Anthony Gachanja

Professor, Department of Chemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kenya.

Motivation
The deep desire to see analytical science skills develop in Africa to a level equivalent to other parts of the world. This knowledge is critical for the development of the African continent in all sectors, including agriculture, medicine, environment, security and infrastructure.

Career highlight
First, teaming up with Steve Lancaster to start-up a hands-on training in gas chromatography with mass spectrometry for postgraduate students and research scientists in Africa (tas.txp.to/0217/frontiers). Second, being named as one of the 175 Faces of Chemistry by the Royal Chemical Society (http://rsc.li/2yVPIYo).

What makes a good mentor?
They should understand the landscape of the subject well, be deeply inspired from within, and must feel and see the depth of the subject area. They must also be able to show the way forward through leadership, going beyond the expected normal boundaries.

Nominator comment: “Anthony is a leading light for African science – as well as being an excellent researcher, he is passionate about enabling analytical science in Africa and empowering the next generation of researchers to advance science to benefit Africa’s development.”

Part of the Power List 2017

The Magnificent Tens
After 2016’s celebration of women in analytical science, we return to the Top 100 for 2017.
But there’s a twist. This summer, we asked you to nominate scientists in ten categories – from the stars of separation science, to omics explorers, to the mentors training the next generation.

Go to The Power List 2017