Elphas Sambu Simiyu
Biotechnologist
Nairobi,Nairobi
Work Preference
Timeline
PhD Graduate Assistant
Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, CAAS
02.2025 - Current
Ph.D. - Genetics And Breeding
Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
09.2024 - 07.2027
Graduate Research Assistant
Biotechnology Research Center, KALRO
02.2023 - 08.2024
Graduate Intern
National Biosafety Authority
02.2022 - 02.2026
Master of Science - Plant Breeding And Biotechnology
University of Nairobi
09.2019 - 09.2023
Research Assistant
Biotechnology Research Center, KALRO
11.2017 - 12.2021
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology And Biosafety
University of Eldoret
01.2012 - 11.2015
Work History
PhD Graduate Assistant
Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, CAAS
Changsha, Hunan, China
02.2025 - Current
- Designed and constructed CRISPR/Cas9 vectors with sgRNAs targeting key salinity stress response genes.
- Cloned and overexpressed target genes under constitutive and stress inducible promoters using Gateway cloning and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation for functional validation.
- Conducted tissue culture, regeneration, and selection protocols for hemp explants, achieving successful recovery of edited and overexpressed events while maintaining sterility and regulatory compliance.
- Conducted controlled salinity stress assays, relative water content, oxidative stress markers (antioxidant enzymes, proline, MDA).
- Verified genetic modifications and transgenic expression using molecular techniques, including PCR, qRT-PCR, and Sanger sequencing, confirming on-target edits and expression levels in multiple independent events.
- Analysed physiological and biochemical data using statistical softwares (R and Python), identifiying lines with significantly improved salinity tolerance to support disertation chapters and potential publication.
Graduate Intern
National Biosafety Authority
Nairobi, Kenya
02.2022 - 02.2026
- Conducted laboratory screening for presence of transgenic (GMO) in food and feed samples using qPCR assays, ensuring accurate detection and compliance with Kenya Biosafety regulation under the Biosafety Act No. 2 of 2009.
- Contributed to development and drafting of general molecular laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), promoting standardized, reproducible, and safe workflows for GMO detection and handling.
- Performed scientific risk assessments of GMO applications , evaluating potential impact on humans/animal health and environment in a transparent, predictable, and evidence-based manner to support regulatory decision making.
- Participated in inspection of GMO containment and confinement facilities prior to project commencement, verifying compliance with biosafety standards and issuing certifications where appropriate.
- Screened GMO applications for administrative and technical completeness, facilitating efficient processing and acknowledgement by the authority.
Graduate Research Assistant
Biotechnology Research Center, KALRO
Nairobi, Kenya
02.2023 - 08.2024
- Designed and planned genotyping experiments for Kenyan pineapple (Ananas comosus), and finger millet germplasm, selecting optimal molecular markers to assess genetic diversity.
- Conducted PCR-based genotyping assays, including Sequence-Related Amplified Polymorphism (SRAP) and Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) Polymorphism analysis to detect genetic variations, polymorphisms and markers associated with stress tolerance.
- Analyzed genotyping datasets using population genetics software to evaluated genetic parameters like Nei's genetic diversity, Shannon's index, PhiPT, and gene flow.
- Maintained lab protocols for molecular biology workflows, ensured sample integrity and data accuracy, and collaborated with teams to advance biotechnology application in Kenyan agriculture.
Research Assistant
Biotechnology Research Center, KALRO
Nairobi, Kenya
11.2017 - 12.2021
- Assisted in data collection and analysis using statistical software to ensure research accuracy.
- Assisted in planning and implementation of confined field trial layouts to assess agro-morphological performance and virus resistance in transgenic lines under regulated biosafety conditions.
- Maintained and propagated transgenic virus resistant cassava lines in biosafety level II greenhouse, strictly following institutional and national biosafety guidelines to prevent unintended geneflow and ensure containment.
- Performed molecular assays critical to virus resistance development, including conventional PCR, qRT-PCR, and ELISA, for transgene detection, expression analysis, viral load quantification, and genetic confirmation in the transgenic cassava lines.
- Delivered hands on training and mentorship to undergraduate students, on industrial attachment program, in molecular biology techniques and general good laboratory practices.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Education
Ph.D. - Genetics And Breeding
Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Beijing, China 09.2024 - 07.2027
Master of Science - Plant Breeding And Biotechnology
University of Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya 09.2019 - 09.2023
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology And Biosafety
University of Eldoret
Eldoret, Kenya 01.2012 - 11.2015
Skills
Teaching experience
Scientific communication
Innovation and creativity
Lab management
Research expertise
Statistical software proficiency
Data analysis
Experimental design
Research proficiency
Lab work
Laboratory safety
Teamwork and collaboration
Summary
Experienced with conducting in-depth research and data analysis. Utilizes advanced methodologies and industry frameworks to support research objectives.