Ms. Sophie J. Kipkwony

Designation: Tutorial Fellow
Contact: 0720046651
Email: sophy.kipkwony@dkut.ac.ke
School/Institute: Geothermal Energy Training and Research Institute (GeTRI)
Department: Department of Geology

Areas of Expertise

  • Geology, Geophysics, Geohazards, Seismology, and Earthquake engineering.

Academic Background

Qualification Institution Year
 Doctor of Geology (Seismology)  University of Nairobi with partial supervision from Uppsala
University and German Research Centre for Geoscience, Potsdam, Germany		  2019 – Present
 Master of Science in Geology  University of Nairobi  2014 – 2017
 Bachelor of Science in Geology  University of Nairobi  2010 – 2014

Work Experience

  • July 2019 – Present: Tutorial Fellow, Geothermal Energy Training and Research Institute, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Nyeri, Kenya.
  • 2017 – Present: Lead consultant at SeismoTech, Geosurvey and Engineering ltd
  • 2018 – 2019: Geologist and geology and geotechnical assistant Egis Eau Kenya, Nairobi
  • 2017 – 2019: Chief Geologist Treavic Geosystems & Engineering Ltd, Nairobi.

Other University and National Responsibilities

  • 2020 – Present: Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Exam Coordinator, GeTRI.

Social Responsibilities

  • 2020 – Present: Patron Rocketeers R & D society of Kenya-Student Organizations.

Publications

  • Accepted Paper – Assessment of seismic Hazard in Kenya and its vicinity.

Papers presented in Conferences, Seminars and Workshops

  • Assessment of seismic Hazard in Kenya and its vicinity.

Awards, Scholarships and Recognitions

  • 2019-Present: PhD. Scholarship by International Science Program (ISP) through the international Program for Physical Sciences (IPPS).
  • 2014-2017: Masters Scholarship by International Science Program (ISP) through the international Program for Physical Sciences (IPPS).

Other Academic and Professional Achievements

  • 10 Sept- 6 Oct 2018: The International Training Courses on ‘Seismology, Seismic Data Analysis, Hazard Assessment and Risk Mitigation, Accra Ghana.
  • October 2017-February 2019: Internship at Treavic Geosystems & Engineering Ltd, Nairobi.
  • November 2nd to 24th 2014: Short Course IX on Exploration for Geothermal Resources at Naivasha/Baringo Facilitated by UNU-GTP, GDC and KeNGEN.

Research

  • PhD Research: University of Nairobi
    Seismic Hazard, Ground Motion Response Analysis and Microzonation Studies for Nairobi Region.
  • Masters Research: Assessment of seismic Hazard in Kenya and its vicinity.

Postgraduate Thesis Supervision and Examination (Start with the most current, completed and then ongoing)

  1. Doctorate-Prof. Justus Barongo and Dr. Zachariah Kuria of University of Nairobi, Kenya, Roland Robert of Uppsala University Sweden and Dino Bindi of German Research Centre for Geoscience, Potsdam, Germany.
  2. Masters: Prof Justus Barongo of University of Nairobi.

Conference and Workshops

  • 8th -10th Oct 2018: International Conference on the East African Rift System, EARS, Dar es Salaam.
  • 9th Nov- 27 Nov 2015: Earthquake training facilitated by Institute of Geophysics, China Earthquake administration and University of Nairobi.
  • 22 Jan- 22 Feb 2015: Seismology training, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.
  • April 29th – 30th 2014: Kenya Water Resource Capacity Building, collaboration between US Army Corps of Engineers, African Command, Kenya Defence Forces, Ministry of Water and Resource Management Authority and University of Nairobi.

Affiliation/Membership to Professional Bodies

  • Member of GSK.
  • Member of CTBTO youth group.
  • Member of International Geothermal Association-Africa Regional Branch (IGA-ARB).

Computer Skills

  • Programming: MATLAB
  • Applications: MS Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, OneNote), Adobe Illustrator