Dr. Breaux Meets Top Academics, Examines Student Research on Kenya Visit

Expanding Collaboration with Kenyan Universities Explored

MEDIA CONTACT: Jonathan Saxon, jsaxon@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-3607

(BOWIE, Md.) – Bowie State University President Aminta Breaux traveled to Kenya this past July to see the work of students conducting agricultural research and to connect with local partners as the university elevates its global profile.  

Dr. Breaux met with members of Kenya’s academic community, as well as the U.S. ambassador for Kenya to explore expansion of research opportunities for Bowie State students, and to plant seeds for the university to host study abroad opportunities with Kenyan students.  

During a research symposium that Dr. Breaux attended, Bowie State students presented their work studying how to counter food insecurity. Projects ranged from devising ways to grow crops at higher and colder elevations in the mountains to producing better tasting and healthier bread for the public. 

“Together we are equipping these students to develop global competency skills and broaden their perspectives to strengthen communities locally and throughout the diaspora,” said Dr. Breaux.  

Dr. Anne Osano, the Bowie State biology professor leading the research projects, framed the visit as an evolution in the relationship between the university and the Kenyan institutions following several years of collaborative research.  Her National Science Foundation grant awards have funded sending students to Kenya for research opportunities with Edgarton University and the University of Nairobi. She is excited about the possibility of expanding. 

“It would also be wonderful if the Kenyan students could visit Bowie State,” said Dr. Osano. “We’re working on how we can engage with the Kenyan universities.” 

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.