis and interpretation of quantitative Polymerase Chain reaction Results.
 Conducting Conventional PCR followed by Gel electrophoresis of the amplified DNA samples for target detection and band visualization.
 Reading, recording, analysis, and interpretation of qPCR results.

 Nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) extraction (from household , fecal and environmental samples) using aseptic BSL2 techniques.
 Culture media preparation and subsequently pouring into culture plates.
 Use of selective and differential culture media to detect, identify and characterize various bacterial phenotypes from environmental and household samples.
 Membrane filtration of household and environmental samples, plating, culturing enteric bacteria and bacterial colony counting.
 Processing of household/ environmental samples and Analysis and interpretation of enteric pathogens (bacterial colony count results. Bacterial identification and isolation, thereafter, extraction of DNA/RNA templates from bacterial colonies).
 Following regulatory requirements to develop daily reports and document findings into laboratory information systems.
 Training and co-coordinating field team on hygiene and safe procedures of sample collection and carriage methods from field to laboratories.
 Laboratory reagent preparations and use, disinfection of working areas in laboratory, decontamination and sterilization of relevant laboratory equipment.
 Sample reception, processing, storage and shipment.
 Laboratory equipment and sample record-keeping, inventory, filling and documentation.
 Management of electronic databases for lab work , sample data recording and tracking, data upload to server and general laboratory sample ID and House Hold ID data management to ensure maximum confidentiality and maximum accuracy.
 Lab management activities including: ordering for laboratory consumables, lab reagents and lab equipment, overseeing day-day smooth running of lab activities, maintaining clean and efficient laboratory setting and ensuring that day to day quality control and quality assurance practices relevant to biomedical research are maintained and up to standard

• Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environment.
• Worked well in team setting, providing support and guidance.
• Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
• Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.

Nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) extraction (from blood, dry blood spots, mosquitoes, fruits and fecal material.)
 Convention Polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
 Gel preparations and running Gel electrophoresis including reading and interpretation of bands formed.
 Gene sequencing.
 Various culture media preparation and use in culturing microbes.
 Operation of various biomedical instruments including: thermo-cycler, BACTEC machine, Biosafety Cabinets, Flow cytometer, Electrophoresis equipment, autoclaves and microscopes.
 Good laboratory practice, laboratory safety practices, Quality control and quality assurance practices in field of Biomedical Research.
 Laboratory reagent preparations and use, disinfection of working areas in lab, decontamination and sterilization of relevant laboratory equipment.
 Sample reception, processing, storage and shipment.
 Laboratory record-keeping, inventory, filling and documentation.

• Created study guides, research materials and syllabi for students.
• Assessed and improved lesson plans through implementation and experimentation.
• Managed classroom resources efficiently, ensuring that all necessary materials were readily available for lessons and activities.
• Increased student comprehension by incorporating real-world examples and hands-on activities into lessons.
• Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, connecting subjects for more cohesive learning experience.
• Developed strong relationships with parents, keeping them informed of student progress and involving them in school activities.
• Assessed and evaluated student performance through use of standardized testing.