Dismas Ombati- My Campus Experience with a Wikipedia Reliant Lecturer

DISMAS OMBATI a graduate in molecular Biology, instrumentalist and musician shares with SILAS NYAMWEYA his campus experience, encounter with a lecturer who could use Wikipedia for lessons and why kutuma fare halted his dating plans in campus.

Briefly introduce yourself and some of your successful projects so far

I am a Biochemistry graduate from the Technical University of Kenya. I have a strong passion for scientific research, personal branding, digital marketing, and music. My successful project was my undergraduate research on the “Ameliorative impact of oral selenium supplementation on Khat-induced toxicity”, which unraveled selenium’s protective mechanisms at the cellular level.

Besides that, I leverage my digital marketing skills to successfully drive campaigns that boost brand visibility for start-up organizations hosting events.

Where and what did you study at university/college?

I studied Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry at the Technical University of Kenya in Nairobi.

3. Favorite and worst unit while on campus?

My favorite unit was Molecular Biology and python programming. My worst unit was Creative and critical thinking and communication skills—we were taught by an old heavy accented Indian lecturer whose course delivery was often unclear and very absurd.

4. Best and worst lecturer?

Prof. Orina Alfred Isaac stood out as the best mentor who extended beyond academics. He taught me how to enter a boardroom full of CEOs with confidence knowing that I have something unique to offer. He is the best neuroscientist in Kenya and he has made a better scientist. He is an author of scientific writing for students: The young scientists. A scientist's mindset is a curious mindset that thinks beyond the box to look for solutions.

I will prefer not to mention the worst by name, the lecturer had the audacity to use Wikipedia for the lecture notes and read them to us like an essay.

5. How was campus life in general?

Campus life was bliss. It was a journey of personal growth, resilience, and discovery. I got to participate in campus politics, and it was amazing to get to know revolutionary student leaders who are very capable to spearhead this country to great levels. It was full of freedom but it was also demanding because the curriculum was hefty.

How did you make money while on campus?

I used to sell Telkom simcards and also coach students in stem disciplines. I also played the keyboard at church so sometimes I could receive a token.

How was dating in campus?

As a technical university of Kenya Alumni, I can attest that dating is not the first thing that comes into the mind when one is in campus. TUK being in CBD makes everything costly starting from accommodation to food and to fares. As a comrade you can’t be ridden with additional relationship expenses. Regardless of that I had a good social life, I had a good number of female friends so dating never crossed my mind. It was until when I was in third year that I decided to give it a try but it never worked because our priorities did not align.

What do you think of campus relationships?

Not all relationships are destined to fail. If the foundation is right they can go past campus. But its good not to be emotionally attached because some friendships are seasonal because you have something in common that brings you together. That is why most people lose touch after campus or after changing jobs. Romantic relationships require intentionality, clarity of purpose, understanding and commitment maturity and clear goals. They are often short-lived due to conflicting priorities and lack of personal clarity.

Where did you hang out on weekends?

I used to attend choir practice at our Christian union or our church, TPC Ridgeways.

What did you do with your free time?

I used to watch lots of series. Besides that I used my free time to meet up with friends and relatives and also to learn music theory.

Classmates you will never forget?

Benson and Don have been consistent friends like brother in and out of campus. I had a great relationship with my campus friends. We were actually 8 so no matter how introverted you may be you won't fail to know each one by name.

How do you balance your career and other hustles

I utilize tools like Google Calendar and Notion to prioritize my time effectively, ensuring I stay productive without burning out.

Advice to young, upcoming people pursuing careers in the music industry?

Talent alone is not enough you need authenticity, personal branding, optimized online visibility, consistent professional development, and proper planning of your music career. They need to understand the legal aspects, copyright and the business side of music. Instead of competing they should collaborate and learn from each other. They should embrace technology to grow their audience and distribute their music. My suggestion is you need a mentor to guide and also a well versed manager in the industry.