Dr. Cecilia Rolence China is a Tanzanian materials scientist and lecturer at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST). With over nine years of experience in industrial research, she specializes in developing eco-friendly and innovative chemicals for industrial applications, particularly in the textile and leather sectors. Dr. China has pioneered cost-effective methods for producing organic tanning agents, benefiting numerous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Tanzania. She is an award-winning innovator, recognized with the Best Innovation Award at the National Innovation Week 2020 and holds an Early Career Fellowship from the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD). Her current research focuses on sustainable bioproducts and advancing circular economy practices in East Africa.

• Nanomaterials Science and Engineering.
• Materials characterization.

 Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD)
Dr. China is a 2024 Early Career Fellow of OWSD, an international organization that provides research training, career development, and networking opportunities for women scientists throughout the developing world. owsd.net

  Bio Innovate Africa
She is a fellow of BioInnovate Africa, a regional science and innovation-driven initiative supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and implemented by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya. BioInnovate Africa

 Women Supporting Women in the Sciences (WS2)
Dr. China is involved with WS2, an international initiative unifying and supporting graduate and professional-level women and allies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

 Best Innovation Award at the National Innovation Week 2020
Dr. China was honored with this award for her development of a cost-effective method for preparing organic tanning chemicals. This innovation has been successfully transferred to 15 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, enhancing sustainable practices in the leather industry. BioInnovate Africa

 Early Career Fellowship from the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD)
In 2024, Dr. China was awarded this prestigious fellowship, accompanied by a USD 50,000 grant, to support her research project aimed at transforming agricultural waste into organic tanning agents. This initiative seeks to provide sustainable solutions to SMEs in Tanzania and promote eco-friendly leather processing practices.

1. Eco-Friendly Leather Processing Technology

Dr. China has developed a cost-effective method for preparing organic tanning chemicals, which has been successfully transferred to 15 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. This innovation aims to reduce environmental pollution and improve the quality of leather products. BioInnovate Africa

2.Valorization of Agricultural Waste

As part of her 2024 Early Career Fellowship from the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Dr. China is leading a project that transforms cashew nut shells and banana stems into tannins for leather processing. This initiative promotes the use of locally available agro-inputs, reducing reliance on harmful chemicals and supporting sustainable practices in the leather industry. BioInnovate Africa

3.KIWANGO Leather Cluster Development

Dr. China identified challenges faced by the KIWANGO Leather Cluster in Usangi, Kilimanjaro, including limited access to eco-friendly chemicals and essential equipment. In response, she developed and piloted an affordable, eco-friendly technology for leather processing, which has been adopted by the cluster's members. This project has led to reduced processing time, improved product quality, and increased employment opportunities. Kilimokwanza

4.AfriTech Organic Leather Initiative

In 2019, Dr. China founded AfriTech Organic Leather, a social enterprise aimed at empowering SMEs in the leather value chain. The initiative provides training, tools, and financial support to local businesses, enabling them to produce sustainable leather products. AfriTech's eco-friendly tanning solutions have been adopted by SMEs in Tanzania and neighboring countries.

[PDF] Bringing light to the dark: an interview with Dr Cecilia Fan and her medical team

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… One such individual is Dr Cecilia Fan, a consultant in family … the China Search and Rescue
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Current status of dengue and chikungunya in India

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A Historical and Comparative Survey of the Chinese Presence in the Latin American and Caribbean Region, with a focus on the Anglophone Caribbean

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