Ismael Muriuki Akala

• Testing petrol, diesel and JET A-1 from arriving ships before entry into the Kenyan pipeline system.
• Testing fuel in KPC tanks before release for service and from independent customers.
• Documentation of results and certificates.
• Carrying out method validation.
• Performing internal quality control checks on laboratory instruments using control samples to verify proper performance.

• Fire prevention and management
• Evacuation during emergencies
• Assisting in execution of drills
• Participating in safety committee meetings.

• Stool microscopy to screen for intestinal parasites.
• Urinalysis for various parameters.
• Receiving and registering clients.
• Participating in field work to register and obtain samples from food handlers in various companies and institutions.
• Widal test for Salmonella screening.
• Data entry and analysis.
• Phlebotomy.
• Handling clients’ payments.

• DNA extraction and qPCR.
• ELISA and Multiplex bead assay.
• Kato-Katz technique.
• Preparation of ISO documents.
• Reviewing centre abstracts.
• General laboratory housekeeping.

Elucidating the integrative taxonomy of the native and foreign Drosophila species in Kenya. The work entailed:

• Rearing fruit flies.
• Light microscopy.
• DNA extraction.
• PCR and gel electrophoresis.
• Bioinformatics.
• Data analysis.

• Assisting doctoral students with various biological assays such as ELISA and DNA extraction.

Working at the University open days to:

• show newcomers around
• help prospective students with registration.

• give prospective students insight into various courses and modules.

Representing the University at a range of off-campus events.

• Preparation and analysis of various samples, including food stuff, water, detergents and cosmetics, for the presence of microbial contaminants.
• Decontamination of grown cultures and their disposal.
• DNA extractions, gel electrophoresis and DNA amplification.
• Preparation of buffers and reagents.
• Receiving, storage and care of samples before and after analysis.
• Analysis of samples; weighing, incubation and interpretation of results.
• General laboratory housekeeping.

The bulk of my work entailed carrying out:

• DNA extraction and PCR for plant and insect samples.
• Gel electrophoresis and PCR clean up.
• Preparation and application of entomopathogenic microbial solutions for insect bioassays and pest control studies.

• Testing plants for the presence of pesticide residues and heavy metals.
• Testing soil and fertilizers for their nutrient content.
• Analysing water for its irrigation suitability.

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