Ms. Abisaki Esitsakha from Machakos University participating in PhD Traineeship programme in Freiberg University of Mining and Technology

Ms. Abisaki Esitsakha, a PhD in Chemistry student in the Department of Physical Sciences, Machakos University is currently undertaking a six-month PhD traineeship program at Freiberg University of Mining and Technology (TU Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF)) in Germany under ERASMUS+ project.

During the six months stay, she will be carrying out part of her research on “application of innovative modified membranes in the remediation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in mining-impacted water in Kakamega and Migori counties”. The work involves synthesis of novel membranes for selective and efficient filtration of heavy metals in water. The membranes are being designed for real-world application in contaminated mine water systems, which aligns with global efforts toward sustainable mining and water purification technologies.

Alongside her laboratory research, she is actively engaged in weekly capacity-building training sessions, international conferences and seminars at TUBAF, which serve as key platforms for networking, exchanging ideas, and scientific collaboration. Ms. Esitsakha is also taking coursework in surface chemistry and electrospinning to enhance her understanding of polymer functionalization, characterization techniques and water treatment technologies.

The PhD Traineeship programme offers a unique opportunity to postgraduate students to collaborate with leading scientists in their field of research significantly contributing to the advancement of their doctoral research and professional development.