Faculty from the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences receive NRF grant to advance their research

By Dr. Naumih Noah

Two members of faculty from the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences together with their collaborators have received grants from the National Research Fund (NRF) to advance their research.

Dr. Edith Amuhaya, Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry together with her research team, which includes researchers from the University of Nairobi and Institute of Primate Research have been awarded a KES 15.6 million research grant. Their research is on “Computer Guided Development of Antifungal Agents for Candidiasis”. This work seeks to use computer modelling to identify 2-amino-4-chlorophenol derivatives which have potential application in candidiasis therapy. In addition to their identification and selection, these promising candidates will be synthesized and in vitro and in vivo studies carried out. It is anticipated that a locally developed antifungal will not only be less costly, but will contribute in the delivery of affordable healthcare.

Dr. Naumih Noah, Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry in collaboration with researchers from Multimedia University, Technical University of Mombasa, Maseno University and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) have been awarded KES 19.9 million to research on “Antibiotics in Food and Environment: Occurrence, Role in Formation and Transfer of Resistant Genes and their Removal from Wastewater using Green Adsorbents from Locally Available Materials”. Their work seeks to develop green nanomaterials from watermelon for removal of antibiotics from wastewater. The ultimate goal would be to sensitize stakeholders on health effects on misuse of antibiotics in farming and in human medicine.

These two grants will enhance the research agenda of the School as well as that of the University. Both projects will also be crucial in the School’s capacity building efforts, as they will involve graduate students in the three year studies.

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