BerynOtieno Qualification

Academic Qualifications

2017 -La Trobe University (Melbourne, Australia), PhD Zoology: Carried out research and compiled a thesis on ‘Genetic and Environmental Influences on Utilization of Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Dehnh.) by Leptocybe invasa Fisher & LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)’. The highlight of the thesis is that galling resistance attributes of E. camaldulensis are mainly chemical manifesting both as constitutive and induced, as governed by location of origin of host plant genotype.

2005 -University of Nairobi, Master of Science (Agricultural Entomology): Carried out research and wrote a thesis on ‘A study of the factors influencing aphids as vectors of viral diseases of Brassica oleracea (kale and cabbage) in Kenya’

1999 -University of Nairobi, BSc. Agriculture (Crop protection option): Upper Second Class Honours

Key Competencies

• Climatic suitability modeling using both multivariate analysis and Maxent
• Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for diagnosis and detection of plant pathogenic viruses

Other Courses

• November-December 2011, participated in the Australia Leadership Award Fellowship on ‘Community engagement for climate change and renewable energy” at the Queensland University of Technology, Australia.
• June 2010 attended ISTIC Training Workshop on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy Development: Assessment of Industry Needs, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• May 2010 participated in IUFRO workshop on Recognition, Identification and Management of pests and diseases of tropical plantation and forest trees in Kampala, Uganda.
• May 2008 -Attended and participated in the training course on ‘Economic analysis of threats posed by Invasive species’ organized by the Global Invasive Species Programme in Nairobi, Kenya
• Have practical training on insect identification and pest management (Integrated pest management Levels one and two) by Dudutech (Kenya) Ltd.
• Practical knowledge of isolation, DNA extraction and analysis of insect pathogens, gained at the Horticultural Research Institute (UK).
• 1999- Attended and participated in ‘safe use of pesticides’ course at University of Nairobi, Upper Kabete Campus.