Dr. Beatrice Irungu

Dr Irungu is a Senior Principal Research Scientist and Head Chemical Sciences Division at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Nairobi and has over ten years post doctorate research experience. Her research on herbal and traditional medicine seeks to isolate and characterize bioactive molecules with antimicrobial activity against ESKAPE pathogens and recently, to develop antimicrobial herbal based products for use against skin infections. Previously, she focused on isolating antiplasmodial and cytotoxic compounds. She has authored/co-authored multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals in the area of natural products drug discovery. Additionally, she has mentored and co-supervised 5 MSc and 2 PhD students. Her other research interest is to advance equity in public health research through an increased understanding of how environmental chemicals present in personal care products, especially endocrine disrupting chemicals such as phthalates, phenols, and parabens, influence population health and health equity.