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The BioInnovate Africa Fellowship is an initiative that empowers early and mid-career women scientists to advance in their innovation capacity and skills in biosciences by working with and learning from BioInnovate Africa bioeconomy projects and networks in eastern Africa. Through cross-country exchange, mentorship, and hands-on experience, the fellows gain knowledge while contributing to the development of sustainable biobased solutions that address societal challenges in health, the environment, and agriculture.
Dr Ruth is a beneficiary of the BioInnovate Africa Fellowship for Women Scientists, currently undertaking her fellowship research at the University of Nairobi under the mentorship of Prof. Richard N. Onwonga. Read Ruth’s full bio here.
Like many early-career researchers, Ruth was searching for opportunities to bridge knowledge gaps and grow professionally after completing her Ph.D. studies. When a colleague shared with her a call for applications to the BioInnovate Africa Women Fellowship, she was immediately drawn to it. “I saw the fellowship as a perfect fit,” she says. “It offered everything I needed—practical experience, career development, and new skills. Plus, one of the focus areas was biofertilizers, which aligned with my work on chemically contaminated soil remediation.”
Her motivation to apply for the fellowship was both professional and personal. While her Ph.D. research had focused on developing organic and inorganic fertilizers for chemically contaminated soils, she lacked a background in microbiology, which is an essential component for advancing into biofertilizers. The fellowship presented a timely opportunity to expand her knowledge and explore microbial-based solutions.
The moment she received her acceptance to undertake the fellowship remains unforgettable. “It was just eight months after I had completed my Ph.D. studies. That email gave me hope and confidence as it felt like the beginning of a new chapter,” she recalls. “It built a foundation of positivity in my life.”
Her on-going fellowship research work is on a Rhizobia-Mycorrhizae-Based Biofertilizer aimed at improving soil health and productivity for smallholder farmers in East Africa. So far, her fellowship experience has already broadened her professional network and deepened her practical understanding of bioscience innovation. “The connections I have made, the mentorship, and simply observing how academia operates in another country has been an eye-opener for me. This fellowship is not just an initiative, it’s a foundation for long term growth and impact,” she says.
Ruth conducting her fellowship research on extraction of mycorrhizae fungi spores from supernatant solution
The pure rhizobium culture isolated by Ruth
Ruth working with Mr. Michael Maobe, a plant pathologist at the University of Nairobi, during germination of mycorrhizae fungi propagation host plant
