Lilian Wangechi Waiboci is a Kenyan female Research Scientist working at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi in Kenya. She has a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree specializing in Immunology from the University of Florida, a Master in Science degree in Biochemistry and a Bachelors in Science degree in Biochemistry and Zoology both from the University of Nairobi. She also has extensive knowledge and skills in Molecular Biology, Laboratory Management and Biorisk management.
Dr. Waiboci’s main responsibilities at the university are training and research, responsibilities in which she has excelled. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to, curriculum/instruction materials development and review, mentorship, and community service. She has trained many undergraduate and graduate students. In addition, she has over 15 years-experience in laboratory and field based infectious diseases research using a One Health Approach. She has worked with colleagues and collaborators from the Kenya Ministry of Health (MoH), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), United States Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), Kenya Directorate of Veterinary Services and the Henry Jackson Foundation Medical Research International (HJFMRI) on infectious diseases detection and response and on biorisk management. The work has resulted in training of highly skilled personnel, over 28 publications in peer reviewed scientific journals, curricula development and development of government strategies and policies on infectious diseases prevention and control. Dr. Waiboci also has good management, leadership, writing, analytical and communication skills.
Lilian hobbies include reading, travelling, and mentoring teens and young adults.
My research interest is in zoonotic viruses of public and veterinary health importance. This include detection of emerging and reemerging pathogens that have potential to cause a pandemic, and working with viruses that are known to undergo genetic and antigenic variation that predispose them to change to novel variants with potential to cause outbreaks and pandemics. The current research is on influenza and other respiratory pathogens. The techniques we use include molecular epidemiology, genetic and antigenic characterization and matching of circulating and new variants to available vaccines. We are looking at developing capacity of for vaccine design and development.
1. Sentinel Surveillance for influenza and other respiratory viruses in Kenya including molecular characterization of circulating viruses
2. Building capacity in the national influenza Centre for Next generation sequencing and Bioinformatics