Open to opportunities

Collins Kirema

@collinskirema

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Microbiology researcher and lab scientist studying biofilms, DNA methods, and sustainable crop production.

Kenya

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking to apply wet-lab microbiology skills and growing bioinformatics knowledge in research settings—ideally working on biofilms, DNA-based workflows, and sustainable agriculture—while continuing to improve through hands-on experiments.

I’m a microbiology researcher working across lab methods and applied plant science, from DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis to greenhouse cowpea cultivation. My work includes extracting DNA from cowpea samples and running PCR and gel electrophoresis, plus supporting vermicomposting experiments.

In my EPFL summer internship, I worked on mechanoregulation of biofilm formation by embedding bacteria within hydrogels and studying how mechanical forces influence biofilm development. I also built basic setups for bacterial fluid flow and practiced hydrogel preparation and biofilm cultivation.

I’ve also contributed to farmer-facing research on sustainable tea and coffee production in Kenya, including conducting farmer interviews in four counties in Central Kenya. Alongside that, my undergraduate research focused on harnessing native rhizobia, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria to enhance cowpea growth.

When I’m not in the lab, I’ve handled live chat customer support remotely and asynchronously, answering questions about account setup, platform navigation, and general inquiries with a professional, empathetic tone.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

MSc Environmental Microbiology

Current

Kenyatta University

Mar 2026 - Present (5 months)

Pursuing a 2-year full-time MSc programme by coursework, examination and thesis in Environmental Microbiology.

Live Chat Support Agent

Noryta Company Limited

Jan 2025 - Dec 2025 (11 months)

Handled live chat queries from customers, providing timely and accurate responses on account setup, platform navigation, and general inquiries in a fully remote environment.

Customer Support Live Chat

Research Assistant

Kenyatta University

Feb 2025 - May 2025 (3 months)

Worked on a collaborative project on sustainable tea and coffee production in Kenya, conducting farmer interviews on organic farming practices.

Farmer Interviews Organic Farming Data Collection

Undergraduate Research Project

Kenyatta University

Sep 2023 - Apr 2024 (7 months)

Worked on harnessing native rhizobia, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria to enhance cowpea growth in a greenhouse.

Greenhouse Plant Growth Promotion

BSc Microbiology

Kenyatta University

Aug 2020 - Apr 2024 (3 years 8 months)

Completed a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology with First Class Honours.

Laboratory Intern

P.C.E.A Chogoria Hospital

May 2023 - Aug 2023 (3 months)

Gained hands-on skills in hematology, blood transfusion, microbiology, parasitology, clinical chemistry, immunology, serology, phlebotomy, and packaging of referral specimens.

Hematology Transfusions Microbiology Parasitology Clinical Chemistry Immunology Serologies Phlebotomy

Summer Intern

Persat Lab, Global Health Institute, EPFL

Jul 2022 - Aug 2022 (1 month)

Worked on mechanoregulation of biofilm formation by embedding bacteria within hydrogels to study how mechanical forces influence biofilm formation.

Basic Microbiology Techniques Hydrogel Preparation Bacterial Fluid Flow Setup

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Kenyatta University

Master of Science, Environmental Microbiology

2026 -

Pursuing a Master of Science in Environmental Microbiology at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya. The programme is a full-time, 2-year programme by coursework, examination and thesis.