Dr
Edith
Chepkorir
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science and Technology from Egerton University, Kenya, a Masters degree in Medical Virology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kenya and recently awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Virology for the University of Pretoria South Africa. The PhD thesis was entitled “Assessing the risk of transmission of Yellow Fever and Dengue by Aedes (Stegomyia) species in Northern Kenya” and 2 published papers. Kenya is currently experiencing a resurgence of various vectors borne re-emerging diseases of public health importance with social and economic consequences straining the already limited resources required to initiate response and control measures. Kenya is experiencing a Dengue outbreak and has had previous outbreaks of Yellow Fever. Prior knowledge of circulating diseases and how they maintained and transmitted in nature is important in formulating public health policies. I am interested in joining the network to improve my understanding of vaccine development and vector-pathogen systems for the control of vector-borne diseases. I also want to learn and gain knowledge on disease control strategies.
I have special interest in human health, vector biology and factors associated with disease transmission. For my master’s thesis, I successfully completed a research project on the “Vector competence of Aedes aegypti populations from Kilifi and Nairobi for dengue-2 virus and the influence of temperature” and had my work published in a peer reviewed journal. I have authored and co-authored various manuscripts that highlight intervention activities geared towards vector borne and zoonotic diseases. I have also attended and made presentations in several local and international scientific meetings/conferences. My interest in this field continues and I recently finalized my PhD studies, with a Thesis entitled “Assessing the risk of transmission of Yellow Fever and Dengue by Aedes (Stegomyia) species in Northern Kenya”. As part of my PhD studies output, I published 2 papers in peer reviewed journal and another paper in preparation for submission. Additionally, I am a recipient of The L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa 2015 Award and I believe in the role of science in the development of practical solutions to mitigate various health problems.
Studies on drug discoveries for COVID-19
Studies on Yellow fever vaccine.