Dr. Mueni Mulwa, a dedicated Computational Physics Lecturer at Egerton University, is making significant strides in Kenya's STEM landscape. In 2019, she won a Kenya Education Network (KENET) Computational Modelling and Materials Sciences (CMMS) innovation grant worth Kes. 1.5 million. This was to support her research on Density Functional Theory investigation of possible Fe2 P-type materials for near-room temperature refrigeration. Her journey, fueled by passion, mentorship, and the timely support of the KENET, Dr. Mulwa has not only established the university’s first Computational Laboratory but also shaped the future of many aspiring physicists. 

Dr. Mulwa’s journey into density functional theory (DFT) and its application to materials science began with uncertainty but soon evolved into a passion. After completing her undergraduate studies, she was introduced to DFT by her supervisors, Prof. George Amollo and Dr. Nicholas Makao. Despite initial reservations about her computational skills, she was encouraged to delve into this new field. “I didn’t have the money for experimental research, but I felt that venturing into a new field in physics would open doors to fertile grants and opportunities,” she explains. Her decision proved fruitful, leading her to numerous conferences and workshops where she further honed her skills and solidified her interest in DFT. It was through Prof. George Amollo that she first learned about the KENET Innovation Grants, a moment that would later prove pivotal in her career.  

Dr. Mulwa’s research team is a testament to her dedication to nurturing talent. The team comprised of two PhD candidates and several master's students, her team is deeply involved in groundbreaking research in magnetic refrigeration—a field that holds the potential to revolutionize energy consumption and preservation methods. Among her team members is Dr. Ann Mwende Thirika, who recently completed her PhD on magnetic refrigeration, and Edward Tindibale, who is set to graduate next year. 

The KENET Innovation Grant has been instrumental in Dr. Mulwa’s research journey. The grant provided the necessary funds to equip her lab with high-quality equipment, laying the groundwork for her groundbreaking research. “This was my first time winning a grant, and KENET managed it perfectly. They were always there when I needed the funds, and they even trained me to manage grants on my own,” she says. The support from KENET has not only enabled her research but also empowered her to mentor and guide the next generation of computational physicists. 

The lab, which was established with the support of KENET, has also become a hub for students from other institutions. “I supervise students from various universities that do not have a computational physics lecturer. They visit my lab at Egerton to work on their projects, thanks to the infrastructure provided by KENET,” says Dr. Mulwa. This collaborative environment has extended the impact of KENET’s support beyond Egerton, benefiting the wider computational physics community in Kenya. 

One of Dr. Mulwa’s significant research achievements is the development of near-room temperature refrigeration technology using Fe₂P-type materials. This technology, which can lower temperatures to 4 degrees Celsius, has been successfully tested in the preservation of camel milk and mango juice. “Electricity is not cheap, and we are developing an alternative energy source using powerful magnets for a strong magnetic field. This clean and affordable energy is crucial in today’s world,” she notes. Although still in its preliminary stages, this technology has the potential to significantly impact energy consumption in Kenya and beyond. 

As Dr. Mulwa reflects on her journey, she acknowledges the significant role that KENET has played in her success. However, she also sees room for growth and improvement. “The KENET grant was a seed grant that helped me start my lab. Now, I am looking to apply for a higher grant to improve the lab’s maintenance and growth,” she suggests. Her recommendation underscores the need for ongoing support to sustain and expand the impact of innovative research in Kenya. 

In conclusion, Dr. Winfred Mueni Mulwa’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and the power of mentorship and support. Through her pioneering work in computational physics and her unwavering commitment to her students, she has not only advanced her field but also laid the foundation for future generations of physicists in Kenya. The KENET Innovation Grant, which provided the initial spark for her journey, continues to fuel her research and inspire others to follow in her footsteps.