In July 2020, Faith enrolled in a Ph.D. programme in the Department of Microbiology, Parasitology, and Biotechnology (DMPB) within the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS) at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). Before commencing her studies, she worked as a research associate at the International maize and wheat improvement center (CIMMYT). She also received the 2023 L’Oréal UNESCO for Women in Science Young Talents Sub Saharan Africa Award.
Thesis Title: Development of nanobodies for innovative management of maize lethal necrosis disease
Supervisors: Professor Gerald Misinzo (SUA), Professor Jan Gettemans (Ghent), Professor Geert Haesaert (Ghent), Professor Kris Audenaert (Ghent), and Professor Kris De Jonghe
Date and Time: Wednesday, 6th August, 2025, 9.00 am (EAT)
Venue: CVMBS Video Conference room – Edward Moringe Campus
Mode: Face to Face and Online
Zoom link: link to be provided
Publications:
- Nanobodies: their potential for applications in biotechnology, diagnosis and antiviral properties in Africa; focus on application in agriculture: published in Biotechnology & Biotechnological Equipment, Volume 35 Issue 1, Faith Njeri Njeru & Paul Mbogo Kusolwa (2021) https://doi.org/10.1080/13102818.2021.1974943
- Faith Njeru, Samuel Mwaura, Paul Mbogo Kusolwa & Gerald Misinzo (2022) Maize production systems, farmers’ perception and current status of maize lethal necrosis in selected counties in Kenya, All Life, 15:1, 692-705, DOI: 10.1080/26895293.2022.2085815 1.2 (2022)
- Njeru F, Wambua A, Muge E, Haesaert G, Gettemans J, Misinzo G. 2023. Major biotic stresses affecting maize production in Kenya and their implications for food security. PeerJ 11:e15685 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15685
- Njeru, F., Zwaenepoel, O., Haesaert, G., Misinzo, G., De Jonghe, K., & Gettemans, J. (2024). Development of nanobodies against the coat protein of maize chlorotic mottle virus. FEBS Open Bio. https://doi.org/10.1002/2211-5463.13882