- Have any questions?
- +255 768 418317
- ortambo@nm-aist.ac.tz
Get to know our students ,their backgrounds, interests, achievements, and aspirations.
Research title, the problem, gap and intended solution you are addressing in short
Research Tittle: Engineering a Novel mAbs- Functionalized Nanocomposite Electrochemical Biosensor Platform for Ultrasensitive, Point-of-Care, Malaria Pan-species Plasmodium Lactate Dehydrogenase (pLDH) Detection
Gap: Current malaria diagnostics (HRP2/Pan species-based RDTs) suffer from: False negatives due to pfhrp2/3 gene deletions (4.7% in Tanzania) and low-parasitemia infections (<100 parasites/µL),False positives from persistent HRP2 post-treatment (60% after 28 days), Inability to detect non-falciparum species (misses 19% of East African cases) and Environmental instability in tropical conditions (25–40°C/high humidity).
Intended Solution: To engineer a mAb-functionalized AuNP-rGO nanocomposite electrochemical biosensor that uses pan-species mAbs to capture pLDH from all malaria parasites by leveraging gold-reduced graphene oxide (AuNP-rGO) for signal amplification (target LOD: <50 parasites/µL).Integrates zwitterionic antifouling polymers for stability in tropical field conditions (25–40°C/80% humidity).Operates as a portable, wash-free point-of-care device
Current status/progress of your research
Lab Work stage: fabrication, surface functionalization, and validation protocols of biosensor platform.
Your academic background in short/one sentence
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, where I gained foundational experience in developing wearable diagnostic devices.
Your views about the O.R. Tambo Research Chair support and future prospects.
As a beneficiary, the O.R. Tambo Research Chair’s transformative support empowers my pan-species malaria biosensor work through sustained funding, pan-African networks, and infrastructure. This catalytic investment accelerates frugal innovation for endemic challenges, aligns with AU/SDG priorities, and positions African scientists to lead globally competitive, sovereignty-building research
Research Title: Computer-Assisted Design of Novel Antimalarial Drug Leads from 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroisoquinoline-based Scaffold
Problem: Emergence of resistance to the current first-line antimalarial drug
Gap: Lack of an integrated, streamlined, and cost-effective method for development of new drugs
Intended solution: Computer-assisted approach, the aim of my study is
Current status: I am now finalizing my research manuscript and dissertation drafts for submission and defense
My background: I acquired foundation knowledge and skills in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University of Dar es Salaam where I undertook my undergraduate training. Afterwards I got an opportunity to build working experience through an internship program at the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) Clinical Trial Facility at Bagamoyo.
My views about the O.R. Tambo Research Chair support and future prospects: First I would say I am privileged to be a beneficiary to the O.R. Tambo Research Chair scholarship initiative because it is a platform which offers access. As a student I have had access to fully-funded postgraduate training, research funds, mentorship from professional expertise, and the collaborative networks under the chair's umbrella. Notably, I would like to acknowledge the strong reference provided by the chairholder Prof. Hulda Swai and all our supervisors that helped me secure a number of training opportunities elsewhere, including Next Generation Scientists program at Novartis Pharma AG in Basel, Switzerland (June - August 2024), the African Biophysics Workshop on Experimental and Computational Sciences Kigali, Rwanda (December 2024 - 1 week), and the upcoming Biostruct workshop on Alphafold in Nairobi, Kenya (August 2025 - 1 week). Through the O.R. Tambo Research Chair support, I can personally attest that a generation of future expertise that can produce tangible solutions that are accessible to our communities, is in making.
Research Title & Summary
Title: Development of Nanoformulations for the Targeted Delivery of Quinine to Malaria-Infected Red Blood Cells
Problem: Quinine is a highly potent antimalarial drug and remains a critical option for the treatment of severe malaria. However, its clinical use is significantly limited due to severe side effects and toxicity, largely caused by its non-specific distribution in the body. This often results in damage to healthy cells and serious adverse reactions in patients.
Gap: Current antimalarial drug delivery systems lack the ability to selectively target infected red blood cells. This lack of precision not only reduces therapeutic efficiency but also exposes healthy tissues to harmful drug concentrations, increasing the risk of toxicity and treatment-related complications.
Solution: This project aims to design, optimize, and evaluate a targeted nanocarrier system for the delivery of quinine specifically to malaria-infected red blood cells. By utilizing nanotechnology-based approaches, the goal is to enhance drug specificity, reduce off-target effects, and improve the overall safety and efficacy of malaria treatment. The research involves the synthesis, characterization, and in vitro testing of the nanoformulations, with the long-term aim of contributing to safer, more precise, and more effective therapies for severe malaria.
Current Research Status
Coursework completed. Currently in the research phase at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), School of Pharmacy, Infectious Disease and Nanomedicine Laboratory, focusing on the synthesis, optimization, and characterization of quinine-loaded nanocarriers.
Its vision of “Empowering Africa through Nanoscience and Nanotechnology” is not just a motto, but a lived reality, evident in the quality of training, research, and opportunities it offers. I am deeply grateful to be part of this transformative journey and believe the impact of the O.R. Tambo Chair will resonate across Africa for generations to come.
Research Title: Development, optimization, characterization, in-silico, in-vivo and antimalarial activity of solid lipid nanoformulated artesunate and amodiaquine (ASAQ)
Research Gap: Increased risk of resistance to parasite by amodiaquine, amodiaquine also have hepatotoxicity side effects, artesunate have very short half-life and also ASAQ are poor water soluble thus limited absorptions
Intended Solution: The hydrophobic drugs will be encapsulated in the solid lipid matrices thus enhancing the absorption and bioavailability of the drug
Improve the sustained release which will lead to increased released profile
Improved drug distribution since nanocarrier is lipid based
Enhance the reduced absorption variability
Current status/progress of your research
I haven’t stated my project yet; I am carrying out my outreach; this is the second week. I have also have written a concept note and I am yet to present
Academic background
I am a Kenyan female with a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Rongo University, a Master's in Health and Biomedical Sciences from the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) through an Inter-University Council for East Africa–World Bank scholarship, and I am currently a first-year PhD student in Health and Biomedical Sciences at NM-AIST under the OR Tambo Scholarship.
Views about O.R Tambo Research Chair Support:
The O.R Tambo Research chair scholarship is an instrumental to me and is really shaping me professionally and academically. I am really benefiting from its commitment to support and nurture quality research, leadership and scientific innovation. The scholarship has so far covered my tuition fee, stipend per month and research mentorship. It’s also offering me with collaborative opportunities that will help in research on antimalarial development using nanomedicine. I am empowered as a woman in science and this motivates and encourage me to contribute towards challenges facing human health. I am grateful for this opportunity
Future prospects:
The support will help me to contribute toward biomedical research mainly in antimalarial drug delivery systems development. With necessary mentorship, I aspire to bring about practical solutions in public health in Africa. I also hope to collaborate with scientist in the field and also mentor student in STEM especially women. I aspire to be among the leading researchers in Africa.
Research title: Development of Nano or Pheroid-Based Biofertilizer for Sustainable Irish Potato (Solanum Tuberosum) Production in Tanzania.
The problem, gap and intended solution
Several biofertilizers have been developed and shown to enhance nutrient availability and soil fertility; however, their adoption remains limited due to challenges associated with current carrier-based solid and liquid formulations, including poor shelf life, risk of microbial contamination, bulkiness, and inconsistent field performance. Most commercial biofertilizers contain single microbial strains, making them vulnerable to environmental stresses and reducing their overall effectiveness. This study addresses these limitations by formulating a multi-strain PGPR-based biofertilizer using nano or Pheroid® technologies, which have the potential to enhance microbial viability, nutrient delivery, and stability under adverse conditions. Nano-encapsulation protects beneficial microbes and ensures controlled nutrient release, while Pheroid® technology improves nutrient absorption and targeted delivery. By combining functionally diverse PGPR strains with innovative delivery systems, this research aims to produce a more efficient, stable, and farmer-friendly biofertilizer product that supports sustainable agriculture and reduces reliance on chemical inputs.
Current status/progress of my research
I have successfully isolated plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) capable of nitrogen fixation and potassium solubilization, and formulated them into liquid biofertilizers. I am currently conducting a trial to evaluate the effectiveness of these formulations in enhancing the growth and yield of Irish potato.
My academic background
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Agronomy (2014) and a Master's degree in Soil Science and Land Management (2016), both from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA).
My views about the O.R. Tambo Research Chair support and future prospects.
Support from the O.R. Tambo Research Chair has been instrumental in advancing my research on PGPR-based liquid biofertilizers aimed at improving Irish potato growth, yield, and soil health. The Chair has provided a strong platform for scientific mentorship and access to resources. Looking ahead, I am optimistic that with continued investment and strategic vision this initiative has great potential to drive innovation in sustainable agriculture by supporting applied research that addresses food security and environmental sustainability.
Your research title, the problem, gap and intended solution you are addressing
Title: Isolation and Activity Profiling of Antimalarial Compounds from Annickia kummeriae, a Medicinal Plant in Tanzania.
Problem: Malaria remains a significant public health challenge with increasing drug resistance.
Gap: There is limited scientific data on potential antimalarial compounds from this medicinal plant endemic to Tanzanian.
Intended Solution: To isolate, characterize, and profile bioactive compounds with potent antimalarial activity to contribute to novel drug development.
Current status/progress of your research
Completed extraction and isolation of pure compounds; preliminary characterization is done using advanced spectroscopic analysis and planning for bioassay tests.
Your academic background
Holds a Master’s degree in Biochemistry with research experience in natural products and molecular biosciences.
Your views about the O.R. Tambo Research Chair support and future prospects.
The O.R. Tambo Research Chair has initiated collaborative networks, research funding, and mentorship. The mentioned are crucial source of assistance to strengthened my research career and increase self-ability to make a significant contribution to drug discovery in Africa.
Research Tittle: Development of Targeted Curcumin Loaded Polycaprolactone nano-formulation for Cerebral Malaria Treatment
Research Problem Cerebral malaria (CM) remains a critical complication of malaria infections, particularly among pediatric and immunocompromised populations, despite the widespread use of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACT), the mortality rate is still high. ACT reduces parasitemia but fails to adequately target the pathogenic mechanisms underlying CM, including blood-brain-barrier (BBB) disruption, endothelial activation/dysfunction, and hyperinflammation, leading to a persistently high mortality rate.
Curcumin, a bioactive compound derived from turmeric, has shown promise as an antimalarial agent due to its potential to target these underlying mechanisms. However, its clinical application is significantly limited by poor solubility, low bioavailability, and restricted Blood Brain Barrier BBB permeability.
Intended Solution: This study addresses the critical gap in effective therapeutic delivery of Curcumin to the brain by developing Polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles (NPs) coated with chitosan and modified with hyaluronic acid ligands to enhance BBB crossing. The intended solution aims to improve the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of Curcumin, thereby offering a novel and cost-effective strategy for the treatment of CM and reducing the associated mortality rates
Current status of research; Data collection (Laboratory work) at the University of Western Cape, South Africa.
Your academic background
Bachelor of General Science in Applied Microbiology and Chemistry from University of Dar es salaam (UDSM)
Views about the O.R. Tambo Research Chair support and future prospects.
I would like to acknowledge the support from O.R. Tambo Research Chair in my research project and effort in solving real world problems that have a direct impact on society and introducing new technology in medicine and agriculture.
Future prospects
Join our Research Community and Shape the Future of Science
The O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chair at NM-AIST focuses on application of nanoscience and the emerging nanotechnology in solving pressing development challenges in health, sustainable agriculture and food and nutrition security.
Get The Latest Updates via email. Any time you may unsubscribe
