Dr. Eric Masika MRSC

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: Senior Lecturer and Researcher Area of Specialization: New types of nanostructured inorganic and carbonaceous porous solids for gas adsorption (for environmental remediation), water purification, and Biosensors. Research Interests: Probing porous nanomaterials and applications in electro biosensors, dye-sensitized Solar cells, sustainable energy storage, 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, Digital literacy and simulations in the study of chemistry Google Scholar | ORCID ID | Download CV

CAREER PROFILE

Dr. Eric Masika is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of Chemistry at Kenyatta University. He holds a PhD in Chemistry and an MSc in Nanoscience from the University of Nottingham, UK; a PGDE from Moi University; and a BSc in Chemistry from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
His research focuses on the design and application of novel nanostructured inorganic and carbonaceous porous solid adsorbents for sustainable energy storage, electrode materials & water purification and biosensors & encapsulation technologies. He is currently leading the Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF) African Host Institution project as the primary supervisor; focusing on electrochemical detection and batch-mode adsorption removal of mercury and cyanide using accessible, eco-friendly nanomaterials. In parallel, he continues to advance the integration of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology into departmental’s curriculum and foster industry partnerships for potential roll-up.
Dr. Masika has spearheaded several impactful initiatives; including coordinating a successful pilot of Labster virtual simulation laboratories for science education—featured in Commonwealth of Learning news—and facilitating the signing of an MoU between the University of Nottingham and Kenyatta University, which led to the Nottingham–Kenya: Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education Innovation and Reform (SPHEIR) project for transforming Chemistry and Pharmacy programmes.
An accomplished scholar with over twenty peer reviewed publications (three more in progress), he has 862 citations and an h-index of 12 (Google Scholar). His teaching portfolio includes Physical Chemistry and Nanoscience/Nanotechnology, alongside leadership in curriculum development. As a certified recipient of the Technology Enhanced Learning Continuing Professional Development Award from the UK’s Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA), he has completed the Supporting Technology Enhanced Learning (STEL) course and serves as a Developing People and Enhancing Practice (DPEP) tutor under SPHEIR, training e-moderators in higher education.
As part of the KU Digital School training team, he has trained over 1,000 academic staff in blended learning, including the design of interactive modules, online facilitation, and assessment moderation. He recently completed a two-year term as Deputy Director of Student Affairs, where he led programmes to enhance student engagement, wellbeing, and overall university experience.

 PUBLICATIONS

 Referred Journals

• Bernadatte M Ratemo, Benson M Wachira, Eric Masika, Margaret M Ng’ang’a, Ahmed Hassanali and Paul O Mireji, Controlling Rate of Release of Tsetse Fly Repellent Blend by Encapsulating in β‐Cyclodextrin Nanoparticles, Journal of Nanotechnology, Wiley, Vol. 2025 Issue 1; (2025) 6677970 - 8,
• Marylyn Mugure Gathiru, Emilly Obuya, Naumih M. Noah and Eric Masika, Biosynthesized and chemically synthesized Ag/TiO2 nanocomposites: Effect of reaction parameters on synthesis using watermelon rind extract and comparative analysis, Heliyon, Volume 10, Issue 15, (2024), e35284
• Daniel Murage, Masika and W. A. Wanyonyi, Adsorption of Lead (ii), Chromium (vi) and Manganese (ii) metal ions from water using modified Pennisetum purpureum Schumach plant stalk, African Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences; Vol. 3; Issue 2 (2022) 213-220
• Okumu Mary Assumptor, Eric Masika and Karanja Thiong’o, Probing Optimal Blends of Pozzolans to Develop Supplementary Cementing Material Within Busia County, Kenya; IOSR Journal of Applied Physics (IOSR-JAP), e-ISSN: 2278-4861.Volume 12, Issue 2 Ser. III (2020), PP 59-69
• Micheal Ndikau, N. Noah, D. M. Andala and 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; 8^th 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; 3^rd May 2021.

SCHOLARLY PRESENTATIONS AT CONFERENCES / WORKSHOPS / SEMINARS

• Eric Masika; Jove Webinar "Experiential Learning in STEM⁺: Practical Strategies for Impactful Teaching"; Zoom; 24^th July 2025.
• Eric Masika; KCS Workshop Certificate of Participation; Chemistry for Sustainable Development Goals, held at University of Nairobi, Chiromo Campus, 7^th December 2024.
• Eric Masika; One Day Workshop on Electron Microscopy; Organized by Vision Scientific and Engineering Kenya Limited in collaboration with ThermoFisher Scientific held at Panari Hotel, Nairobi- Kenya on 31st October 2022.
• Eric Masika; Leadership & Strategy Development Workshop; By Collaboration for Entrepreneurial Universities ((CEPU) Workshop Series IV; Kenyatta University 1^st – 7^th 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, 11^th – 19^th November 2019.
• Eric Masika; Building a Diversified and Transformative Workforce for the 21^st Century Job Market; by Directorate of Career Development and Mentoring Programmes; 22^nd October 2019.
• Eric Masika; Training of Trainers Workshop for Staff Mentors and Growing Leaders Facilitators; by Directorate of Career Development and Mentoring Programmes;7^th November 2019.
• Eric Masika; Leadership & Strategy Development Workshop; By Collaboration for Entrepreneurial Universities ((CEPU) Workshop Series III; Kenyatta University 1^st October 2019.
• Eric Masika; CEPU Training for Service-Oriented Administrations; By Collaboration for Entrepreneurial Universities ((CEPU) Workshop Series; Kenyatta University 11^th -13^th June 2019.
• Eric Masika; Leadership & Strategy Development Workshop; By Collaboration for Entrepreneurial Universities ((CEPU) Workshop Series; Kenyatta University 12^th -14^th 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. 6^th - 8^th 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 -1^st November 2018.
• Eric Masika; HEInnovate Assessment Tool Workshop II; _CEPU Project _ Kenyatta University; 4^th October 2018.
• Eric Masika; Leadership & Strategy Development Workshop; By Collaboration for Entrepreneurial Universities ((CEPU) Workshop Series; Kenyatta University 3^rd October 2018.
• Eric Masika; HEInnovate Assessment Tool Workshop; _CEPU Project _ Kenyatta University; 19^th 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 27^th November – 6^th December 2017. (Participation)
• Michael Ndikau, Naumih M. Noah, Dickson M. Andala, Eric Masika; 9^th Kenya Chemical Society (KCS) International Conference- USIU-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya 9^th-12^th 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; 30^th November -2^nd December 2016.
• Eric Masika; KCS Nairobi Chapter Symposium; Theme – Chemistry for Sustainable Development; Nairobi, Kenya – 23^rd April 2016.
• Eric Masika; The 8^th International Kenya Chemical Society Conference; Theme – Applied Chemistry and Technology in Industry; held at The University of Nairobi, Chiromo Campus, Millennium Hall; 5^th – 8^th May 2015.
• Eric Masika, 5^th 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 15^th February 2014 (Attendance).
• Eric Masika: 1^st 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, 13^th and 14^th September 2011 ‘Synthesis and Characterization of Pd-doped Zeolite Templated Carbons for Hydrogen Storage.’(Poster).
• Eric Masika, Richard Bourne, Thomas Chamberlain and Robert Mokaya, 34^th Annual British Zeolite Association Conference, Edinburgh, 11 -13^th April 2011, ‘Supercritical CO₂ mediated Incorporation of Palladium Nanoparticles into Zeolite Templated Carbons with enhanced Hydrogen Storage; (Presentation).
• Eric Masika and Robert Mokaya, 34^th Annual British Zeolite Association Conference, Edinburgh, 11 - 13^th April 2011. ‘Mesoporous Aluminosilicates via Molecular Templating; (Poster).
• Eric Masika and Robert Mokaya, Driving innovation in Chemistry and Engineering Lectures, The University of Nottingham, 12^th 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, 21^st August 2008;‘The Supercritical Hydrothermal Synthesis of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles; (Presentation).

QUALITY TEACHING, LEARNING, AND MENTORSHIP

Students Evaluations

• SCH 401 Electrochemistry - Academic Year; 2024/2025– Second Semester.
• SCH 429 Applied Electrochemistry - Academic Year; 2024/2025– Second Semester.
• 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

• Strengthening Postgraduate Supervision Course; by Centre for Postgraduate Studies (CPGS), Rhodes University; 8^th June 2024; (online).
• 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; 10^th September 2019 to 9^th 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 23^rd to 29^th 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:- 17^th -22^nd 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); 28^th April 2021 – 9^th June 2021.

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

·         Eric Masika; Representative of Pan Africa Chemistry Network/Royal Society of Chemistry at Kenya Science and Engineering Fair 2018; 11^th -13^th 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 29^th 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; 4^th March 2019- 5^th 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; 3^rd -19^th Dec, 2018.

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