Description

I am working as a teaching staff at Moi University, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering. I teach undergraduate courses in Industrial pollution control and Material science.  I also supervise 5th year undergraduate students and Masters students working on projects in Wastewater treatment and Renewable Energy. I also serve as the Research and projects coordinator in the department. My work entails the writing of proposals for funding in applied research projects and supervising student projects.

Motivation

I am passionate about teaching and research. The topics covered during the workshops are of great interest to me as a young lecturer and a researcher. My Masters and doctorate degrees were obtained from Universities of Technology in South Africa which emphasized the need for application oriented teaching and applied research. Hence, the themes of these workshops are very relevant to me as a teacher (workshop on application-oriented teaching); a researcher (applied research) and as an innovator (knowledge and technology transfer). This model of teaching and research is unique and important to enable the development of appropriate skills to address challenges in society especially in developing countries such as Kenya.

 

Relevant insights gained during the first workshop

  1. Receiving first-hand information on how applied teaching and learning is conducted at HNU and THI e.g. the Usability laboratory.
  2. Learning about curriculum development for undergraduate and postgraduate levels engaging both the University and industry.
  3. Learning how University-Industry linkages are developed through participation in conceptual seminars and Bachelor Theses done in Industry.
  4. Company visits were very useful and I had a chance to see how industry values the cooperation with Universities.

 

Areas of application of these insights in my home University and Faculty

  1. I endeavour to include project work and problem based learning in my teaching
  2. I will be proactive in approaching nearby industries to start developing linkages aimed at enhancing internships and joint research
  3. I will also pursue other modes of teaching such as e-learning and student presentations
  4. I will include conceptual seminars in my teaching and encourage my students to be proactive