Janet Wendo
Pharmacologist/Toxicologist/Biotechnologist/Pharmaceutical Technologist
Nairobi,Kenya
Summary
Researcher with over ten years of experience in pharmacology, biotechnology, and pharmacy, combining laboratory research with patient care. Skilled in molecular and cellular biology, in vivo disease models, mass spectrometry, and bioinformatic analysis. Published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases and contributor to translational pharmaceutical and biomedical projects. Passionate about advancing cancer biology, biomarker discovery, and precision medicine through pharmaceutical sciences.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Laboratory Technologist
The Technical University of Kenya, Nairobi
01.2016 - Current
- Applied molecular and cellular biology techniques (PCR, ELISA, Western blotting) to characterize disease mechanisms and inform experimental design, producing reproducible datasets that supported over 7 ongoing pharmacology and pharmaceutical projects.
- Applied analytical techniques and bioinformatic tools in pharmaceutical and biomedical research, analyzing datasets of over 500 experimental samples and contributing to more accurate interpretation of metabolomics and pharmacology results.
- Conducted in vivo drug efficacy and toxicity studies in animal models (handling, dosing, tissue sampling), generating reliable preclinical data that informed successful translational studies.
- Maintained mammalian cell lines and performed proliferation, viability, apoptosis, and drug response assays, achieving >90% reproducibility in experimental outcomes used to guide therapeutic candidate testing.
- Collaborated on interdisciplinary pharmaceutical, pharmacology, and biomedical projects, contributing to 1 peer-reviewed publication (PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases) and several manuscripts in preparation.
- Trained and mentored over 100 students and junior staff in laboratory techniques and safety procedures, which improved team performance and maintained a 100% compliance record with biosafety and GLP standards.
Part-Time Lecturer
Kenya Medical Training College, Nairobi
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Delivered over lectures in Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics, and Drug Design to classes of up to 80 students, consistently receiving positive evaluations for clarity and engagement.
- Supervised over 10 undergraduate research projects and dissertations, guiding students through experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing, with a 90% completion rate.
- Integrated real-world case studies and current research into teaching, enhancing student understanding and linking theory to practice, reflected in a 15% improvement in average exam performance.
Pharmaceutical Technologist
Sechman Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Mombasa
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Dispensed and compounded medications under strict regulatory compliance.
- Counseled cancer patients on therapy, observing challenges in adherence and side effects.
- Developed patient follow-up systems that improved adherence rates by 10%.
Education
MSc - Pharmacology & Toxicology
University of Nairobi
Nairobi12-2024
BTech - Biotechnology
Technical University of Kenya
Nairobi12-2018
Higher Diploma - Medical Education
Kenya Medical Training College
Mombasa12-2012
Diploma - Pharmacy
Kenya Medical Training College
Nairobi12-2010
Skills
Laboratory & Analytical: Mass spectrometry, chromatography, cellular assays, metabolomics, lipidomics
undefinedResearch Experience
Graduate Researcher 2022-2023
KALRO Biotechnology Research Institute/ The Technical University of Kenya
- Conducted biochemical, immunological and histological experiments in mice while assessing drug efficacy and safety
- Applied bioinformatic and analytical tools for data interpretation.
- Investigated molecular mechanisms of drug action and toxicological pathways.
Laboratory Technologist 2016-present
The Technical University of Kenya
- Supported pharmaceutical and biomedical research projects investigating molecular mechanisms of diseases and drug discovery.
- Applied analytical techniques, mass spectrometry, and chromatography in data collection.
- Utilized bioinformatic tools for metabolomics and pharmacological data analysis
Publications
Wendo JK, Mbaria JM, Nyariki JN, Isaac AO (2024) Ginkgo biloba attenuated detrimental inflammatory and oxidative events due to Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense in mice treated with melarsoprol. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 18(4): e0012103. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012103
Interests
Cancer biology and pharmacology, Molecular and systems pharmacology, Pharmacometabolomics & lipidomics, Drug development and therapeutics, Biomarker discovery and personalized medicine
Accomplishments
- Co-authored a publication in PLOS NTD, showcasing ability to conduct independent, rigorous research and contribute to global science.
- Supervised undergraduate dissertations to successful completion.
- l Introduced chemical security and safety program at the Technical University of Kenya, Pharmacy department reducing losses by 10% and lab accidents by 5%.
- Secured grants from CRDF Global to run successful workshops and campaigns on chemical safety and security
Affiliations
- Laboratory Manager, Pharmacy Dept., Technical University of Kenya (2015 – Present)
- Course Coordinator, Pharmacy Dept., TUK (2019 – 2022)
- Member, Kenya Pharmaceutical Association (KPA)
- Member, Kenya Chemical Society (KCS)
Hobbies
- Science communication
- Scientific literature reading
- Nature walks
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Part-Time Lecturer
Kenya Medical Training College, Nairobi
01.2023 - 01.2024
Laboratory Technologist
The Technical University of Kenya, Nairobi
01.2016 - Current
Pharmaceutical Technologist
Sechman Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Mombasa
01.2012 - 01.2015
MSc - Pharmacology & Toxicology
University of Nairobi
BTech - Biotechnology
Technical University of Kenya
Higher Diploma - Medical Education
Kenya Medical Training College
Diploma - Pharmacy
Kenya Medical Training College
Similar Profiles
SABINA KAMANDESABINA KAMANDE
Lead CT Technologist at AGAKHAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, NAIROBI, KENYALead CT Technologist at AGAKHAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, NAIROBI, KENYA
Auwal Magaji AbubakarAuwal Magaji Abubakar
PhD Scholar at Kenyatta University Nairobi KenyaPhD Scholar at Kenyatta University Nairobi Kenya
OJWANG AliceOJWANG Alice
Lecturer (Clinical Nutrition, Expert) at The Technical University of KenyaLecturer (Clinical Nutrition, Expert) at The Technical University of Kenya
Felix MbuviFelix Mbuvi
Laundry operator at MSC CruisesLaundry operator at MSC Cruises
SIMON PETER MONDIASIMON PETER MONDIA
Finance and Operations Associate at PAWA IT SOLUTIONS COMPANYFinance and Operations Associate at PAWA IT SOLUTIONS COMPANY