Portrait photo of Evans Were

Evans Were

Postdoctoral Researcher, Environmental Engineering
Postdoctoral researcher in microbial ecology and hygiene aspects of bioconversion using larvae of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens).

Presentation

My current research integrates classical and molecular microbiology techniques with analytical chemistry to investigate the fate and mechanisms of infectious (micro)biological agents during bioconversion of biowaste using larvae of H. illucens. These efforts are complemented by a better understanding of how process parameters impact the bioconversion process.

Larvae of H. illucens possess a remarkable ability to consume biowaste substrates and convert the nutrients into nutrient-rich larval biomass (feed) and a treatment residue called frass (biofertilizer) as key products. This emerging technology for biowaste management aligns closely with global sustainability initiatives, including One Health, UN SDGs, and could potentially provide a closed-loop approach for advancing a circular economy. Therefore, understanding the fate of infectious biological agents in the bioconversion process is crucial to ensure hygiene and safety of the process and products.

I am particularly interested in and open to interdisciplinary research collaborations at the intersection of molecular biology and environmental health within a One Health framework.

Educational credentials

2023  Ph.D Agricultural Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Germany

2017  M.Sc Molecular Biology, Makerere University, Uganda

2012  B.Sc Biological Sciences, Kyambogo University, Uganda

2010  Diploma, Biological techniques, Kyambogo University, Uganda

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