Location:

KMFRI Mombasa

Miss Njeru is a microbiologist by profession, working as an Assistant Research Scientist (Marine Natural Products) at KMFRI. She participates mainly in Fisheries research and Biological Oceanography at the Institute as well as other multidisciplinary aquatic studies. Having started her career in marine research in 2017, Miss Josephine has endeavored to acquire specialized skills to build her capacity in Marine Science.

She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Oceans and Lakes in Belgium and has participated in hands-on training sessions aboard state-of-the-art vessels including the SA Aghullas II (https://www.kmfri.co.ke/index.php/about-us/13-news-and-events/166-receiving-the-button-the-next-generation-of-she-marine-scientists) and RV Dayang Yihaon (https://www.kmfri.co.ke/index.php/13-news-and-events/178-capacity-building-in-deep-sea-mineral-exploration) where she gained sampling and analysis skills which she’s now applying to enhance the sustainable exploitation of the Blue Economy in Kenya. She also participated in a month long internship at the Flanders Marine Institute in Oostende, Belgium where she gained hands-on experience in zooplankton sampling, sample processing using the ZooScan (imaging device) and analysis of zooplankton species diversity.

She contributes towards the achievement of Institute’s mandate through participation in different research activities within the Fisheries department geared towards marine bioprospecting, post-harvest loss mitigation, value addition and fisheries catch assessment. As a young lady working in a male dominated field, she was featured in a DN article (https://www.nation.co.ke/lifestyle/lifestyle/Four-girls-jumped-into-deep-sea---loved-it/1214-5141956-2fkh8h/index.html) where she shared her experience in marine science and appeals to young girls interested in STEM to venture in the highly rewarding career. Miss Njeru hopes to pursue further studies in Marine Microbiology, Biotechnology and Bioprospecting.