Cliophus Juma

Enthusiastic and detail-oriented Biochemistry graduate with a specialized edge in molecular biology, vector analysis, and clinical diagnostics. Proven expertise in genomic DNA extraction from Glossina spp. (Tsetse flies) and proteomic characterization (Dehydrins/Vicilins/Albumin). A versatile researcher adept at bridging the gap between high-precision laboratory science and community-level impact, with a background in managing nutritional and psychosocial programs for 5,000+ beneficiaries.

Committed to One Health initiatives, non-invasive sampling, and maintaining international laboratory standards (ISO 15189, BSL-2/3).

Project Assistant at Umoja Foundation (2023-04 – Present)

Integrated scientific data into Community programs to mitigate poverty, disease and health. Work includes education support, empowerment programs, field operations, psychosocial support, and administrative tasks.

• Education Support: Assisting in the coordination of the school lunch program, uniform distribution, and secondary school tuition support for over 5,000 students
• Empowerment Programs: Supporting the GET UP (Girls) and BET UP (Boys) programs, which focus on sexual health education, career mentorship, and sanitary towel distribution
• Field Operations: Liaising with local primary schools (currently 21 partners) and monitoring the well-being of child-headed households and vulnerable families
• Psychosocial Support: Helping deliver counseling and emotional support to children who have experienced significant loss or trauma
• Administrative Tasks: Maintaining databases, preparing reports on project impact, and assisting with daily office tasks
• Interpersonal: Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with local community leaders and vulnerable populations
• Privileged to visit icipe, mbita, Ruma National Park and Lake Victoria biodiversity in which I had the initiatives to explore Wildlife, Science and Local Communities

Research Laboratory Assistant Intern at Western Kenya Cancer Care and Research Center (2021-06 – 2023-10)

Executed advanced genomic analysis, vector surveillance, technical optimization, and leadership in molecular research.

• Molecular Workflows: Executed advanced genomic analysis, including DNA extraction from Tsetse flies and protein fractionation of drought-tolerant legumes
• Vector Surveillance: Conducted morphological identification and microdissection of tsetse species to support One Health and Zoonotic research
• Technical Optimization: Refined PCR setups and post-PCR analysis for precise DNA visualization and data recording for multidisciplinary teams
• Leadership & Mentorship: Supervised and trained students on molecular SOPs, equipment calibration (Thermocyclers/Microscopes), and safety protocols

Laboratory Technician at Sifa Health Centre (2021-02 – 2021-08)

Performed clinical biochemistry testing, managed biosafety protocols, and conducted diagnostic procedures with high precision.

• Clinical Biochemistry: Performed high-volume testing for LFTs, RFTs, and immunochemistry (PSA, HbA1c, D-dimer) using SD Biosensor kits
• Biosafety Mastery: Managed COVID-19 RDTs and clinical parasitology under strict BSL-2/3 protocols
• Diagnostic Precision: Conducted urinalysis, vein puncture, and stool/urine microscopy for parasitic ova and cysts with 100% accuracy

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with Information Technology – Maseno University (2023-12)