Dr. Milcah Wambua | Food science and Nutrition | Best Researcher Award
Dr. Milcah Wambua, Egerton University, Kenya
Milcah Wambua is a distinguished researcher in the field of Food Science and Nutrition. With a strong academic background and a deep commitment to advancing nutritional science, Dr. Wambua has made significant contributions to understanding the relationship between diet and health. Her research focuses on innovative approaches to enhance nutritional outcomes and address global food security challenges.
Dr. Milcah Wambua is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Food Science at Egerton University, with her studies spanning from September 2018 to November 2024. Her advanced coursework includes specialized topics such as Advances in Food Microbiology, Advances in Food Chemistry, Advances in Food Quality Assurance, and Advances in Food Processing. This rigorous academic training is designed to deepen her expertise in food science and address contemporary challenges in the field.
Prior to her doctoral studies, Dr. Wambua completed a Master of Science in Food Science at Egerton University, from September 2013 to May 2016. Her master’s program included critical coursework in Biotechnology in Food Production, Food Analysis, and Dairy Technology, equipping her with a robust foundation in both the science and practical applications of food technology.
Dr. Wambua’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology, also from Egerton University, which she completed from September 2009 to May 2013. This undergraduate program laid the groundwork for her future research and specialization in food science, providing essential knowledge in food technology and production.
Dr. Milcah Wambua’s professional journey showcases a profound commitment to advancing food science and technology, with extensive experience in both academic and practical applications. Since February 2022, she has been serving as a Food Value Addition Trainer/Consultant at CEESAM, Egerton University, where she trains farmers, youth groups, and women’s groups on value addition techniques for agricultural produce. Her work emphasizes reducing post-harvest losses and increasing income, with a specialization in cereal and root technology, particularly sorghum and cassava.From June 2019 to July 2024, Dr. Wambua has also been a Graduate Mentor for the Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates (REEU) Project, a collaboration between Bowie State University and Egerton University. In this role, she assists U.S. undergraduate students on exchange programs at Egerton University with proposal writing, laboratory protocol development, data collection, analysis, and presentation.Earlier in her career, Dr. Wambua was a Research Assistant for the Reload Project from September 2013 to June 2016, where she collected milk samples, conducted cross-sectional surveys, and performed laboratory analyses. She also gained practical experience in meat processing and value addition during a field attachment at Farmers Choice from April to August 2012, focusing on pork, beef, and poultry processing, quality control, and industry standards.
Volunteering:
Dr. Milcah Wambua has generously contributed her expertise through her role as a Graduate Mentor for the Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates (REEU) Project, an initiative that supports U.S. undergraduate students on exchange programs at Egerton University. From June 2019 to July 2024, Dr. Wambua has been instrumental in guiding these students through various stages of their research projects. Her mentorship includes assisting with proposal writing, developing laboratory protocols, overseeing data collection both in the field and laboratory, conducting data analysis, and preparing presentations. Her dedication has played a crucial role in enriching the students’ research experiences and fostering cross-cultural academic collaborations.
Projects:
Dr. Milcah Wambua is a co-founder of Desktop Lunches, a project launched in 2018 at Egerton University and funded by TAGDEV (Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development). This initiative supports students with innovative business ideas in the agricultural and agribusiness sectors. Desktop Lunches focuses on providing nutritious and delicious value-added food items, reflecting Dr. Wambua’s passion for cooking and her commitment to delivering wholesome meals. The project not only contributes to student entrepreneurship but also promotes healthy eating within the university community.
Title: Nutritional, Safety, and Starch Properties of Flour from Selected Sweet Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Varieties Grown in Nakuru County, Kenya
Authors: Milcah Wambua, J.M. Nduko, J. Matofari, R. Mulwa
Journal: Journal of Food Composition and Analysis
Publication Year: 2024
Volume: 135
Article Number: 106684
DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2024.106684
Abstract: The study explores the nutritional, safety, and starch properties of flour derived from various sweet cassava varieties cultivated in Nakuru County, Kenya. The research highlights the quality and potential of these cassava varieties for food applications.