Name: Dr. Eric  Masika MRSC
Title/Qualifications: PhD
Department/Unit/Section: Chemistry
Contact Address: P.O. Box 43844-00100 Nairobi,
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Position: Lecturer/Researcher
Area of Specialization: New types of nanostructured inorganic and carbonaceous porous solids for gas adsorption (for environmental remediation) and water purification and Biosensors.
Research Interests: Probing porous nanomaterials and applications in electro biosensors, Solar dyes, water purification and sanitation, Application of Supercritical fluids/ Green Chemistry synthesis methods in synthetic routes, Thermal analysis and gas storage/ sequestration, Proficiency  in Microscopy and spectroscopic analytical techniques 

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CAREER PROFILE

Lecturer/Researcher/Consultant/Coordinator at Kenyatta University with research interests on new types of nanostructured inorganic and carbonaceous porous solids for gas adsorption (for environmental remediation) and water purification. Currently, I am working on efficacy of microencapsulated active ingredients for downstream tsetse fly repellence. Also with a view of integration of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in Kenya’s educational curriculum coupled with fostering Industrial partnership for potential scale up. Coordinated successful pilot project on Labster virtual simulations lab for sciences in the School of Pure and Applied Sciences published by Commonwealth of Learning news. I addition, I spearheaded the signing an MoU between the University of Nottingham and Kenyatta University that developed collaborative Nottingham-Kenya SPHEIR project on Transformation of Chemistry and Pharmacy Programmes. I have published close to twenty articles (three in progress) with 440 citations and h-index of 9 (Google Scholar). 
My teaching/training areas at University level include modules in Physical Chemistry and Nanoscience/Nanotechnology (spearheading curriculum development). In addition, having completed a course in Supporting Technology Enhanced Learning (STEL), that equipped me with relevant skills for supporting capacity development of e-moderators in higher institutions of learning; and currently supporting Developing People and Enhancing Practice (DPEP) as a tutor under Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education (SPHEIR) I have a passion and commitment to lead in technology enhanced teaching and learning. 
A certified recipient of Technology Enhanced Learning Continuing Professional Development Award by Staff Education Development Association (SEDA) of UK in Supporting Technology Enhanced Learning (STEL) pathway & Developing People and Enhancing Practice (DPEP) tutor under Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education (SPHEIR) with passion and commitment to lead in technology enhanced teaching and learning. This equipped me with relevant skills for supporting capacity development of e-moderators in higher institutions of learning. 
As a member of the KU Digital School training team we trained over 1000 academic staff members on blended learning with focus on the development of interactive modules coupled with online facilitation and online setting as well as moderation of CATS/Assignments. 
Currently privileged to serve as the Deputy Director Student Affairs has afforded me a great opportunity to plan/initiate and implement students’ activities aimed at enhancing the overall student experience and satisfaction. 

 PUBLICATIONS

 Referred Journals

  • M. Ndikau, N. Noah, D. M. Andala and E. Masika, Antibacterial activity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles using Citrullus lanatus fruit rind extract, Journal of the Kenya Chemical Society 13-1 (2020), 22-27.
  • Bonface Juma Wafula, Eric Masika and Charles Onindo; ZnO Nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs): Synthesis Using Tithonia diversifolia, Characterization and in-vitro Antimicrobial Bioassays, IOSR Journal of Applied Chemistry (IOSR-JAC) e-ISSN: 2278-5736.Volume 13, Issue 8 Ser. I (August. 2020), PP 14-21.
  • N. Nyamu, L. Ombaka, E Masika and M. Ng’ang’a (2019), One‐pot microwave‐assisted synthesis of size‐dependent l‐glutathione‐capped spherical silver nanoparticles suitable for materials with antibacterial properties, Interdisciplinary Nanomedicine Volume 4 Issue 3 86-94.
  •  Nicholas Musila, Mathew Munji, Justus Simiyu, Eric Masika, Raphael Nyenge and Miriam Kineene, Characteristics of TiO2 Compact Layer prepared for DSSC application Traektoriâ Nauki = Path of Science. Vol. 4, No 10
  • Ernest O. Nachaki, Peter M. Ndangili, Noah M. Naumih and Eric Masika, Nickel‐Palladium‐Based Electrochemical Sensor for Quantitative Detection of Formaldehyde, Chemistry Select, Vol. 3 Issue 2, 339 -854, 2018 
  • Nicholas Musila, Mathew Munji, Justus Simiyu, Eric Masika and Raphael Nyenge, Effect of TiO2 Compact Layer on DSSC Performance, Traektoriâ Nauki= Path of Science Vol.4, Issue 9,, 2018
  • Nicholas Musila, Mathew Munji, Justus Simiyu, Eric Masika and Raphael Nyenge, Optical Properties and Analysis of OJL Model’s Electronic inter-band Transition Parameters of TiO2 Films, Traektoriâ Nauki= Path of Science Vol.4, Issue 7,, 2018.
  • Samuel N. Nyamu, Lucy Ombaka, Eric Masika, and Margaret Ng’ang’a, Antimicrobial Photodynamic Activity of Phthalocyanine Derivatives, Hindawi Advances in Chemistry, Volume 2018,  https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/2598062
  • Joseph Odundo, Naumih Noah, Dickson Andala, Janet Kiragu and Eric Masika, Development of an electrochemical nano-biosensor for rapid and sensitive diagnosis of bilharzia in Kenya, South African Journal of Chemistry, Vol 71, 2018, 127 -134
  • Ernest O. Nachaki,, Peter M. Ndangili, Noah M. Naumi and Eric Masika, Nickel-Palladium-Based Electrochemical Sensor for Quantitative Detection of Formaldehyde; Chemistry Select Vol. 3,(2) pp 384–392, 2018
  • NYAMU SAMUEL, Lucy Ombaka, Eric Masika, and Margaret Ng’ang’a, Antimicrobial Photodynamic Activity of Phthalocyanine Derivatives; Hindawi :Advances in Chemistry Accepted 15 Jan, 2018
  • Ojiambo, O. C, Nawiri, M. P. and Masika, E., Reduction of Cyanide Levels in Sweet cassava Leaves Grown in Busia County, Kenya Based on Different Processing Methods, Food Research 1 (3) : pp - pp (June 2017).
  • M. Ndikau, N. Noah, D. M. Andala and E. Masika, Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Citrullus lanatus Fruit Rind Extract, Hindawi: International Journal of Analytical Chemistry, Volume 2017.
  • B. Adeniran, E. Masika and R. Mokaya, A family of microporous carbons prepared via a simple metal salt carbonization route with high selectivity for exceptional gravimetric and volumetric post-combustion CO2 capture, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2014, 2, 14696–14710
  • E. Masika and R. Mokaya, Exceptional gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen storage for densified zeolite templated carbons with high mechanical stability', Energy Environ. Sci., 2014, 7, 427 – 434.
  • E. Masika and R. Mokaya, High surface area metal salt templated carbon aerogels via a simple subcritical drying route: Preparation and CO2 uptake properties, RSC Advances, 2013, 3, 17677 - 17681.
  • E. Masika, R. Bourne, T. Chamberlain and R. Mokaya, "Supercritical CO2 mediated incorporation of Pd onto templated carbons: A route to optimising the Pd particle size and hydrogen uptake density", ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2013, 5 (12), pp 5639 - 5647.
  • E. Masika and R. Mokaya, “Preparation of ultrahigh surface area porous carbons templated using zeolite 13X for enhanced hydrogen storage”, Progress in Natural Science: Materials International, 2013, 23(3), pp 308 - 316.
  • E. Masika and R. Mokaya, Exceptional gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen storage for densified zeolite templated carbons with high mechanical stability', Energy Environ. Sci., DOI:10.1039/C3EE42239A; Accepted on 28th October 2013
  • E. Masika and R. Mokaya, High surface area metal salt templated carbon aerogels via a simple subcritical drying route: Preparation and CO2 uptake properties, RSC Advances, 2013, 3, 17677 - 17681.
  • E. Masika, R. Bourne, T. Chamberlain and R. Mokaya, "Supercritical CO2 mediated incorporation of Pd onto templated carbons: A route to optimising the Pd particle size and hydrogen uptake density", ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2013, 5 (12), pp 5639 - 5647.
  • E. Masika and R. Mokaya, “Preparation of ultrahigh surface area porous carbons templated using zeolite 13X for enhanced hydrogen storage”, Progress in Natural Science: Materials International, 2013, 23(3), pp 308 - 316.
  • E. Masika and R. Mokaya, “Hydrogen storage in high surface area carbons with identical surface area but different pore size: Direct demonstration of the effects of pore size”, Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 2012, 116 (49), pp 25734 – 25740.
  • E. Masika and R. Mokaya, ‘Mesoporous Aluminosilicates from a Zeolite BEA Recipe’, Chemistry of Materials, 2011, 23(9), pp 2491 - 2498.

 Referred Learning Modules

  • Dr. Eric Masika and Prof. Charles Otieno Onindo; (December, 2020); SCH 852 Heterogeneous Kinetics and Equilibria; Digital School of Virtual and Open Learning in Collaboration with Department of Chemistry; School of Pure and Applied Sciences. VETTED BY: Dr. Lucy Kiruri.
  • Prof. Charles Otieno Onindo, Dr. Eric Masika and Mr Gitari Mugambi (September, 2020) SCH201: Chemical Thermodynamics; Digital School of Virtual and Open Learning in Collaboration with Department of Chemistry; School of Pure and Applied Sciences. VETTED BY: Dr. Kibe Macharia.    

CONSULTANCY AND PROJECT REPORTS

  • Dr. George Onyango, Dr. Rhoda Gitonga, Dr. Elizabeth Mwaniki, Dr. Samuel Mutweleli, Dr. Syprine Oyoo and Dr. Eric Masika; Feasibility Study Report: EXTEND Programme; Commonwealth of Learning; 8th March 2021.
  • Prof. Micheal Gicheru, Dr. Anne Maundu, Dr. Joshua Mutiso, Dr. Paul Muoria, Dr Adelaide Mutune, Dr. Eric Masika, Dr. Margaret Ng’ang’a, Dr. Evans Changamu, Dr. Patroba Odeny, Dr. Regina Ntabo; Feasibility Study Report: STEM Labs; Commonwealth of Learning; 3rd May 2021.

SCHOLARLY PRESENTATIONS AT CONFERENCES / WORKSHOPS / SEMINARS

  • Eric Masika; Leadership & Strategy Development Workshop; By Collaboration for Entrepreneurial Universities ((CEPU) Workshop Series IV; Kenyatta University 1st – 7th October 2020.
  • Eric Masika; Commonwealth of Learning Workshop on Quality Assurance Review Tool and Improvement Plans: A PEBL/SPHEIR Engagement Activity – held in Kenyatta University, Nairobi, 11th – 19th November 2019.
  • Eric Masika; Building a Diversified and Transformative Workforce for the 21st Century Job Market; by Directorate of Career Development and Mentoring Programmes; 22nd October 2019.
  • Eric Masika; Training of Trainers Workshop for Staff Mentors and Growing Leaders Facilitators; by Directorate of Career Development and Mentoring Programmes;7th November 2019.
  • Eric Masika; Leadership & Strategy Development Workshop; By Collaboration for Entrepreneurial Universities ((CEPU) Workshop Series III; Kenyatta University 1st October 2019.
  • Eric Masika; CEPU Training for Service-Oriented Administrations; By Collaboration for Entrepreneurial Universities ((CEPU) Workshop Series; Kenyatta University 11th -13th June 2019.
  • Eric Masika; Leadership & Strategy Development Workshop; By Collaboration for Entrepreneurial Universities ((CEPU) Workshop Series; Kenyatta University 12th -14th February 2019.
  • Bernadatte M. Ratemo, Eric Masika, Paul Mireji and Ahmed Hassanali; Pan Africa Chemistry Network congress 2018: Managing resources through chemistry: Wealth not Waste. 6th - 8th November 2018, Nairobi, Kenya; Microcapsules for downstream deployment of an Optimized 4-Component Tsetse- Repellent Blend. (Best Poster PACN Award).
  • Eric Masika; Applied Entrepreneurship Education Programme (AEEP) Train the Trainers Workshop; Collaboration between Kenyatta University and Hochschule Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences -1st November 2018.
  • Eric Masika; HEInnovate Assessment Tool Workshop II; _CEPU Project _ Kenyatta University; 4th October 2018.
  • Eric Masika; Leadership & Strategy Development Workshop; By Collaboration for Entrepreneurial Universities ((CEPU) Workshop Series; Kenyatta University 3rd October 2018.
  • Eric Masika; HEInnovate Assessment Tool Workshop; _CEPU Project _ Kenyatta University; 19th July 2019.
  • Eric Masika; United Nations Environmental Assembly 3 (UNEA3) with participations in UN Science-Policy-Business Forum on the Environment, taking place at UN Environment’s headquarters in Nairobi 27th November – 6th December 2017. (Participation)
  • Michael Ndikau, Naumih M. Noah, Dickson M. Andala, Eric Masika; 9th Kenya Chemical Society (KCS) International Conference- USIU-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya 9th-12th May, 2017: Investigation of the Anti-Bacterial activity of Silver Nanoparticles synthesized Using Citrullus lanatus fruit rind extract. (Poster)
  • Eric Masika; Pan Africa Chemistry Network Congress 2016 – Sustainable Water Resources in Africa; 30th November -2nd December 2016.
  • Eric Masika; KCS Nairobi Chapter Symposium; Theme – Chemistry for Sustainable Development; Nairobi, Kenya – 23rd April 2016.
  • Eric Masika; The 8th International Kenya Chemical Society Conference; Theme – Applied Chemistry and Technology in Industry; held at The University of Nairobi, Chiromo Campus, Millennium Hall; 5th – 8th May 2015.
  • Eric Masika, 5th IUPAC International Conference on Green Chemistry, Durban; South Africa, 17th – 21st August 2014: Porosity Modulation of Mesoporous Aluminosilicates via Simple Washing/Refluxing in Water for Applications in Water Purification (Talk).
  • Eric Masika: RSC-P& G SYMPOSIUM ON: Regulatory Harmonization, Hygiene and Sustainability July 8th and 9th 2014 Chiromo Campus University of Nairobi: Provision of sustainable water for domestic application. (Talk)
  • Eric Masika, Kenya Chemical Society, Nairobi Chapter AGM cum workshop, Kenyatta University on 15th February 2014 (Attendance).
  • Eric Masika: 1st Stakeholder’s workshop to discuss the draft Policy on exploitation of Nanotechnology at Utalii hotel, Nairobi, Kenya on 16th January, 2014. (Attendance).
  • Eric Masika and Robert Mokaya, ‘TA Instruments - UK Materials Characterization seminar, University of Bradford, 13th and 14th September 2011 ‘Synthesis and Characterization of Pd-doped Zeolite Templated Carbons for Hydrogen Storage.’(Poster).
  • Eric Masika, Richard Bourne, Thomas Chamberlain and Robert Mokaya, 34th Annual British Zeolite Association Conference, Edinburgh, 11 -13th April 2011, ‘Supercritical CO2 mediated Incorporation of Palladium Nanoparticles into Zeolite Templated Carbons with enhanced Hydrogen Storage; (Presentation).
  • Eric Masika and Robert Mokaya, 34th Annual British Zeolite Association Conference, Edinburgh, 11 - 13th April 2011. ‘Mesoporous Aluminosilicates via Molecular Templating; (Poster).
  • Eric Masika and Robert Mokaya, Driving innovation in Chemistry and Engineering Lectures, The University of Nottingham, 12th March 2010, ‘Templating Routes to Nanostructured and Mesostructured Porous Materials;.(Presentation).
  • Eric Masika and Robert Mokaya, 2010 Physical Chemistry Postgraduate Symposium, 9th July 2010. ‘Synthesis and Characterization of Pd-doped Zeolite Templated Carbons for Hydrogen Storage; (Presentation).
  • Eric Masika and Martyn Poliakoff, MSc. Nanoscience (2007/2008 ) Research day, The University of Nottingham, 21st August 2008;‘The Supercritical Hydrothermal Synthesis of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles; (Presentation).

QUALITY TEACHING, LEARNING, AND MENTORSHIP

Students Evaluations

  • SCH 101 Introduction to Physical Chemistry – Academic Year; 2019/2020 – First Semester.
  • SCH 201 Chemical Thermodynamics - Academic Year; 2014/2015 – First Semester.
  • SCH 852 Heterogeneous Kinetics and Equilibria - Academic Year; 2014/2015 – First Semester.

Training in Higher Education

  • The Anatomy of 21st Century Empowered Educator Six Module course in the Extend Africa (EXT-AFR) programme offered by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) in partnership with Digital School of Virtual and Open Learning, Kenyatta University.
  • Developing People and Enabling Practice (DPEP) course while tutoring a group six academic staff by Staff Education Development Association (SEDA) of UK: March. 2020 to November 2020.
  • Research Writing in the Sciences by INSAP (AUTHORAID); in Collaboration with Royal Society of Chemistry/Pan Africa Chemistry Network; 10th September 2019 to 9th December 2019.
  • The Study Tour on Start-Up Development: the joint project “Collaboration for Entrepreneurial Universities-CEPU” conducted by the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, the University of Leipzig, Wismar University of Applied Sciences and Leuphana University as well as Kenyatta University and Mount Kenya University Leipzig Germany; between 23rd to 29th June 2019.
  • Partnerships in Enhanced Blended Learning (PEBL) Training on Interactive Content Development, Online Facilitation and Staff Capacity Development by Staff Education Development Association (SEDA) of UK: Feb. 2018 to Dec 2018.
  • Intensive Learning and Teaching Programme (ILTP) Course in Higher Education Learning and Teaching with main focus on enhancement of skills for teachers and supporters of student learning; Venue:- The University of Nottingham; Dates:- 17th -22nd June 2011.
  • Advanced presentation skills, skills for demonstrating in chemistry laboratories, marking and assessment for scientists and a practical look at core teaching skills.

PROFESSIONAL / CONSULTANCY

Networks/Collaborations

  • Spearheaded the University of Nottingham –Kenyatta University Collaboration.

Consulting for organizations/institutions

·           Eric Masika; Programme Localiser and Tutor for Extend-Africa (EXT-AFR); Jan 2020 –May 2022.

·           Eric Masika; Supported Co-Facilitator in Digital Literacy Lab for Educators in Global Perspective; By Commonwealth of Learning (COL); 28th April 2021 – 9th June 2021.

·         Eric Masika; The Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) Natural Sciences Online Outreach 17th October 2020. (Talk)

·         Eric Masika; Representative of Pan Africa Chemistry Network/Royal Society of Chemistry at Kenya Science and Engineering Fair 2018; 11th -13th April 2018. (Award of Chemistry Prizes)

·           Committee Member Department of Chemistry Consultancy Unit (KU-DCCU); accredited by Pest Control Products Board (PCPB): Since April 2016 – to May 2018.

·           Stakeholders Workshop for Program Development; MSc Material Sciences_ Multimedia University of Kenya; Thursday 29th October 2015.

MEMBERSHIP TO ACADEMIC / PROFESSIONAL BODIES

·         Committee Member – PACN/RSC Local Management Committee- since Jan 2017 to Date

·         Member:- Royal Society of Chemistry since April 2014 to Date

·         Member: Kenya Chemical Society since January, 2014 to Date

·         Member:- British Zeolite Association since April 2011 to April 2012

·         Committee Member:-The Royal Society of Chemistry East Midlands Section Trust; from November 2008 to March 2013.

·         Associate Member: - Royal Society of Chemistry since September 2008 to January 2014.

·         Member: - Midlands Physics Alliance Graduate School since January 2008 to January 2009.

Any other (Editorship/Peer review, external examiner, etc)

  •  External Examiner: University of Johannesburg, Effective April 2022
    MSc Thesis: “Application of TiO2 …..”
  • Journal Reviewer: PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases; January 2021.
  • External Examiner: Nelson Mandela African Institution of Sciences and Technology, effective November 2020. MSc. Thesis; “Development of electrochemical sensor using Ta2O5……”.
  •  KNEC Examiner, 233/2 (Chemistry Paper 2); November 1999 to September 2007.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

Recognized university administrative positions

·           Deputy Director Student Affairs; From November 2022 to Date.

·           Ag. Director, Centre for Teacher Professional Development and Excellence; 4th March 2019- 5th May 2019.

·           Coordinator, Continuing Education Programme (CEP), Digital School; 12th Jan, 2018 to November 2022.

·           Digital School Coordinator for School of Pure and Applied Sciences since July 2014 to June 2017.

Other responsibilities in the university 

·           Ag. Director, International Programmes and Collaborations; 3rd -19th Dec, 2018.

·           Ag. Dean, Digital School; 16th – 23rd April 2018

·           In charge of Departmental Website: Chemistry Department since August 2016 to Date

·           Team Lead for BEd. (Science) Department Curriculum review: Sept. 2016 to date

·           Zonal Coordinator: Teaching Practice and Mentorship since March 2016 to Feb 2018

·           STEP Trainer: Since March 2015 – to - Date

·           Assistant Examination Coordinator: Chemistry Department; Since Oct 2015- to- January 2018

·           Teaching Practice Supervisor since May 2014 to Date

·           Team Leader – Departmental Secretariat since May 2014 to Date

·           Committee Member – Departmental MSc Industrial Chemistry review committee since May 2014 to Date

·           Mentor; Kenyatta University Mentorship Programme since March 2014 to Date.