DWIN WACHENJE MWAKIO
MOMBASA
Summary
Innovative Research Scientist with a strong foundation in molecular techniques and drug discovery. Delivers impactful results through meticulous bioinformatic analysis and culture maintenance. Committed to advancing scientific knowledge and improving health outcomes through rigorous research and collaboration.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Scientist
USAMRD-A – Malaria Drug Resistance Lab
Kisumu
07.2023 - Current
- Conduct Plasmodium detection and speciation assays using Real-time and conventional PCR.
- Employ Next Generation and Sanger sequencing to detect drug resistance genes.
- Carry out bioinformatic analysis to interpret sequencing data and identify genetic variations.
- Contribute to groundbreaking research projects in the field of microbiology and biotechnology.
- Conduct drug discovery assays to identify potential compounds for anti-malarial drug development.
- Maintain culture preparations and ensure their proper growth and maintenance.
- Update and manage sample inventory and result analysis databases, ensuring accurate and accessible data for research purposes.
- Assisting in Grant applications for the lab by developing budgets and estimates for lab activities.
- Generate data reports for grants after completion.
- Participate in quality control checks for the laboratory activities.
Graduate Research Assistant
USAMRD-A – National Influenza Center
Nairobi
10.2017 - 06.2018
- Played a pivotal role in conducting research on influenza viruses and respiratory infections.
- Conducted influenza virus subtyping to identify specific strains using molecular techniques.
- Cultured influenza viruses using specific cell lines to support further experimentation.
- Managed biological waste disposal in compliance with safety regulations and protocols.
- Handled liquid nitrogen for sample storage to ensure optimal preservation.
- Received, stored, and prepared samples for staining and subsequent analysis.
- Performed DNA/RNA extraction from whole and dry blood samples for genetic analysis.
- Conducted DNA amplification and purification for sequencing purposes.
- Analyzed sequence results for mutations using CLC Main Workbench software.
- Maintained sample inventory and result analysis databases for accurate data management.
Graduate Research Assistant
USAMRD-A, Malaria Drug Resistance Lab
Kisumu
02.2017 - 07.2017
- Contributed to the study of malaria drug resistance in Kenya.
- Received and stored whole blood samples for further analysis.
- Conducted sample staining and prepared cultures for testing.
- Performed DNA/RNA extraction from whole and dry blood samples.
- Carried out DNA amplification and purification for sequencing and subsequent mutation analysis.
- Utilized CLC Main Workbench for sequence result analysis and maintained sample inventory and result analysis databases.
Intern, Quality Analyst
EAST AFRICAN BREWERIES LTD
Nairobi
07.2013 - 09.2013
- Gained practical experience in various aspects of brewing operations.
- Assisted in media preparation, sampling, and plating.
- Conducted analysis of beer samples, including yeast propagation and full beer analysis.
- Performed cleaning and calibration of analytical instruments.
- Utilized microscopy techniques for microbial characterization.
- Participated in water and effluent analysis and acquired skills in statistical programs.
Education
MSc. - Bioinformatics
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
01-2026
BTech. - Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology
Technical University of Mombasa
01-2014
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education -
St. Mary's Junior Seminary Kwale
01-2009
Skills
- Analytical ability
- Ability to work under pressure
- Positive attitude
- Laboratory biosafety guidelines
- Interpersonal skills
- Communication skills
- Creativity and innovation
- Self-motivation
- Focus and organization
- Willingness to learn
- Competence in multitasking
- Effective teamwork
- Receptiveness to feedback
- Mentoring and guidance
- Bioinformatics analysis
- Molecular techniques
- Data management
- Research collaboration
Certifications
- International Computer Driving License (ICDL), Institute of Advance Technology (IAT)
- User Support Profession (USP), Institute of Advance Technology (IAT)
- Laboratory Safety Training, CITI/ USAMRD-A
- Laboratory Quality Systems Management and Good Laboratory Practices, USAMRD-A
- Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research, CITI
- Biomedical Research (Basic/Refresher), CITI
- Group 3 Biomedical Investigators, Key Study Personnel and Medical Monitors, CITI
- Fundamentals of Working Safely in a Biological Safety Cabinet, CDC
- Laboratory Quality Management System – Basics, WHO
- Surveillance, Monitoring and Evaluation of Malaria Programs Course, PMI/USAID
Publications
- A Comparative Study on Microbiological and Physico-Chemical Properties of Three Local Alcoholic Beverages Produced and Consumed in Mombasa County, Kenya, Mwakio, E. W., M. L. Chimbevo, J. B. Malala, H. Makonde, J. M. Kahindo, M. M. Awadh, J. B. Msanzu
- A seven-year surveillance of epidemiology of malaria reveals travel and gender are the key drivers of dispersion of drug resistant genotypes in Kenya., Moureen Maraka, Hoseah M Akala, Asito S Amolo, Dennis Juma, Duke Omariba, Agnes Cheruiyot, Benjamin Opot, Charles Okello Okudo, Edwin Mwakio, Gladys Chemwor, Jackline A Juma, Raphael Okoth, Redemptah Yeda, Ben Andagalu
- A new benzophenone, and the antiplasmodial activities of the constituents of Securidaca longipedunculata fresen (Polygalaceae), Douglas O. Ochora, Esezah Kakudidi, Jane Namukobe, Matthias Heydenreich, Paolo Coghi, Li Jun Yang, Edwin W. Mwakio, Ben Andagalu, Amanda Roth, Hoseah M. Akala, Vincent K. W. Wong, Abiy Yenesew
- Antimalarial Drug Resistance Profiling in Asymptomatic Population, Kisumu Kenya, 9th KEMRI Annual Scientific and Health conference
- Therapeutic response to artemisinin combination therapies among individuals with Plasmodium falciparum single infection vs mixed Plasmodium species infections: a retrospective posthoc analysis in Kisumu County, western Kenya, Gladys C. Chemwor, Ben M. Andagalu, Irene A. Onyango, Benjamin H. Opot, Raphael O. Okoth, Redemptah A. Yedah, Jackline A. Juma, Edwin W. Mwakio, Dancan M. Wakoli, Joseph G. Amwoma, Agnes C. Cheruiyot, Dennis W. Juma, Bernhards R. Ogutu, Timothy E. Egbo, Eric C. Garges, Amanda L. Roth, Edwin Kamau, Oliver J. Watson, Hoseah M. Akala
References
- Hoseah Akala, PhD, Senior Public Health Specialist, Kenya Medical Research Institute/ USAMRD-A, Hoseah.akala@usamru-k.org, +254722 329 845
- Ben Andagalu MD, MSc, Senior Lecturer, Technical University of Mombasa, twr9@cdc.gov, +254716 004 851
- Gichuhi Paul Njihia, PhD, Director/Principal Investigator, Influenza Program, U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kenya, paulnjihia@gmail.com, +254714 420 437
Hobbies and Interests
- Use of computers and technology in solving scientific problems.
- Reading educational and motivational materials
- Travelling, Sightseeing and socializing
- Participating in community development and environment-based initiatives
Timeline
Research Scientist
USAMRD-A – Malaria Drug Resistance Lab
07.2023 - Current
Graduate Research Assistant
USAMRD-A – National Influenza Center
10.2017 - 06.2018
Graduate Research Assistant
USAMRD-A, Malaria Drug Resistance Lab
02.2017 - 07.2017
Intern, Quality Analyst
EAST AFRICAN BREWERIES LTD
07.2013 - 09.2013
MSc. - Bioinformatics
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
BTech. - Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology
Technical University of Mombasa
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education -
St. Mary's Junior Seminary Kwale