Caroline Jerono
Assistant Laboratory Research Scientist/ Biosafety Specialist
Karen, Nairobi Province,KENYA
Summary
Experienced Assistant Laboratory Research Scientist with a strong background in biotechnology, medical parasitology, and vector entomology. Skilled in utilizing a multidisciplinary approach to study molecular interactions, parasite microbiota, and transcriptomics. Proficient in analyzing data from biochemical, physiological, and microbiological perspectives to gain insights into the role of pathogens, vectors, and humans. Expertise as a biosafety professional, responsible for developing and implementing biosafety programs and procedures to promote responsible activities among workers.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
3
3
Languages
Work History
Assistant Laboratory Research Scientist/ Biosafety Specialist
KENYA INSTITUTE OF PRIMATE RESEARCH
NAIROBI, Nairobi Province
01.2014 - Current
- Perform diagnostic procedures in samples presented in the laboratory for routine work and sample screening and analysis for animals in ongoing experiments in particular parasitological screening for gastrointestinal and vector borne haemoparasites i.e Malaria and Trypanosoma and Leishmania, hematological analysis, DNA extraction, PCR, Gel electrophoresis and molecular sequencing of such samples presented in the lab which sums up to about 350samples/month
- Documentation and dissemination of laboratory results from such analysis through the Head of Department
- Assist research scientists and veterinarian's carryout laboratory analysis of clinical samples presented in the diagnostic lab for research and diagnostic purposes
- Preparation of laboratory based and Occupational Health and Safety Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Preparation of departmental policy documents and SOPs
- Ensure safe disposal of wastes emanating from diagnostic laboratory
- Maintain, collect and index laboratory records, perform inventory and analysis of equipment and instruments in Diagnostic laboratory
- Carryout basic maintenances of Diagnostic laboratory equipment and instruments
- Preparation of Institutional biosafety/biosecurity manuals, SOPs, risk assessments and waste management policy manuals
- Reviewing and updating of Institutional SOPs, policies that are Health and Safety related especially in the laboratory and animal handling environments, preparation of institutional curriculum on Health and Safety training for new members of staff, students and for refresher training of existing staff, preparation of an institutional risk register in support of Risk Management Plan, updating and reviewing the institutional incidence, accidents and near miss reporting platforms
- Perform Institutional biannual Inspections at the Animal facility and Laboratories to ensure that there has been compliance in regards to biosafety issues
- Sit in the Institutional AAALAC accreditation committee and play key roles in ensuring that animal care and use is compliant with the AAALAC standards being an Institution that performs preclinical research using animal models
- Take part in Research protocol reviews jointly with researchers and Scientific Ethical Review Committee (ISERC) to ensure appropriate risk mitigation measures are put in place and compliant with applicable regulations which is not limited to responding to biosafety inquiries
- Conduct Biosafety related trainings for new students and, visiting students, new staff members and refresher training for staff
- Performed a study in epidemiological surveillance of potential gastrointestinal parasites among wild understudied NHPs in Kenyan counties, molecular screening and nematode and protozoan parasite sequencing a study that is due for publication and also performed community outreaches in sampled regions
- Performed disease vector identification and dissection of vectors for species identification
- Involved in vivo experiments of mice coinfections with malaria and leishmania parasites and monitoring of disease progression through pathological tissue examination
Education
Master of Science - Medical Parasitology and Entomology
JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
01.2021 - Current
Bachelor of Technology - Biotechnology
TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF KENYA
09.2015 - 11.2018
Diploma - applied Biology
OLLESSOS TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE
05.2008 - 11.2011
Skills
Publications
Waititu K, Jerono C, Kituku D, Nzuve M, Mambo F, Ngugi P and Mwethera P., Phytochemical composition of Kalanchoe piñata and Bidens pilosa leaves associated with management of diabetes., Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 11/21/18, 61, 15-20
Training
- 11/01/21, Vaccinology in Africa Masters level Course, The University of Oxford
- 10/01/21, Animal Care and Ethics training, Kenya Institute of Primate Research
- 02/01/23, International Workshop on Identification of new lead compounds and Diagnostic tools for Leishmaniasis, University of Nairobi
- 08/01/23, One-Health Biosafety/Biosecurity (Biorisk Management) Training of Trainers Workshop, Ciala Resort, Kisumu
- 08/01/24, International Federation of Biosafety Association Exam Preparation Workshop, Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Spa, Nakuru
- 12/01/24, Train the Trainer Workshop on Biological Waste Management and dealing with Infectious Waste Incidents, Savoy Hotel, Seychelles
Accreditations
08/01/24, 08/01/28, Professionally certified by the International Federation of Biosafety Association (IFBA) in Biorisk Management
Certification
International Federation of Biosafety Association (IFBA)
Timeline
International Federation of Biosafety Association (IFBA)
08-2024
Master of Science - Medical Parasitology and Entomology
JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
01.2021 - Current
Bachelor of Technology - Biotechnology
TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF KENYA
09.2015 - 11.2018
Assistant Laboratory Research Scientist/ Biosafety Specialist
KENYA INSTITUTE OF PRIMATE RESEARCH
01.2014 - Current
Diploma - applied Biology
OLLESSOS TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE
05.2008 - 11.2011
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