GEORGE OMONDI
Programme Lead Investigator
George Oluoch is a SRPNTS investigator and trained Veterinary Surgeon and Tropical and Infectious Diseases Specialist. He currently heads the Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre (K-SRIC)- a multi-thematic and multi-site snakebite programme initiative which is part of a major collaboration between the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and the Institute of Primate Research (IPR). This initiative has successfully attracted several major grant funding towards answering research questions in snakebite disease. George’s initial work at IPR focused on laboratory animal medicine and particularly Non-Human Primate clinical medicine, surgery, and pathology. Over the last decade, he has established a research career in understanding the pathogenesis and possible therapies and vaccines for tropical infectious and neglected diseases such as Human African Trypanosomiasis, Dengue, Schistosomiasis and Snakebite. George received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Nairobi, MSc Tropical and Infectious Diseases from the Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, and is currently working towards a PhD in Tropical Medicine.
CECILIA WAIRIMU
NGARI
Lead Clinical Research Nurse
Cecilia Ngari is a clinical research Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and more than five years of experience in snakebite research. She currently works as the Lead Public Health scientist at the Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre- a multi-thematic and multi-site snakebite programme initiative which is part of a major collaboration between the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and the Institute of Primate Research (IPR). She is primarily responsible for the overall design, conduct, and management of snakebite related clinical and community-led research activities.
This includes scientific research, disease surveillance, and epidemiologic-based investigations to identify gaps in the diagnosis, treatment, management, control and prevention of snakebite. this information is critically used to draw conclusions and make recommendations for change to improve the quality of life for the people affected by the disease. Cecilia completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Nairobi and is currently working towards a MSc in Tropical and Infectious Diseases.
PAMELA KHASANDI
Lab Technician
Biotechnology specialist with 2+ years of experience assisting and participating in various laboratory research projects involving processing and assaying (ELISA,SDS, PAGE, Clotting Factors) of blood samples.
GEOFFREY MARANGA
Senior Herpetologist
Geoffrey is an expert in the field of wildlife and a guru of the snake world with over 15 years of experience handling various animal species specifically venomous snakes.
His educational background in Tour Guide & Administration expanded his knowledge on the geo-scope of animal species and his understanding of historical and patterned behaviors of the animal, making him knowledgeable in animalistic behaviors throughout the seasons and in their geographical setups. He is certified in the field of Safety Awareness, Health, Welfare and Conservation of Sea Turtles and Kenya Professional Safari Guides.
MUNIRA ANTAR
Research Scientist
Munira is passionate about molecular biology including gene sequencing and bioinformatics. She is involved in molecular, immunological and biochemistry work aimed at identifying neglected tropical disease including snakebite envenoming.
QUALIFICATIONS: BSc in Microbiology – Moi University, MSc in Medical Microbiology –University of Nairobi.
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EZEKIEL ADINO
Administrator
Ezekiel Adino is an Administrator at Kenya Snakebite Research and intervention centre – Institute of primate research. Ezekiel holds a bachelor’s degree from Kenyatta university and is currently undertaking MSc. In project management at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
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MUSABYIMANA VALENTINE
Research Fellow
Valentine is interested in the immunology and pathogenesis of infectious and neglected tropical diseases as well as the treatment and prevention of these diseases through development of effective prophylactic and therapeutic strategies.
She is currently involved in the characterization of venoms from medically important snakes in Kenya (toxicity determination and protein profiling) and preclinical antivenom efficacy testing.
MSc. Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
BSc. Biology, Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)