Nairobi, October 11, 2023 - The University of Nairobi’s esteemed Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology commenced its academic year 2023-2024 with an enriching orientation program, welcoming a new batch of postgraduate students. The multi-day event was meticulously planned to integrate the newcomers into the department’s culture, ethos, and academic rigour.
Day I: Beginning of a Transformative Journey
The inaugural day began with the essentials: reporting and registration handled by Ms. Mary Mwaniki, ensuring a smooth transition for the students into the university system. This was followed by Ms. Caren Awilly set the stage with an introduction and set of expectations, which helped align the students’ aspirations with the department's vision.
The highlight of the morning was the welcoming speech delivered by the Ag. Chairman of the Department, Dr. Susan Odera, who represented Dr. Marianne Mureithi. In her inspiring address, Dr. Odera painted a picture of the department’s legacy of innovation, its groundbreaking research, and its vital role in global health. She encouraged the students to engage in collaborative work, assuring them of the department’s support and mentorship throughout their postgraduate journey.
Post-tea break, the floor opened to the overall course coordinator, Dr. Njanaake Kariuki, and a panel, of course, coordinators and technical staff, who provided insights into the curriculum and expectations.
Day II: Integration and Familiarization
Day two shifted focus to logistics and infrastructure to familiarize students with the university’s biometric systems for ease of access and security. It was a practical step towards integrating them into the daily life of the department, handled with efficiency by Ms. Caren and Ms. Mary.
The afternoon session, led by Chief Technologist Ms. Felistas Muthini and her team, including Fred Mose and Wilfred Gitau, guided the students through the departmental labs, providing them a glimpse into the places where they would soon be conducting potentially groundbreaking research.
Day III: Advanced Lab Exploration & Interaction
The orientation program concluded on a high note with advanced lab exploration. The students were introduced to specialized facilities like the Kenya AIDS Vaccine Initiative (KAVI) Institute of Clinical Research, the University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (UNITID), and MicroPATH labs. This session, facilitated by the adept Ms. Muthini and her team highlighted the specific technologies and research opportunities available to the students, showcasing the department’s commitment to providing a world-class education and research environment.
The Road Ahead
The orientation program not only served as an academic preamble but also as a holistic approach to ensuring the new postgraduate students are well-equipped, motivated, and integrated into the department’s dynamic academic culture. With this solid foundation, the students are set to continue the department's proud tradition of excellence in research, clinical diagnostics, and shaping global health policies.
As the new academic year kicks off, the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology stands ready to foster the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals who will no doubt contribute significantly to the field of infectious diseases, immunotherapy, and beyond.
For more information and updates, the department encourages open communication and can be reached via email at dept-medmicrobiology@uonbi.ac.ke or by phone at +254-2-4915051.
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