Mputhia Milka Email & Phone Number

Nairobi, Kenya

Research Project: Gene Expression Analysis in Arabidopsis thaliana Infected with a DNA and RNA VirusAs a graduate research fellow at IITA, I will study gene expression in Arabidopsis infected with Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CaMV) and Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV). My project will utilize RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes and their roles in the plant's defense mechanisms.I will analyze co-expression networks to uncover regulatory pathways activated during viral infection and perform temporal analyses to identify key early and late response genes.This research aims to enhance our understanding of plant-virus interactions, contributing to strategies for improving viral resistance in crops. This fellowship at IITA will deepen my knowledge in plant molecular biology and virology, supporting efforts toward sustainable agriculture.

Kenya

During my remote internship at Thermo Fisher Scientific, I gained valuable experience in real-time PCR diagnostics, data visualization, and analysis while furthering my knowledge of genomics. Working remotely allowed me to hone my self-motivation and time management skills while collaborating with a team remotely. Through this experience, I gained hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies and software, enabling me to retrieve, analyze, and visualize complex data with ease. I am confident that these new skills and experiences have prepared me to make meaningful contributions to the field of genomics.

Kenya

During my internship at ILRI I: -Conducted pathogen genome analysis to identify and monitor the PPR virus in the Kajiado region of Kenya and Tanzania; facilitated the transmission of logs for further analysis in partnership with local scientists and farmers to combat the outbreak, reducing livestock deaths by 15%.-Extracted DNA, RNA, and other acids for genomic analysis, performed PCR, ELISA, quantification, gel electrophoresis, purification and labeling of gels, primer optimization, and genotyping for sequencing.-· -Collected and compared samples from the field to build capacity.- Practised sequential data analysis and clinical database management, receiving excellent feedback.- Conducted training workshops and prepared reports for project proceedings presentations.-Worked on a project involving whole genome sequencing, analyzing and interpreting large data sets to identify genetic variations and their potential effects on the phenotype of organisms.-Gained experience working with bioinformatics tools and databases, essential for data analysis in genomics

Mbagathi,Nairobi Kenya

Center For Microbiology - Took part in a study on the multi-drug resistance of Klebsiella spp from isolates of stool, cattle dung, and slurry, hand swabs from farmers and their livestock in Kiambu county to commonly used antibiotics.- Revived bacteria isolates, cultured for confirmation and later sub-cultured then did the bench work antimicrobial susceptibility tests using five classes of drugs.- Used epi collect application to capture raw data and later cleaned to remain with what was needful.-Data analysis and presentation using Ms word, excel, and PowerPoint.- Extracted DNA, RNA, and other acids for genomics analysis, performed PCR, ELISA, quantification, gel electrophoresis, purification and labeling of gels, primer optimization, and genotyping for sequencing.- Collected and compared samples from the field to build capacity.- Practiced sequential data analysis and clinical database management, receiving excellent feedback.

Mbagathi, Nairobi Kenya

KEMRI.Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR)Cholera surveillance in Mukurwe kwa Njenga slums

Mbagathi, Nairobi Kenya

-Processed samples of patients with slow-healing wounds from Kenyatta and Mbagathi hospital patients.-Cultured and sub-cultured the bacteria isolates and did gram staining to identify them as gram-positive or gram-negative-Prepared Mac Farland suspension according to the CLSI protocol and tested to determine resistance or susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics on the high-throughput vitek machine.-Labeled properly, recorded on a laboratory book, and stocked the samples for storage

Master Of Science, Bioinformatics

Activities and Societies: Young Scientists Kenya (YSK)Course Units: Programming for Biologists (Julia, Python) Sequencing and Sequence.

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Genomics, Upper Division,Second Class Honors

Activities and Societies: Rotaract Club, You Can Dream Club, Young Scientists Club, Presidential Awards Club and YCS movement.

Certificate Program, Food Production And Service, Credit