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Melissa Seidel is a Master of Science in Bioeconomy student at the University of Greifswald, Germany. From August to December 2025, she completed a four-month internship with BioInnovate Africa, where her research examined the drivers and barriers shaping the development of bioeconomy clusters in East Africa, with a particular focus on biodegradable plastic alternatives.
Her work was anchored in a BioInnovate Africa supported project on biodegradable packaging materials derived from cassava waste. In addition, Melissa assessed the potential for developing a fisheries-based bioeconomy cluster in the Homa Bay region of Western Kenya. Her research findings will contribute to informing future bioeconomy cluster development initiatives in eastern Africa.
Melissa Seidel
Melissa, during her visit to the icipe African Reference Laboratory for Bee Health, where she learned about vegetative factors that support the development of bee-based by-products.
During her internship with BioInnovate Africa, Melissa was part of the icipe football team.
Melissa, out and about with the BioInnovate Africa team members.
