1991, BSc in Education; 1998, MSc; currently, final year PhD candidate, Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Jomo Kenyatta University. Over 12 years' experience teaching at university level; involved in science curriculum development; involved in research in leishmaniasis, HIV, AIDS and Malaria; widely published in peer-reviewed journals. Recipient, Star of Excellence Award in teaching. With regards to my participation in the IAP Young Scientists Conference in 2008 - my experience was awesome. Interacting with my peers built confidence in me and convinced me to fully commit myself to the advancement of science in Kenya. From a research perspective, I then applied for numerous research grants with the hope of carrying out cutting-edge research and publishing in peer-reviewed journals. I was lucky - I obtained 100,000 US $ from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to carry out research on the development of biological control tools for the control of vectors of visceral leishmaniosis in Kenya. This grant has enabled me to work with a team of 15 young Kenyan scientists and results will soon be published. Through my participation in the IAP Young Scientist Conference, and subsequent membership of the Global Young Academy (GYA) I can see the enormous potential that I have and the opportunities available for young African scientists. I hope to keep the momentum going and help set up a Young Academy of Sciences for Africa. I congratulate IAP on the excellent work they are doing.