Egerton University Director of Research, Prof George Owuor, has urged newly admitted students to embrace critical thinking, research and innovation as they begin their academic journey at the University.Speaking during the second day of the first-year orientation programme, Prof Owuor challenged the students to view themselves not only as learners but also as future researchers and innovators capable of contributing solutions to challenges facing society.He explained the University’s research and innovation ecosystem, noting that students have access to mentorship from University academics and opportunities to develop their ideas into viable innovations.Prof Owuor introduced the students to the Technology Transfer Officer, Dr Momanyi Joseph Segera, who is responsible for supporting student-led innovations.
“We support students’ ideas and incubate them under the Student-Led Innovations Platform. This is a frontline activity we engage in, and this is the person responsible for listening to your ideas,” said Prof Owuor.He explained that promising student innovations can receive support from the initial stages of development through patenting and registration, up to commercialisation.Prof Owuor further encouraged students to participate in research projects undertaken by University academics as research assistants. He said such engagements provide practical experience while enabling students to earn stipends.
“When doing research, you can assist as research assistants and earn a stipend. These are steps that prepare you from being data collectors, to data analysts, until you grow into being a full researcher who can be mentored into writing proposals for funding, writing research papers and so much more,” he explained.
The presentation also provided a practical demonstration of the University’s support for student innovation when Dr Segera received Mr Mungeria Paul Gitonga, a first-year student pursuing Agricultural Extension, who presented a patented idea titled A Distributed Secure Wireless Communication and Zero-Knowledge Identity Architecture.
Director of Research Prof George Owuor shares a moment with Technology Transfer Officer Dr Momanyi Joseph Segera following a presentation on research, innovation and student-led innovations at Egerton University.
Prof Owuor noted that although Egerton University has strong historical expertise in agriculture, it remains a comprehensive university offering programmes across diverse disciplines, including Science, Arts, Health, Agriculture, Engineering, Law and Environment, among others.He urged students from all disciplines to recognise research and innovation as opportunities that cut across academic fields.
Dean of Students, Dr Japhet Muthamia, welcomed Prof Owuor’s remarks, emphasising the importance of exposing students to opportunities available within the University.
Also present were Prof Fred N. Keraro, Director of the School of Distance Learning; Assistant Dean of Students Justine Omwoyo; and the Chief Halls Officer.
