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DR TABITHA AMOLLO

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Staff Information
PERSONAL DETAILS
Designation
LECTURER
Corporate Email
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Job Category
Teaching
Division / Faculty
Faculty of Science
Directorate / Dept
DEPT. OF PHYSICS
Section
Academic
Address
P.O Box 536
SUMMARY

Dr. Tabitha A. Amollo is  a lecturer in the physics department of Egerton University, Kenya.  She holds a Ph.D. in Physics (solid state physics and materials sciences) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, an MSc degree in physics (solid state physics) from Egerton University  and a BED (maths/physics) from Egerton University.  Her research fields include materials and device engineering for energy conversion devices,  plasma physics, thin film and vacuum coating technologies, and nanotechnology.

ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8944-2416
ACADEMIA
https://egerton.academia.edu/TABITHAAMOLLO
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tabitha-amollo-3096a1b6/?originalSubdomain=ke
Researchgate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Amollo-A
Google Scholar
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=CKoWFc8AAAAJ&hl=en
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.) in physics, specializing in solid state physics and materials sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (2018).
  • Master of Science in Physics, specializing in solid state physics, Egerton University, Kenya (2013)
  • Bachelor of Education Science, (physics and mathematics)  Egerton University (2009)
  • Kenya Secondary School Education (2003)
FIELDS OF SPECIALIZATION

Solid state physics, Plasma physics

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

  • July 9-22, 2025          Advanced Machine Learning Techniques at EASY ML 2025, University of Nairobi; topics included fundamentals in ML, Neural networks, forward and backward propagation, unsupervised learning, convolutional neural networks, generative AI and transformers, boosted decision trees.

    June 27, 2025             Competency based education by Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) and Commission for University Education (CUE) at Egerton University

    November 2024         Effective teaching strategies that work by AAPT/APS/AAS Physics and Astronomy Faculty Teaching Institute (FTI), US. Topics: adding structure to learning environments (think-pair-share, tutorial worksheets), principles of learning

  • Nov 2024                    TWAS-UNESCO skill building workshop, topics covered; scientific research and writing, science communication, teaching and quality education, transdisciplinary research, sustainability and SDGs

  • Nov-Dec 2022     Transdisciplinary research workshop at African Early Career Researchers Meeting at University of Pretoria,  topics                                        included a systems thinking approach in                                   transdisciplinary research, team and transdisciplinary                                     science, science communication, policy engagement, 

    Sept 2022                   Resource mobilization, management, and productivity at Kenya School of Government Baringo

    Sept 2022                   Leadership: Reimagine Leadership by Future Africa

    Sept 2022.                  Workshop on public procurement processes by the public procurement regulatory authority

    Aug 2022                    Transdisciplinary research workshop at Future Africa, University of Pretoria, topics included transdisciplinary                                                research, research leadership, science communication, sustainability in research, and ethics.

    Aug 2021        Pedal (pedagogy) training edition of Egerton University, Moi University and Education and Social Sciences Research Association of Kenya (ESSRAK
WORK EXPERIENCE
  • June 2019 to date        Lecturer, Department of Physics, Egerton University, Kenya

  • Sept 2023 to Sept 2024         Visiting assistant professor, Michigan State University

  • July 2020 to Aug 2023:  Chairperson, Physics Department, Egerton University, Kenya
  • Sept 2019 to Aug 2023: Bachelor of Science (Physics) program academic leader

  • March 2022 to August 2023  Advisory Board Member, Institute of Women, Gender and Development Studies

  • June 2019 to date: Lecturer, Physics Department, Egerton University, Kenya. Teaching of both undergraduate and postgraduate physics courses. 
  • Oct 2014 to June 2019: Assistant Lecturer, Physics Department, Egerton University, Kenya
  • Feb 2016 to April 2018: Physics Tutor and Practical Demonstrator, University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Chemistry and Physics
  • Sept 2012- Sept 2014: Part time Lecturer, Physics Department, Kisii University, Kenya
  • Oct 2012- Oct 2014: Head of Science department, Kobura Girls Sec. School, Kenya

PEER REVIEW FOR JOURNALS

  1. Solar Energy, Elsevier
  2. Journal of Applied Physics
  3. MRS Communications
  4. Materials Research Express
  5. Journal of Materials Science Research and Reviews

 

KEY PROJECTS

Research Fellowships

  1. Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) African Futures Research Leadership
    Fellowship at Michigan State University, US, 2023 -2024
  2. Future Africa Research Leader Fellowship (FAR-LeaF), Future Africa, University of Pretoria, South Africa, April 2022

Research Projects

  • 2025- Co PI in the project ''Develop a Partnership for Renewable Energy Research and Education'', a Partnership for Innovative Research in Africa (PIRA) project funded by Alliance for African Partnership (AAP). USD 100,000
  • 2023-2024PI in the project ''Ion-beam assisted magnetron sputtering for the development of solar energy conversion devices'' funded by AAP. USD 60,000
  • 2022-2023 Kenyan PI in the ''Trust in Science and Science-Related Populism (TISP)'' hosted at Harvard University
  • 2022-2024  PI in the project ''Development of cutting-edge solar energy conversion nanomaterials and the fabrication of a solar-driven refrigeration system''  funded by Carnegie corporation of NewYork in the FAR-LeaF fellowship. USD 30,600
  • 2020- 2023 PI in the project ''Graphene-based nanomaterials for solar energy conversion application'' funded by TWAS. USD 11,200
RESEARCH INTERESTS
  • Photovoltaic technologies
  • Thin films technology
  • Plasma technology
  • Nanotechnology and nanomaterials
  • Vacuum coatings
  • Machine learning
  • Thermoelectricity
LIST OF PUBLICATIONS
  1.  Peter C. Wafula, Amollo T.A, Mariita Nicholas, Kanda Isaac (2025) Characterization of 3D Fault Structures in the Paka Geothermal Field Using TDR and HGM Filters on Bouguer Gravity Data: Implications for Geothermal Fluid Flow Dynamics in the Northern Kenya Rift, Journal of African Earth Sciences, 230:105748 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2025.105748
  2. Cologna V, Meiler S, Kropf CM, Lüthi S, Mede NG, Bresch DN, Lecuona O, Berger S, Besley J, Brick C, Joubert M…..Amollo T.A et al. (2025) Extreme weather event attribution predicts climate policy support across the world. Nature Climate Change. 15, pages725–735, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-025-02372-4
  3. Mede NG, Cologna V, Berger S, Besley J, Brick C, Joubert M, Maibach EW, Mihelj S, Oreskes N, Schäfer MS, Van der Linden S. Amollo T.A et al. (2025) Perceptions of science, science communication, and climate change attitudes in 68 countries–the TISP dataset. Scientific Data; 12(1):114. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-024-04100-7
  4. Cologna V, Mede NG, Berger S, Besley J, Brick C, Joubert M, Maibach EW, Mihelj S, Oreskes N, Schäfer MS, Van Der Linden S. Amollo T.A et al. (2025) Trust in scientists and their role in society across 68 countries. Nature Human Behaviour; 9(4):713-30. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-02090-5
  5. Amollo T. A. Keliang Wang, Nina Baule, Lars Haubold, Qi Hua Fan (2025) Hydrogenated diamond-like carbon films grown by a beam plasma source, Diamond and Related Materials, Volume 154, 2025, 112138, ISSN 0925-9635, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diamond.2025.112138.

  6. Amollo T. A. Keliang Wang, Bocong Zheng, Tyler Johnson, Qi Hua Fan (2024) Effects of deposition angle on the thin film quality of indium tin oxide grown by magnetron sputtering, MRS Communications, 14, 1345–1350 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1557/s43579-024-00643-3

  7. Amollo T. A (2024) Metallic nanoparticles and hybrids of metallic nanoparticles/graphene-based nanomaterials for enhanced photon harvesting and charge transport in polymer and dye sensitized solar cells Heliyon, 10 e26401 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26401
  8. Amollo T.A and Qi Hua Fan (2024) Graphene-based nanocomposites for improved performance and long-term stability in perovskite solar cells. In Nanocomposites - Properties, Preparations and Applications, IntechOpen, UK, 10.5772/intechopen.114965
  9. Chebwogen M, Nalyanya K.M, Amollo T.A, Githaiga B.M (2023) Effect of Gamma Radiation on Microbial and Bacterial Load of Hide at Preservation Stage, International Journal of Physics, 2023, Vol. 11, No. 6, 291-293
  10. Chebwogen M, Nalyanya K.M, Amollo T.A., Gachagua S. (2024), Effect of Gamma Irradiation on the Stability of Tanned Leather Textile & Leather Review (7) 550-568
  11. Amollo T. A and Nyamori V.O, (2022) Photovoltaic application of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide: Perspectives on material characteristics and device performance. In Energy Applications for 2D Nanomaterials, pp 263-278 CRC, Boca Raton, USA, edited by Ram Gupta. DOI: 10.1201/9781003178453-15
  12. Amollo T. A and Nyamori V.O, (2020) Graphene-based materials for energy conversion applications.  In Nanoscience, RSC, UK, Volume 6, pp 150-173 doi:10.1039/9781788017053-00150
  13. Amollo T.A, Mola G.T and Nyamori V.O, (2020), Improved short-circuit current density in bulk heterojunction solar cells with reduced graphene oxide-germanium dioxide nanocomposite in the photoactive layer. Materials Chemistry and Physics, 254, 123448 doi:10.1016/j.matchemphys.2020.123448
  14. Amollo T.A, Mola G.T and Nyamori V.O, (2020), Organic solar cells: Materials and prospects of graphene for active and interfacial layers. Critical Reviews in Solid State and Materials Sciences,45, 4, 261-288. org/10.1080/10408436.2019.1632791
  15. Amollo T.A, Mola G.T and Nyamori V.O, (2018), High-performance organic solar cells utilizing graphene oxide in the active and hole transport layers. Solar Energy 171 83-91. doi:10.1016/j.solener.2018.06.068
  16. Amollo T.A, Mola G.T and Nyamori V.O, (2018), Germanium quantum dot/nitrogen-doped graphene nanocomposite for high-performance bulk heterojunction solar cells. RSC Advances, 8, 21841-21849. doi:1039/C8RA04223C
  17. Amollo T.A, Mola G.T and Nyamori V.O, (2018), Polymer solar cells with reduced graphene oxide-germanium quantum dots nanocomposite in the hole transport layer. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 29, 7820-7831. doi:10.1007/s10854-018-8781-1
  18. Amollo T.A, Mola G.T Kirui M.S.K and Nyamori V.O, (2018) Graphene for thermoelectric applications: Prospects and challenges. Critical Reviews in Solid State and Materials Sciences, 43, 133-157. doi:10.1080/10408436.2017.1300871
  19. Amollo T.A, Mola G.T and Nyamori V.O, (2017), Reduced graphene oxide-germanium quantum dot nanocomposite: Electronic, optical and magnetic properties. Nanotechnology, 28, 495703. doi:10.1088/1361-6528/aa9299
  20. Amollo T.A, Kirui M.S.K, Golicha H.S.A, Kemei K and Nyakan P.O (2013), Heat dissipation in a computer. Journal of Energy Technologies and Policies,3,43-49.
  21. Amollo T.A, Kirui M.S.K, Golicha H.S.A, Kemei S.K and Omwoyo J.O (2013), Thermoelectric power Generated from Computer Waste Heat. Journal of Energy Technologies and Policies,3, 50-55.
  22. Kemei S.K, Kirui M.S.K, Ndiritu F.G, Ngumbu R.G, Odhiambo P.M and Amollo T.A, (2012) Determination of optical band gap and heat dissipation of Ga1-xMnxAs with light in UV-Vis-IR region using OSA SPECTRO 320. Advances in Physics Theories and Applications, 8, 13-24.
  23. Kemei S.K, Kirui M.S.K, Ndiritu F.G, Odhiambo P.M, Ngumbu R.G and Amollo T.A, (2012) Determination of Hall effect parameters of gallium arsenide and gallium manganese arsenide by Van De Pauw geometry. Advances in Physics Theories and Applications, 8, 1-12.
CONFERENCES & INVITED PRESENTATIONS

    1. Oral Presentation: Single beam ion source assisted magnetron sputtering for thin films deposition in solar cells production at the Transforming Energy Access TEA@SUNRISE Symposium, Durban, South Africa from 19th to 24th January 2025

    2. Oral Presentation: Electrical and optical properties of indium tin oxide thin film grown by ion beam enhanced magnetron sputtering at the International Conference on Recent Smart Material Research (ICRSMR-24), Washington DC, July 02-03, 2024
    3. Oral Presentation: Indium-free transparent conductive electrodes: Effects of deposition temperature on the thin film characteristics at the 67th Annual Society of Vacuum Coaters (SVC) Technical Conference, Chicago, Illinois, USA May 4-9, 2024
    4. Poster presentation: Effects of Deposition Angle on The Thin Film Quality of Indium Tin Oxide Grown by Magnetron Sputtering at the MRS Spring meeting and exhibit, Seattle, Washington Apr 22-26
    5. Oral Presentation: Structural and optical properties of silver sulfide/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite, at the International Conference on Nanotechnology and Materials Science, Amsterdam, Netherlands, August 03-04, 2023
    6. Oral Presentation: Influence of materials characteristics on device performance: A case study of graphene-based nanomaterials in organic solar cells, at the 15th BESSY@HZB user meeting, Berlin, Germany, 22-23 June, 2023
    7. Poster and Flash talk presentation: Improved short-circuit current density in organic solar cells with graphene oxide in the photoactive layer, to be presented at the 14th Hope Meeting with Nobel Laureates, Epochal Tsukuba, Japan, 27 Feb-04 March, 2023
    8. Keynote speaker: Cutting-edge nanomaterials for the development of solar powered refrigeration system at Materials Science Workshop: The Synchrotron Radiation Source BESSY II – Research Options for the International Science Community held on 10th and 11th Nov, 2022, Egerton Universit
    9. Oral Presentation: Magnetism in reduced graphene oxide-germanium quantum dots nanocomposite, at the 14th Biennial Egerton University International Conference held at Egerton, Kenya (March 2022)
    10. Poster presentation:  Polymer solar cells with graphene and germanium quantum dots-based nanomaterials in the photoactive layer, at the 13th Biennial Egerton University International Conference held at Egerton, Kenya (Nov 2020)
    11. Oral presentation: Polymer solar cells with reduced graphene oxide-germanium quantum dot nanocomposites in the hole transport layer, at the 23rd International Conference on Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology held in London, UK (March 2018)
    12. Oral presentation: Polymer solar cells with reduced graphene oxide-germanium quantum dot nanocomposites in the hole transport layer, at the University of KwaZulu-Natal college of Agriculture, Engineering and Science Postgraduate Research day held at UKZN Westville campus, South Africa (October 2017)
    13. Oral presentation: Quantum confinement in reduced graphene oxide-germanium quantum dot nanocomposites, at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Nanotechnology Platform workshop held at UKZN Westville campus, South Africa (November 2017)
    14. Flash talk and poster presentation: Quantum confinement in reduced graphene oxide-germanium quantum dot nanocomposite, at SACI Inorganic Chemistry Conference held in Cape Town, South Africa (June 2017)Poster presentation: Synthesis and structural properties of reduced graphene oxide-germanium nanocomposite, at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Nanotechnology Platform workshop held at UKZN Westville campus, South Africa (October 2016)
HONORS, PRIZE AND AWARDS

AWARDS

    1. Transforming Energy Access at Swansea University. Travel and subsistence to participate in the TEA@SUNRISE Symposium, Durban, South Africa from 19th to 24th January 2025. Award value: All costs covered
    2. The World Academy of Sciences. Travel and subsistence to participate in the TWAS-UNESCO skill building workshop, Dakar, Senegal, 4-8 November, 2024. Award value: All costs covered.
    3. Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB). Travel and subsistence to participate in the International Program “Light sources Meet Their Responsibility – Out-Reach To And Inclusion Of Africa” and 15th@BESSY@ HZB user meeting, Berlin, Germany on 17th-24th June, 2023. Award value: All costs covered.
    4. Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB). Travel and subsistence for MSC students Robert Ngure Oyugi, Brian O. Onyango, Mercy Chebwogen and Vincent Bungei to participate in the International Program “Light sources Meet Their Responsibility – Out-Reach To And Inclusion Of Africa” and 15th@BESSY@ HZB user meeting, Berlin, Germany on 17th-24th June, 2023. Award value: All costs covered.
    5. Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB). Sholarship for MSC student Robert Ngure Oyugi to participate in the HZB Photon School at HZB, Berlin, Germany on 27th March -6th April. Award value: All costs covered
    6. Japan Society for Promotion of Science (JSPS). Travel subsistence to participate in the 14th Hope Meeting with Nobel Laureates at Tsukuba Japan on 27th Feb-March 3rd Award value: All costs covered.
    7. Best oral presentation award at the International Conference on Nanotechnology and Materials Science, Amsterdam, Netherlands during, August 03-04, 2023
    8. University of Pretoria. Travel subsistence to participate in the African Early Career researchers meeting at the Hotel@Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa on 27th Nov -3rd Dec, 2022. Award value: All costs covered.
    9. R16,000 First prize in oral presentation category at the 2017University of KwaZulu-Natal College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science Postgraduate Research Day, South Africa
    10. South African Chemical Institute (SACI) post–graduate award for 2019
    11. University of KwaZulu-Natal doctoral research scholarship, 2016-2018
    12. UKZN Nanotechnology Platform. Bursary for doctoral studies, R120, 000. 2016-2018
    13. Best-performed female student in Suba district in the 2003 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), Kenya
TEACHING AREAS
  • Solid state physics
  • Material Science
  • Statistical Mechanics
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Electronics
  • Optics
POSTGRADUATE SUPERVISION
MASTERS LEVEL :
  1. Ms. Mercy Chebwogen (SM13/09094/20)  at the Department of Physics, Egerton University.  Graduated 2024

Title:             Investigation of 60Co Gamma irradiation as a technique for leather processing

  1. Robert Ngure Oyugi (SM13/13636/19) at the Department of Physics, Egerton University. Graduated 2025

Title: Synthesis and characterization of silver sulphide-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for application in organic solar cells

3. Vincent K. Bungei (SM13/09112/20) at the Department of Physics, Egerton University. Graduated 2025

Title: Synthesis and characterization of Zinc sulphide-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for application in dye sensitized solar cells

4. Brian Otieno Onyango (SM13/13578/19) at the Department of Physics, Egerton University. Ongoing

Title: Investigation of structural and dynamic mechanical properties of reduced graphene oxide-germanium dioxide nanocomposites

PhD. LEVEL :

1. Mr. Peter Chembeni Wafula, (SD13/22022/18) Department of Physics, Egerton University. Thesis submitted 2025

Title: Geophysical structural analysis and characterization of Paka volcano geothermal resources based on 3D inversion of gravity data

2. Nehemiah Koech (SD13/16550/18) at the Department of Physics Egerton University. Ongoing

Title: Investigation of the low-let radiological health hazards in Nakuru city and its environs, Kenya, by gamma-ray spectrometry with applications to food safety and radiation protection

OTHER SOCIETIES
  • International Solar Energy Society (ISES)
  • American Physical Society (APS)
  • Materials Research Society (MRS)
  • Society of Vacuum Coaters (SVC)
  • South African Chemical Society (SACI)
  • Global Women's Network for the Energy Transition (GWNET)
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