Ms Lynne Githio | Space Environment | Best Researcher Award
Ms Lynne Githio, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology, Kenya
Lynne Nkatha Githio is a dynamic graduate student specializing in space environment research, with a focus on ionospheric physics and space weather. Currently pursuing her Master of Science at Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), she is actively exploring ionospheric irregularities such as plasma bubbles and Travelling Ionospheric Disturbances (TIDs) and their impact on GNSS accuracy. Lynne has a robust academic background, having graduated with First Class Honors in Control and Instrumentation from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). She has proven leadership capabilities as the Secretary General for the International Students’ Association at E-JUST. Her technical skills include programming in C, C++, and MATLAB, along with experience in GNSS signal processing. With a passion for collaborative research and problem-solving, Lynne is determined to contribute meaningfully to space research innovations.
Publication Profile
Strengths for the Award
Lynne Githio demonstrates exceptional academic and research capabilities, specifically in the field of space environment and ionospheric physics. Her work on ionospheric irregularities and their impact on GNSS positioning has practical significance in space weather studies. Her experience as a lab assistant and leadership as the Secretary General for the International Students’ Association reflects her teamwork and organizational skills. Additionally, Lynne’s use of advanced programming languages (C, C++, MATLAB) and GNSS signal processing is essential for modern space physics research. Her collaborative research publication on plasma bubbles using machine learning exemplifies her innovative approach.
Areas for Improvement
Lynne could expand her technical repertoire by gaining more in-depth experience in Python programming, which is critical in modern research. Additionally, gaining more exposure to hands-on satellite technology and fieldwork in ionospheric studies would complement her strong academic foundation.
Education
Lynne Nkatha Githio is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Space Environment at Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), where she delves into critical topics such as ionospheric physics, space plasma physics, and space weather. Her research focuses on ionospheric irregularities and their impact on GNSS positioning systems, which include plasma bubbles and Travelling Ionospheric Disturbances (TIDs). She has demonstrated strong leadership as the Secretary General of the International Students’ Association at E-JUST. Before this, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Control and Instrumentation from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), graduating with First Class Honors. During her undergraduate studies, Lynne actively participated in departmental activities, serving as a delegate in the physics department. She also participated in key projects, showcasing her analytical and research capabilities that contributed to her academic achievements.
Experience
Lynne Nkatha Githio’s work experience is grounded in her role as a lab assistant and technician at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), where she worked from January to April 2022. During this period, Lynne provided key support in setting up physics experiments and ensured that all equipment and materials were arranged effectively. She guided undergraduate students, fostering a collaborative learning environment, and took on additional responsibilities such as exam supervision and grading lab reports. Her leadership skills have also been demonstrated in her role as Secretary General of the International Students’ Association at E-JUST, where she actively supports international student initiatives. Lynne’s technical expertise spans GNSS signal processing, C/C++ and MATLAB programming, and basic Python programming, which she leverages to contribute to her ongoing research in space environment and ionospheric physics.
Awards and Honors
Lynne Nkatha Githio has been recognized for her innovative approach to space environment research. One of her notable achievements is the design and development of a mini satellite payload (CanSat) that was launched in the troposphere using a drone. The satellite successfully monitored atmospheric parameters such as temperature, pressure, and UV levels at an apogee altitude of 1,720 meters. This project earned her second place at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Tech Expo 11.0 in November 2021. Lynne has also participated in various international workshops and colloquiums, including the International Colloquium on Equatorial and Low Latitude Ionosphere (ICELLI) in 2023. These recognitions underscore her dedication to advancing space environment research and her contributions to atmospheric monitoring and space weather studies.
Research Focus
Lynne Nkatha Githio’s research is focused on ionospheric physics and space weather, with particular attention to ionospheric irregularities like plasma bubbles and Travelling Ionospheric Disturbances (TIDs). Her work investigates how these irregularities influence GNSS signal processing and positioning accuracy, a crucial area for enhancing the reliability of satellite-based systems. Lynne is also interested in understanding the dynamics of the equatorial ionosphere, including the formation and evolution of plasma bubbles. Her ongoing research at Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) integrates computational methods using MATLAB to model ionospheric disturbances. With a long-term goal of advancing space environment research, Lynne is committed to exploring innovative solutions that contribute to the understanding of space weather’s impact on satellite communications and navigation systems.