My main goal in graduate study is to become an authority in my area of specialization. First and foremost, I want to strive to be one of the elite researchers and instructors in the country and second, I want to act as consultant where knowledge in applied physics is required, and set an example as physics activist in my country since the current perception of the general public is that physics is esoteric.

I believe that my undergraduate and postgraduate preparation is adequate to meet any challenges during my Ph.D. work. My main focus in my M.Sc. work was experimental condensed matter physics with a strong base in optics. Prior to this, I have covered adequately all the core courses and electives offered at the University of Nairobi. Having actively taken part in extracurricular activities, I have learnt a lot from local, national, and international seminars / conferences / exhibitions.

I strongly believe in being a friendly teamwork player and I can work long hours with minimum / no supervision. During my M.Sc. research work, as a visiting student at University of Dar es Salaam, I managed to work for 16 hours daily for 6 months save for the weekends, and I was in good rapport with my hosts. From my M.Sc. thesis, I have so far (i) presented the work several times and produced a poster for our department, (ii) presented a paper at a regional conference held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and (iii) recently presented a poster (abstract book no. P2-87) at the International Solar Energy Society (ISES) Solar World Congress held at Götenborg, Sweden in June 14th – 19th 2003.

An invitation to visit the Freie Universität Berlin (Hahn Meitner Institute) is a grand opportunity to conduct research at an institution specialized in thin films and solar cells research, which is also the focus in our Condensed Matter Research Group. Some of the benefits that will accrue from the visit include: (i) Work with experts at the Hahn-Meitner Institute who, I hope, assist me in identifying suitable semiconductor material oxide which can be combined with TiO2 to form composite material. Composites based on TiO2 have become an area of active research in dye-sensitized solar cells. (ii) It is also an opportunity to use equipment required in my research work but not available in our department. (iii) It is an opportunity to learn modelling which is useful in predicting long-term stability tests of solar cell. (iv) It is also an opportunity to learn how to construct prototype solar cell and perform characterizations. (v) I will also be able to learn new techniques in solar cell technology from the wealth of knowledge at Hahn-Meitner Institute. (vi) Such a visit will serve to enhance a greater cooperation within the exchange programme and research partnership between the University of Nairobi and the Freie Universität Berlin. (vii) Finally, it is a lifetime opportunity to learn and appreciate German culture first hand from the people themselves, social way of life, German cuisine, learn the German language from the native speakers, and get to know more about the rich German history and technological advancement.

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