Meet Our Team

Dr. Bernard Kanoi

PhD

Team leader & Senior Research Scientist

Background Dr. Bernard Kanoi stands at the forefront of global infectious disease research, combining deep scientific expertise with an unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes across Africa. With over 70 peer-reviewed publications and research experience spanning continents, he has established himself as an internationally recognized leader in malaria immunology and vaccine science. His journey from Kenya, to Uganda, to research positions in Japan and back reflects a unique global perspective that enriches his approach to solving local health challenges. As Assistant Professor at Ehime University and Overseas Researcher at Osaka Metropolitan University, Dr. Kanoi mastered cutting-edge technologies like wheat germ cell-free protein synthesis -innovations he has now brought home to transform African research capabilities. At Mount Kenya University, Dr. Kanoi has built more than a research program; he has created a hub of scientific excellence that bridges continents. His leadership has upgraded laboratory infrastructure, mentored the next generation of African scientists, and established Kenya as a key player in global vaccine discovery efforts. Research Philosophy "We stand at a unique moment in scientific history where African researchers can lead the fight against diseases that disproportionately affect our communities. Every protein we screen, every immune response we decode, and every diagnostic we develop brings us closer to a world where no mother has to lose a child to preventable disease. We are not just studying pathogens—we are engineering solutions that will protect generations to come. Current research main focus Next-Generation Malaria Vaccines: Pioneering the use of wheat germ cell-free protein synthesis to rapidly screen thousands of malaria antigens, accelerating the discovery of protective vaccine candidates for both P. falciparum and P. vivax Maternal-Fetal Immunology: Unraveling how pregnancy-associated infections disrupts immune responses at the maternal-fetal interface, with the goal of developing targeted interventions to protect mothers and their babies Precision Diagnostics & Surveillance: Developing multiplex molecular platforms that can simultaneously detect and track multiple pathogens - from malaria drug resistance to emerging viral threats - enabling real-time public health responses Mentorship & Capacity Building Dr. Kanoi's commitment extends beyond his own research to nurturing Africa's scientific future. He has supervised numerous graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and emerging researchers, creating a pipeline of talented scientists equipped to tackle the continent's most pressing health challenges. Selected Achievements Authored and co-authored 70+ peer-reviewed publications across high-impact journals. Established advanced immuno-screening platforms in Kenya, including the wheat germ cell-free protein expression system. Contributed to the discovery and characterization of novel malaria vaccine candidates. Advanced the use of multiplex serosurveillance for malaria, SARS-CoV-2, and other viral infections. Led multi-country collaborations bridging Africa, Asia, Europe, and the U.S. on diagnostics, vaccine science, and public health innovation "

Dr. Protus Omondi

PhD

Research Fellow

Profile & Research Focus Dr. Protus Omondi represents the new generation of African scientists who seamlessly blend traditional parasitology with cutting-edge data science. He holds a PhD in Medical Science-Parasitology from Osaka Metropolitan University and Masters in biochemistry and molecular biology from Kenyatta University, he has positioned himself at the critical intersection where laboratory science meets real-world public health action. What sets Dr. Omondi apart is his ability to detect the subtle genetic signals that could make or break malaria elimination efforts. By tracking parasite gene deletions and analyzing patterns of drug resistance across the Lake Victoria region, he provides early warning systems that help public health officials stay one step ahead of evolving malaria parasites. Current Projects & Impact Spatial Epidemiology for Elimination: Developing sophisticated mapping tools to identify malaria transmission hotspots and optimize intervention deployment across Kenya's challenging terrain. Genomic Surveillance Networks: Tracking genetic markers of drug resistance and parasite evolution to inform treatment policies and prevent the spread of resistant strains. AI. He is keen to using AI in supporting clinical decision. t

Dr. Sarah Kituyi

PhD

Senior Research Fellow

Passion Statement "I believe that understanding disease at the molecular level is only half the story—we must also understand how these mechanisms play out in real communities." Molecular Biology & Public Health Epidemiology Mount Kenya University Profile & Research Focus Dr. Sarah Kituyi bridges molecular precision with population impact as a recipient of the prestigious NIH Fogarty Global Health Fellowship (2022–2025). With a PhD in Biochemistry from Rhodes University and expertise in protein-protein interactions, she brings deep molecular understanding to the team's malaria research. Currently completing her Master of Public Health in Epidemiology at Mount Kenya University, Dr. Kituyi investigates determinants of adverse pregnancy outcomes in malaria-endemic regions. Her work on heat shock proteins and molecular chaperones directly supports the lab's biomarker discovery and vaccine development efforts. What makes her invaluable is her ability to translate molecular discoveries into population-level interventions, ensuring that laboratory breakthroughs reach vulnerable communities. Current Research & Expertise Molecular epidemiology: Combining protein interaction analysis with epidemiological methods to identify pathways for maternal and child health interventions in malaria-endemic areas. Biomarker discovery: Leveraging heat shock protein expertise to develop novel diagnostic markers for pregnancy-associated malaria. International Recognition & Training NIH Fogarty Fellow: Selected for this highly competitive global health fellowship program, conducting collaborative research between African institutions and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Fun Facts Beyond research, Dr. Kituyi enjoys running as a way to maintain fitness and mental clarity, and some good sense of humor, which balances her rigorous scientific pursuits.

Lucy Mwai

PhD

Research Fellow

Mount Kenya University

Passion Statement "I believe that groundbreaking science should never stay trapped in the laboratory—it should flow directly into the hands of healthcare workers and communities that need it most." Profile & Research Focus Lucy Mwai embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of modern African science. As a PhD research fellow specializing in vaccine antigen discovery against pregnancy-associated malaria through the EDCTP program, she represents the perfect fusion of rigorous academic research and real-world innovation. Her journey from First Class Honors graduate in Medical Laboratory Science at the University of Nairobi to Pan African University scholar (PAUSTI) reflects her commitment to excellence and continental collaboration. What makes Lucy truly exceptional is her dual identity as both researcher and entrepreneur. While she meticulously screens malaria antigens in the laboratory, seeking the next breakthrough in protecting pregnant women and their babies, she simultaneously builds xLAB Diagnostics Africa—a company dedicated to closing diagnostic gaps across the continent. This unique combination allows her to see research challenges through the lens of implementation, ensuring that her scientific discoveries can actually reach the communities that need them. Her expertise spans the full spectrum from molecular biology and biotechnology to biostatistics and data analysis, complemented by strong leadership skills honed through extensive community engagement. Lucy doesn't just conduct research—she translates it, teaches it, and transforms it into tangible solutions. Current Research & Innovation Pregnancy-Associated Malaria Vaccines: Leading antigen discovery research to protect mothers and babies from one of malaria's most devastating complications, combining advanced protein screening with immunological analysis. Diagnostic Innovation: Through xLAB Diagnostics Africa, developing community-focused diagnostic solutions that make advanced medical testing accessible across diverse African healthcare settings. Recognition & Leadership Business Daily Top 40 Women Under 40 (2025): Recognized for her exceptional innovation, leadership, and commitment to advancing healthcare and scientific research in Kenya —a testament to her commitment both in academia and industry.

Rotich Alex Kiplagat

Research Assistant and MSc Candidate

Profile & Research Focus Alex represents the best of Kenya's rising scientific talent—a researcher who combines academic excellence with hands-on laboratory expertise and a genuine passion for mentoring the next generation. As the overall best student in his University of Eldoret graduating class (2018), Alex didn't just excel academically; he was immediately recognized for his potential and absorbed as a Graduate Assistant, launching him into a dual career of research and education. Currently pursuing his Master's in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics while serving as Research Assistant at Mount Kenya University, Alex brings a unique perspective that bridges computational approaches with wet-lab techniques. His growing expertise in functional assays for vaccine development, makes him invaluable in the field. Current Research & Professional Development Vaccine Development Support: Currently training in functional assays that will directly support the lab's vaccine discovery pipeline, adding critical technical capabilities to the team's antigen screening efforts. Bioinformatics Integration: Combining his molecular biology expertise with computational approaches to analyze complex immunological data and identify novel therapeutic targets.

Leah Cerere

Research Assistant

Research Assistant & MSc Candidate

Passion Statement I'm fascinated by the molecular conversations between pathogens and their hosts; my goal is to listen in on these dialogues through proteomics to find new ways to diagnose and combat infectious diseases." Profile & Research Focus: Leah bridges the gap between molecular parasitology and immunology. She leverages her expertise in proteomics and bioinformatics to deconstruct complex pathogen proteins, aiming to identify critical antigens that can be harnessed for next-generation serological tools. Her current research at Kanoi Lab involves developing and validating novel antibody assays for improved surveillance of emerging threats, including MPOX and malaria. Her work is crucial for understanding population-level immunity and detecting outbreaks earlier. Key Achievements & Expertise: Proteomic Discovery: Characterized the proteome of Fasciola hepatica organelles under a prestigious Commonwealth Scholarship, uncovering novel proteins involved in host-parasite interactions. Assay Development: works projects focused on designing and implementing multiplex serological assays for high-throughput disease surveillance.

Paul Adamba

Research Assistant & MSc Candidate

Mount Kenya University / JKUAT / KCA University

Mr. Paul Adamba is a research assistant working under the mentorship of Dr. Bernard Kanoi of Mount Kenya University. Adamba is in the final stages of pursuing a Master's degree in Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kenya. He holds a Bachelor's of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences (JKUAT), a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science from Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), and a certificate in Public Health Ethics and Fundamentals of Bioethics from the CBEC KEMRI-Bioethics Training Initiative. Adamba is also a graduate assistant, teaching health-related courses at KCA University, where he also works in the health services department. He is a registered member of the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologist Board and a member of the Institutional Ethical Review Committee (IERC) of KCA University. His interest molecular immunology related to malaria vaccine development. Adamba is currently conducting a research project titled "Assessing the kinetics of protective antibodies in pregnancy-associated malaria using wheat germ cell-free system synthesized recombinant Plasmodium falciparum proteins" among pregnant women in Webuye, western Kenya. This project is funded by the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP2) and aims to help identify vaccine antigen targets.

Winnie Kulei

PHD Research Fellow

James Mwangi Gachugia

PhD Research Fellow

PhD Fellow in Immunology with a focus on host-pathogen interactions and translational immunology research.