About me

I am a Senior Research Scientist in the Reproductive Health and Biology Division and the Seminar Coordinator at the Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE), based in Nairobi, Kenya. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Medical Bioscience and Biotechnology (2010) and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Genetics (2012) from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. I obtained my PhD in Reproductive Physiology from La Trobe University, Melbourne, in 2017, where my doctoral research focused on elucidating the role of PLAG1 in male fertility.

Following my PhD, I served as a Human Physiology Lecturer and Research Advisor at La Trobe University from 2018 to 2020. I subsequently relocated to Kenya to join KIPRE, where my research centers on investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying infertility and the development of male contraceptive strategies.

I am deeply committed to advocating for male reproductive health, with a particular focus on fertility-related issues. Through the use of social media and public engagement, I work to disseminate accurate scientific knowledge, empower men to take ownership of their reproductive health, promote positive health-seeking behaviors, and challenge taboos and stigma surrounding male reproductive health in conservative societies. Empowering men in this area also helps to redistribute the reproductive health burden that is often disproportionately placed on women within family settings.

In my role as Seminar Coordinator at KIPRE, I organize and lead weekly scientific and non-scientific seminars featuring invited local and international speakers. Additionally, I serve as a part-time Lecturer in Medical Physiology at the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) University in Kenya.

I am a Senior Research Scientist in the Reproductive Health and Biology Division and the Seminar Coordinator at the Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE), based in Nairobi, Kenya. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Medical Bioscience and Biotechnology (2010) and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Genetics (2012) from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. I obtained my PhD in Reproductive Physiology from La Trobe University, Melbourne, in 2017, where my doctoral research focused on elucidating the role of PLAG1 in male fertility.

Following my PhD, I served as a Human Physiology Lecturer and Research Advisor at La Trobe University from 2018 to 2020. I subsequently relocated to Kenya to join KIPRE, where my research centers on investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying infertility and the development of male contraceptive strategies.

I am deeply committed to advocating for male reproductive health, with a particular focus on fertility-related issues. Through the use of social media and public engagement, I work to disseminate accurate scientific knowledge, empower men to take ownership of their reproductive health, promote positive health-seeking behaviors, and challenge taboos and stigma surrounding male reproductive health in conservative societies. Empowering men in this area also helps to redistribute the reproductive health burden that is often disproportionately placed on women within family settings.

In my role as Seminar Coordinator at KIPRE, I organize and lead weekly scientific and non-scientific seminars featuring invited local and international speakers. Additionally, I serve as a part-time Lecturer in Medical Physiology at the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) University in Kenya.

Degrees:

2017
Doctorate
Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences
2012
Undergraduate
Biological Systems and Organisms
2010
Undergraduate
Biological Systems and Organisms
2010
Undergraduate
Biological Systems and Organisms

Publications resulting from Research
Apiyo PO, Nyachieo A, Juma AR, Mutai IJ, Mwethera PG, Mecha EO, Omwandho COA, Kiesel L, Götte M, Muteshi C and Jael A Obiero JA 2024 A review: Exposure to bisphenol a analogues in non-human primates as a potential cause of endometriosis. Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders
Russo GI, Saleh R, Finocchi F, Juma AR, Durairajanayagam D, Kahraman O, Söğütdelen E, Sokolakis I, Vishwakarma RB, Bahar F, Harraz AM, Kavoussi P, Atmoko W, Chung E, Kumar N, Zohdy W, Rambhatla A, Arafa M, Phuoc NH, Salvio G, Calogero AE, Toprak T, Pinggera GM, Cannarella R, Colpi G, Abdel-Meguid Hamoda TA, Shah R, Agarwal A 2024 Impact of Varicocele on Testicular Oxidative Stress and Sperm Parameters in Experimental Animals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. World J Mens Health. 2024 Feb;42:e24. https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.230260
Wong J, Juma AR, Tran SC, Gasperoni JG, Grommen SV, and De Groef B 2020 Deficiency of the transcription factor PLAG1 results in aberrant coiling and morphology of the epididymis. Asian J Androl 2020;22:342-7
Juma AR, Hall NE, Wong J, Gasperoni JG, Watanabe Y, Sahota A, Damdimopoulou PE, Grommen SV and De Groef B 2018 PLAG1 expression and target genes in the hypothalamo-pituitary system in male mice. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology 18 30233-8.
Juma AR, Grommen SV, O’Bryan MK, O’Connor AE, Merriner DJ, Hall NE, Doyle SR, Damdimopoulou PE, Barriga D, Hart AH, Van de Ven WJ and De Groef B 2017 PLAG1 deficiency impairs spermatogenesis and sperm motility in mice. Scientific Reports 7 5317
Juma AR, Damdimopoulou PE, Grommen SV, Van de Ven WJ and De Groef B 2016 Emerging role of PLAG1 as a regulator of growth and reproduction. Journal of Endocrinology 228 R45-R56.