Kenyan Woman Leads Cutting-Edge Research in Queensland, Australia

Hemanshi Galaiya, a Kenyan doctoral candidate in Biotechnology at the University of Queensland, Australia, is making significant strides in her field while maintaining a lighthearted approach to life.

Known for her practical nature, exemplified by the screwdriver she carries, Galaiya balances her serious academic pursuits with a keen sense of humour. Her research focuses on gas fermentation, a cutting-edge area of biotechnology with potential environmental applications. Galaiya's exceptional achievements have earned her recognition as one of the 50 finalists for the 2024 Chegg.org Global Student Prize, a prestigious award with a substantial monetary value. As the sole Kenyan finalist, she stands out not only for her academic excellence but also for her commitment to inspiring the next generation of scientists. This commitment is evident in her founding of Young Stripes, an initiative designed to engage young students with STEM subjects from an early age.

In her laboratory at the University of Queensland, Galaiya's work involves modifying bacteria to create polymers with a particular focus on developing strains that can consume carbon dioxide. This research has far-reaching implications for environmental sustainability, potentially offering innovative solutions to combat pollution. Galaiya's journey to academic success was marked by significant personal challenges. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, she endured domestic violence for much of her early life. School became her sanctuary, where she immersed herself in studies and extracurricular activities as a means of escape and self-improvement.

Despite attending a private school, she faced obstacles such as limited resources for practical science education and societal expectations that discouraged women from pursuing engineering careers. The support of her entrepreneurial mother played a crucial role in Galaiya's determination to pursue a career in STEM. A supportive physics teacher reignited her passion for science, leading her to challenge stereotypes and pursue engineering. Her academic journey culminated in a scholarship to study abroad, resulting in her graduation with high honours from the University of Sheffield, a significant achievement as the first university graduate and engineer in her family.

Galaiya's academic success is complemented by her commitment to social impact. Through various leadership roles and outreach activities, she recognized the importance of early STEM education. This realization led to the creation of Young Stripes, a social enterprise that has positively influenced over 50,000 individuals globally by providing quality STEM education to young Kenyans. Her current research in gas fermentation involves developing bacterial strains capable of converting carbon dioxide into useful products such as bioplastics. This innovative approach addresses both environmental pollution and the need for sustainable materials.

Galaiya's ambitions extend beyond her current work as she aspires to establish Kenya's first science museum to nurture curiosity and innovation in future generations. The Chegg.org Global Student Prize is a collaboration with the Varkey Foundation aimed at recognizing and amplifying the voices of students who are actively shaping a better future.