Dr Tabitha A. Amollo

Dr Tabitha Amollo specialises in solid-state physics and materials sciences. With her research, she aims to develop cutting-edge solar energy conversion nanomaterials to fabricate a solar-driven refrigeration system. Energy devices (solar cells and thermoelectric power generators) are built from graphene and germanium quantum dots-based nanomaterials. The devices will revolutionise sustainable energy in the health and agricultural sectors, contributing to the achievement of accessible, portable, reliable and clean energy sources in Africa.

This technology (organic photovoltaics) will have an impact on socio-economic factors and extend into technological advancements on the African continent. As a renewable energy source, it will positively impact the problem of climate change. Graphene is seen as the “wonder material” of the century, and is characterised by high carrier mobility, optical transparency, its surface area, material flexibility and mechanical strength. It is therefore seamless for use in organic solar cells for the effective conversion of solar energy to electricity. By combining metallic nanoparticles and graphene nanomaterials, the result is high-performance solar cells for the fabrication of portable refrigeration units that can be useful in diverse sectors. In the health sector, it can be adopted for the preservation of drugs and vaccines, while in the agricultural sector, for perishable farm produce – both examples reaching remote rural areas. Reliable energy supply and refrigeration are critical to socio-economic and technological advancement, health and food security.

Dr Amollo resumed her work as a lecturer at Egerton University, where she has been appointed as Chairperson of the Department of Physics; the programme academic leader of the Bachelor of Science, Physics; and a board member of the Institute of Women, Gender and Development Studies. She has authored two book chapters published by the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Taylor & Francis Group.

While carving a niche for herself through innovative scientific research that translates into alleviating societal challenges, Dr Amollo is also a mentor to youth, focusing on the girl child in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. She is dedicated to innovative scientific research that solves problems facing Africa, working in a transdisciplinary manner in order to translate research outcomes to society explicitly.

The study will make essential contributions that fill gaps in the literature. It will demonstrate the roles of social origin and environmental awareness in energy decisions. As an African who has witnessed first-hand the adverse effects of poverty, disease and inadequate access to modern infrastructure, the continent’s development means a lot, particularly in terms of sustainability.

Dr Tabitha Amollo is a lecturer in the Department of Physics, Egerton University, Kenya. She holds a PhD in Physics (Solid-State Physics and Materials Sciences) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and an MSc in Physics (Solid-State Physics) from Egerton University. Her fields of unique specialisation are nanotechnology and nanomaterials, organic photovoltaics and thermoelectricity. Her research focuses on developing cutting-edge nanomaterials for energy conversion devices, including graphene nanomaterials. She has authored two book chapters and several articles in high-impact journals. Dr Amollo is a recipient of the World Academy of Sciences research grant (2020).