Bright Nsolebna Jaato
Jaato’s research focuses on using simple synthesis techniques to prepare low-cost, scalable and environmentally friendly nanomaterials for water treatment. His work is inspired by the significance of access to safe drinking water for development, poverty reduction and good health. As reported by WHO, about 10% of the total burden of disease globally could be prevented by improving drinking water, sanitation, hygiene and water resource management. Diseases like diarrhea (causing 1.5 million deaths yearly), childhood underweight (causing 70,000 deaths annually), and the transmission of intestinal nematode infections, are preventable. Jaato’s work looks to contribute to the provision of safe water systems for this population to ensure their health safety. He has also mastered various applications such as JMP Pro, COMSOL, Origin and Python which significantly contribute to his research progress.
As part of his extracurricular activities, he is heavily involved in various community-based STEM activities. He has served as WASH Research Officer for the Cambridge Development Initiative (CDI) and has been involved as a researcher in a project that assessed the possible use of solar techniques for water purification in Tanzania. Jaato quotes that “whereas Black people have greatly impacted society with their scientific contributions, they are still underrepresented”. Diversity and inclusion in STEM will result in rich and innovative solutions to global challenges. |