Page 2 of 19

Profile

Name: Prof. Laura Wangai

Qualifications

  • PhD Molecular Medicine, JKUAT, 2009
  • Master of science (Molecular Biology), University of Hertfordshire United Kingdom, 2004
  • Bachelor of Science (Agriculture), University of Nairobi, 1990
  • Bio resonance Practitioner training and certification from Germany (2018)

Research Interests

  • Malaria & Cancer

External Links/Affiliations

  1. https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ibdyk3gAAAAJ
  2. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Laura-Wangai

Publications

  1. Agnes Omire, Johnstone Neondo, Nancy L.M. Budambula, Laura Wangai, Stephen Ogada, Cecilia Mweu (2022) Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Doum Palm (Hyphaene compressa) Using Genotyping by Sequencing: Journal of Frontier in Genetics, DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.762202
  2. Laura Nyawira Wangai, Shadrack Kimenju Kahiro, Kenny Kimani Kamau, David Waweru Nderu, Immaculate Marwa Nyaiseba, David Butto Amarch, Mark Kilongosi Webale, Elly Munde (2021) Advances and Challenges in Transmission-Blocking Malaria Vaccine Development. A Systematic Review. Asian Journal of Immunology 5(2): 25-32, 2021; Article no.AJI.69854
  3. Laura Nyawira Wangai, Kenny Kimani Kamau, Immaculate Marwa, Elly OMunde, Samuel Mburu, John Mwangi, Mark Webale, Dennis Butto, Lucy Kamau, John Hiuhu (2020) Distribution and Contribution of K13-propeller Gene to Artemisinin Resistance in sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review. Journal of Biomedical Sciences ISSN: 2575-3932 (Online) 2020; 6(2): 38-43
  4. Laura Nyawira Wangai, Kenny Kimani Kamau, Godwil Munyekenye, David Nderu, Eva Maina, William Gitau, Mary Murigi, Susan Kamau, Mercy Njuguna, Joseph Gichuki, Fredrick Otieno (2020) Efficacy of Plant-based Repellents Against Anopheles Mosquitoes: A Systematic Review.Journal of Biomedical Sciences ISSN: 2575-3932: 2020; 6(3): 44-51
  5. Mark Kilongosi Webale, Christine Wanjala , Bernard Guyah, Nathan Shaviya, Godwil O. Munyekenye, Peter Lokamar Nyanga, Immaculate Nyaseba Marwa, Sammy Kagoiyo , Laura Nyawira Wangai, Sella K. Webale, Kenny Kamau, Nicholas Kitungulu(2020) Epidemiological patterns and antimicrobial resistance of bacterial diarrhea among children in Nairobi City, Kenya. Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench ©2020 RIGLD, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases. Gastroenterol Hepatol Bed Bench 2020; 12(3):238-246).
  6. N. Wangai & Francis T. Kimani (2019) Origin and Spread of Antimalarial Resistance in Africa. International Journal of Scientific Research Volume-8 Issue-2, ISSN-2277 – 8179
  7. Laura Nyawira Wangai (2019) Evaluation of efficacy of Sumilarv 0.5 g -an insect growth regulator- pyriproxyfen, against mosquito larvae in Kenya. Journal of Medical Microbiology and Diagnosis Volume 8 Issue 1,
  8. Laura N. Wangai (2019) Current status on Artemisinin Resistance: The Kenyan narrative. International Journal of Scientific Research Volume-8  Issue-1, ISSN-2277 - 8179
  9. Laura Nyawira Wangai, Kiambo Njagi (2019) Efficacy trial of new pest control product: Olyset Plus–long lasting insecticide treated net with added synergist (piperonyl butoxide) for malaria vector control in Kenya.Journal of Medical Microbiology and Diagnosis Volume 8 Issue 1,
  10. Laura N. Wangai (2019) A review on the effect of ACTs on Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte carriage in Kenya. International Journal of Scientific Research Volume-8 Issue-1, ISSN-2277 - 8179
  11. Kuria MW, Ngumi VW, Njenga PK, Wangai LN & Magiri E (2018) Assessing Genetic diversity of an endangered medicinal plant, Strychnos henningsii (Gilg.) in Nine Populations in Kenyan counties as revealed by ISSR Markers. International Journal of Innovative Research and Knowledge (IJIRK) Volume-3 Issue-12, ISSN- 2213-1356
  12. Joanne Hassan, Joyceline Kinyua, Peter Borus, Laura Wangai (2018) Acute Flaccid Paralysis as Expressed in Art (Short communication) Journal of Vaccines, Immunology and Immunopathology JVII-129. DOI: 10.29011/2575-789X. 000029
  13. Kuria M.W, Ngumi V.W, Njenga P.K, Wangai L.N (2017) MaxEnt Modeling for Predicting a Suitable Habitat for a Threatened and Endangered Medicinal Plant Species. International Journal of Innovative Research and Knowledge Volume-2 Issue-11, ISSN-2213-1356
  14. Hassan, L. Wangai, P. Borus, C. K-Wandabwa, L. W. Karani M. Kithinji, M. Kiptoo (2017) Vaccine‑related poliovirus shedding in trivalent polio vaccine and human immunodeficiency virus status: analysis from under five children. BMC Res Notes (2017) 10:555. DOI 10.1186/s13104-017-2843-y
  15. A. Salano, H. M. Makonde, R. W. Kasili, L. N.Wangai, M. P. Nawiri, H.I Boga (2017). Diversity and distribution of fungal communities within the hot springs of soda lakes in the Kenyan rift valley. African Journal of Microbiology Research ISSN 1996-0808
  16. William Chege Kiarie, Eric Agola, Francis T Kimani, Laura Wangai, Charity Hungu (2015). Chloroquine sensitivity: diminished prevalence of chloroquine-resistant gene marker pfcrt-76 13 years after cessation of chloroquine use in Msambweni, Kenya. Malaria Journal MALJ-D-15-00164R1
  17. M.G.Karau, E. N.M. Njagi, A. K. Machocho, L. N. Wangai, M .J. Nthinga (2015). Chemical Composition and in vitro Antioxidant Activities of Ocimum americanum. Advances in Analytical Chemistry 5(2): 42-49.
  18. L. N. Wangai, B.W Wamae. M.G.Karau ,N.B.Koimburi, P.K.Ndura. R.Karanja, M. K. Gitau, P. Kirira (2015). Investigation of the in vitro antioxidant activity,in vivo antidiabetic efficacy and safety of Capparis tomentosa aqueous roots extracts in male        alloxanized mice. Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies 3(1):42-47
  19. R.S. Mwatelah, R.M. Lwembe, S. Osman, B.R. Ogutu, R. Aman, R.C. Kitawi, L.N. Wangai, F.A. Oloo, G.O. Kokwaro, W. Ochieng (2015). Co- Infection Burden of Hepatitis C Virus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus among Injecting Heroin Users at the Kenyan Coast. PLOS One DOI :10:1371/Journal.phone.0132287
  20. G.M Karau, E N.M Njagi, A.K. Machocho, L. N Wangai, P.N.KAMAU (2014). Profiling of the chemical compounds in ethyl acetate extracts of Launaea cornuta Asteraceae by GC-MS, International Journal of Pharmacognosy 1(5): 1-9
  21. Karau G.M., Njagi E.N., Machocho A.K., Wangai L.N., Kamau P.N. (2014). Efficacy and Safety Assessment of Launaea cornuta Extracts in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus. American Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences. 4(1): 1-7
  22. Karau G.M., Njagi E.N., Machocho A.K., Wangai L.N., Karau P.B., Kamau P.N. (2013). Hypoglycemic effect of aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts of Senna spectabilis in alloxan induced diabetic male mice. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences 31(31): 1089-1095
  23. Karau G.M., Njagi E.N., Machocho A.K., Wangai L.N. and Kamau P.N. (2013). Phytonutrients, minerals and in vitro antioxidant capacity of leaf and stem bark powders of Senna spectabilis. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2(2): 71-79.
  24. Karau G.M., Njagi E.N., Machocho A.K. and Wangai L.N. (2012). Phytonutrients, mineral composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of leaf and stem bark powders of Pappea capensis (L). Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 11 (2): 123-132.
  25. Karau G.M., Njagi E.N., Machocho A.K., Wangai L.N. and Kamau P.N. (2012). Hypoglycemic activity of aqueous and ethyl acetate leaf and stem bark extracts of Pappea capensis in alloxan-induced diabetic BALB/c mice. British Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 3 (5): 251-258.
  26. Wangai Nyawira L, Karau Muriira G, Gitonga Wachira .Prevalence of the P. falciparum mutant dhps/dhfr genes 10 years after introduction of sulfadoxine pyrimethamine in the main malarial zones in Kenya. JPBMS,2011,9(17)
  27. Laura N. Wangai, Francis T. Kimani, G. Magoma, Sabah Omar, and Daniel Mutua. Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance; Prevalence of Pfcrt-76 and Pfmdr1-86 resistance Gene Markers, ten years After Cessation of Chloroquine use in malaria endemic areas of Kenya.  J. Protozool. Res. 21, 20-29 (2011)
  28. Laura N. Wangai, Muriira Geoffrey, Sabah Omar, Gabriel Magoma Francis T. Kimani, Jonathan M. Mwangi, Marion W. Burugu, Naomi Maina. Molecular screening for plasmodium falciparum resistance markers for artemisinins in Mbita, Kenya. Afr.J.Clinical and Experimental Microbiology(2011) 12(3): 106-110
  29. Laura Nyawira Wangai , Muriira Geoffrey Karau , Paul Nthakanio Njiruh, Omar Sabah ,Francis Thuo Kimani5, Gabriel Magoma , Njagi Kiambo. Sensitivity of microscopy compared to molecular diagnosis of p.falciparum: Implications on malaria treatment in epidemic areas in Kenya. Afr. J. Infect. Dis. (2011) 5(1): 1 – 6
  30. Muriira Geoffrey Karau , James N Kihunyu , Nahashon M Kathenya, Laura N Wangai , Daniel Kariuki, Rotich Henry Kibet. Determination of caffeine content in non-alcoholic beverages and energy drinks using HPLC-UV method. AJDAS (2010) _vol_9_No_1.
  31. L.N. Wangai, S.A. Omar, G.N. Magoma, F.T. Kimani. 2008. Prevalence of mutant dhps/dhfr genes of P.Falciparum infections 10years after introduction of SP in the main malarial zones in Kenya. Proceedings of 2008 JKUAT scientific, technological and industrialization conference.

PATENTS

  1. N. Wangai and CWA Archdiocese of Nairobi. Features of the Headscarf design for which novelty is claimed are in the pattern and ornamentation. Industrial Design number 941 of application number KE/D/2017/ 1687. Certified 24th August 2017.
  2. N. Wangai and CWA Archdiocese of Nairobi. Features of the Badge design for which novelty is claimed are in the pattern and ornamentation. Industrial Design number 942 of application number KE/D/2017/ 1688. Certified 24th August 2017.
  3. N. Wangai and CWA Archdiocese of Nairobi. Features of the Lesso design for which novelty is claimed are in the pattern and ornamentation. Industrial Design number 943 of application number KE/D/2017/ 1689. Certified 24th August 2017.
  4. N. Wangai and CWA Archdiocese of Nairobi. Features of the Uniform Material design for which novelty is claimed are in the pattern and ornamentation. Industrial Design number 944 of application number KE/D/2017/ 1690. Certified 24th August 2017.
  5. L.N. Wangai, B.K.Ndura, G.K.Muriira, R.H.N.Karanja, P.N. Karanja, M.K. Gitau.Hyssop (Capparis tomentosa) medicinal product used in management of chronic diseases. – KE / P / 2013 / 001885. Patent Number KE 691. Certified  11TH June, 2015

FUNDED PROJECTS

  1.  National Rerearch Fund(NRF)-Multidisciplinary research grant-2018.Collection, conservation and characterization of economically important doum palm: towards increased food security in Kenya. (Ksh 19 Million to JKUAT)-Status Ongoing.
  2. UNIDO-2017 Training for awareness, site selection and modelling for Ultra-Low Head Micro Hydro Power (ULH-MHP) Technology. (Ksh 2.1 Million to KyU)-Status Completed.
  3. Quest Chemicals-2016-Field Trials to Evaluate the Efficacy of Similarv an Insect Growth Regulator-Pyriproxfen against Mosquito Larvae. (Ksh 2.9 Million to KyU)- Status Completed.
  4. Quest Chemicals-2016-Olyset Plus-Long Lasting Insectcide Treated net for Malaria Vector Control in Kenya project. (Ksh 1.4 Million to KyU)- Status Completed.
  5. UNIDO-2016 Training for the Operation & Maintenance (O & M) for Ultra-Low Head Micro Hydro Power (ULH-MHP) Technology. (Ksh 1.1 Million to KyU)- Status Completed.
  6. NCST-2013-2015- Study entitled “Characterization of antimicrobial compounds of fungi from lake Magadi. (2.2Million to JKUAT)- Status Completed.
  7. NCST-2009-2012 -Study entitled “Regeneration, characterization of agrobacterium mediated transformation of Jatropha curcas. (2.8Million to JKUAT)-Status Completed.
  8. National Malaria Control- 2008. Supported sample collection in both malaria epidemic and endemic regions in Kenya. ( a budget of Ksh 1 Million)-Status Completed.
  9. JKUAT-2007-2009- Phd Scholarship study entitled “Prevalence of drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum and gene flow patterns in endemic and epidemic regions in Kenya” (3Million Bonding JKUAT)- Status Completed

STUDENT SUPERVISIONS TO COMPLETION

She has supervised twelve (12) students to completion( 4PhD and 8 MSc)