Phoebe Akinyi
KISUMU
Summary
Dynamic educator and laboratory professional with extensive experience at The Kisumu National Polytechnic, specializing in applied biology and curriculum development. Proven track record in enhancing student engagement and achieving high assessment success rates. Skilled in molecular diagnostics and fostering teamwork, while maintaining high standards of professionalism and integrity.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Council Trainer
The Kisumu National Polytechnic
01.2023 - 11.2025
- Designing and delivering Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum in Applied Biology, ensuring alignment with industry standards and best practices.
- Preparing learning materials and course outlines.
- Setting and marking formative assessments.
- Preparing observation checklist for practical assessments.
- Guiding trainees in assembling their portfolio of evidence.
- Providing hands-on training and mentorship to students, equipping them with practical skills in microbiological techniques, laboratory procedures, and analytical methods.
- Collaborating with other trainers to develop and refine competency-based assessment tools to evaluate student performance effectively.
- Engaging students through innovative teaching methodologies, including project-based learning, case studies, and real-world applications of applied biology concepts.
- Maintaining an organized and safe laboratory environment, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Facilitating partnerships with industry stakeholders to expose students to workplace expectations and enhance their employability.
- Documenting student progress, provided constructive feedback, and supported learners in achieving their personal and professional goals.
- Participating in continuous professional development initiatives to stay updated with CBET implementation strategies and emerging trends in applied biology.
- Successfully guided students to excel in practical assessments and competency demonstrations.
- Successfully guided students in project work as their supervisor making some submitting their abstract for national competition.
- Contributed to the enhancement of the CBET curriculum for applied biology by integrating current trends and employer feedback.
- Recognized for creating an engaging learning environment that motivated students to achieve their full potential.
Teaching Practice
The Kisumu National Polytechnic
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Curriculum implementation
- Innovative teaching techniques
- Classroom management
- Student assessment and feedback
- Collaborative learning
- Professional development
Intern
US Army Medical Research Unit Kenya - The Walter Reed Project
07.2021 - 07.2022
- Performed in vitro antimalarial susceptibility assays to determine drug-response profiles of Plasmodium falciparum, ensuring strict adherence to quality-control standards.
- Conducted molecular marker analysis (PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA extraction) to identify mutations associated with antimalarial drug resistance.
- Processed, maintained, and analyzed parasite culture lines, optimizing conditions to ensure reproducibility and reliability of drug-response experiments.
- Generated high-quality epidemiological datasets by compiling, cleaning, and validating laboratory results for national surveillance reporting.
- Supported KEMRI/USAMRU-K clinical trials by supplying accurate resistance profiles that guided trial interpretation and participant management.
- Prepared and reviewed technical reports, data summaries, and surveillance briefs for submission to Kenya public health stakeholders.
- Ensured biosafety and GLP compliance through rigorous documentation, equipment calibration, and routine protocol audits.
- Performed entomological sample processing where required, including mosquito identification, dissections, and molecular characterization.
- Trained junior staff and students on laboratory protocols, equipment handling, and proper data-recording techniques.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to interpret findings and advise on potential antimalarial drug policy implications.
- Increased assay reliability by over 30% by tightening QC checkpoints and correcting recurrent pipetting and culture-handling errors across the team.
- Recovered multiple failing Plasmodium falciparum culture lines, preventing weeks of experimental delays and preserving critical surveillance timelines.
- Reduced molecular assay repeat rates by up to 40% through improved DNA extraction consistency and contamination control measures.
- Generated resistance datasets used in national malaria surveillance reports, contributing to evidence that informed antimalarial treatment guideline reviews.
- Streamlined data-cleaning workflows, cutting dataset preparation time from several days to a few hours without compromising accuracy.
- Co-authored high-quality surveillance briefs that were circulated to public health authorities and used to guide policy discussions on drug resistance trends.
- Enabled successful execution of KEMRI/USAMRU-K clinical trials by delivering timely, accurate molecular and in vitro resistance profiles for participant outcome interpretation.
- Improved laboratory audit performance, eliminating documentation gaps and ensuring full GLP and biosafety compliance during internal and external reviews.
- Enhanced entomological data accuracy by standardizing mosquito identification and molecular processing, reducing sample misclassification errors.
- Trained and upskilled over X junior staff and students, significantly reducing protocol deviations and improving overall team productivity.
- Strengthened multidisciplinary decision-making by providing data-driven technical insights that shaped programmatic actions and drug policy considerations.
Attachment
Kenya Medical Research Institute
07.2018 - 09.2018
- Assisted in laboratory procedures including specimen collection, preparation, and basic diagnostic testing.
- Participated in field data collection for research projects targeting parasitic and infectious disease control.
- Supported data entry and cleaning for epidemiological studies using tools like Excel.
- Engaged in community sensitization and health education activities focused on malaria, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminths.
- Observed and documented laboratory quality control protocols and biosafety procedures.
- Contributed to the preparation of progress reports and scientific documentation under supervision.
- Successfully supported the processing of over 300 biological samples for parasitological and microbiological analysis.
- Contributed to a field survey that improved data completeness by 95%.
- Recognized by supervisors for accuracy and attention to detail in laboratory and data management tasks.
- Strengthened skills in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication in a real-world research environment.
Education
Diploma in Technical Trainer Education - Applied Biology
Kenya School of TVET
Nairobi12.2023
02.2023
10.2022
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
University of Kabianga
04.2019
Cardinal Otunga Girls High School
11.2014
Kibabii Girls Boarding Primary School
11.2010
Skills
- Parasitology and hematology
- Bacteriology and mycology
- Molecular biology and diagnostics
- Laboratory practice and management
- Applied Biology
- Curriculum development
- Excellent Interpersonal skills
- Excellent communication skills
- High Confidentiality
- IT skills
- Attention to details
- Team player
- Obedience to my colleagues
- Professionalism
- Accountability
- Integrity
References
- Luciana Okwiri, Monitoring and evaluation officer, The Kisumu National Polytechnic, 0722915629, luciana.okwiri@kisumupoly.ac.ke
- Jacqueline India, Coordinator, Women in Technical Education (WITED), The Kisumu National Polytechnic, 0722284276, indiajuma4@gmail.com
- Charles Waga, Laboratory technologist (WALTER REED ARMY), 0725773190, Charles.waga@usamru-k.org
Key Skills And Competence
Parasitology and hematology, Bacteriology and mycology, Molecular biology and diagnostics, Laboratory practice and management, Applied Biology, Curriculum development, Excellent Interpersonal skills, Excellent communication skills, High Confidentiality, IT skills, Attention to details, Team player, Obedience to my colleagues, Professionalism, Accountability, Integrity
Certification
TVETA LICENSE NO:T258961
Timeline
Teaching Practice
The Kisumu National Polytechnic
09.2023 - 12.2023
Council Trainer
The Kisumu National Polytechnic
01.2023 - 11.2025
Intern
US Army Medical Research Unit Kenya - The Walter Reed Project
07.2021 - 07.2022
Attachment
Kenya Medical Research Institute
07.2018 - 09.2018
Diploma in Technical Trainer Education - Applied Biology
Kenya School of TVET
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
University of Kabianga
Cardinal Otunga Girls High School
Kibabii Girls Boarding Primary School