https://news.busitema.ac.ug/ en A Milestone in Biomedical Innovation: Yvonne Tusiimire’s PhD Defense Success https://news.busitema.ac.ug/milestone-biomedical-innovation-yvonne-tusiimires-phd-defense-success <span>A Milestone in Biomedical Innovation: Yvonne Tusiimire’s PhD Defense Success</span> <span><span>aaron</span></span> <span>Apr 30, 2026</span> <div class="field field--name-field-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/category/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p class="text-align-justify">Ms. Yvonne Tusiimire has marked an important step in her academic journey after successfully defending her PhD at Makerere University. Her research, “3D Electrospun PLLA Nanofibrous Membranes Coated with Regenerated Silk Fibroin and Silver Nitrate for Burn Wounds,” contributes to ongoing efforts to improve materials used in burn care.</p> <p class="text-align-justify">The study focused on developing a biomimetic scaffold designed to support better healing outcomes. In the course of her work, she developed and refined a 3D electrospun PLLA membrane coated with regenerated silk fibroin and silver nitrate. She also examined how plasma finishing and biodegradation affect the material, assessed cell viability and cytotoxicity, and evaluated its antibacterial properties. These combined investigations provide useful insight into how such materials may perform in practical medical settings.</p> <p class="text-align-justify">Her Viva Voce took place on April 22, 2026, at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, with both in-person and online participation. The session began with detailed feedback from Dr. Edwin Kamalha, who raised key structural and technical points during an hour-long discussion. This was followed by further engagement with a panel of six examiners, who explored different aspects of the study, including methodology and interpretation of results.</p> <p class="text-align-justify">Over the course of the four-hour examination, Ms. Tusiimire responded to questions with clarity and composure, demonstrating a solid understanding of her research area.</p> <p class="text-align-justify">Her successful defense reflects sustained effort and careful scholarship, and adds to the body of research addressing challenges in wound management through advances in science and engineering.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-above field--tags"> <h3 class="field__label field--tags__label">Tags</h3> <ul class="links field__items field--tags__items"> <li class="field--tags__item"><a href="/tags/research" hreflang="en">Research</a></li> <li class="field--tags__item"><a href="/tags/busitema-university-research" hreflang="en">Busitema University Research</a></li> <li class="field--tags__item"><a href="/tags/phd-defense" hreflang="en">PhD Defense</a></li> </ul> </div> <section data-drupal-selector="comments" class="comments"> <h2 class="comments__title">Comments</h2> </section> <div class="primary-image field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/images/article/2026/1001455767.jpg" width="1020" height="680" alt="" title="A Milestone in Biomedical Innovation: Yvonne Tusiimire’s PhD Defense Success" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-display-website field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Display Website</div> <div class="field__item">General</div> </div> Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:50:32 +0000 aaron 409 at https://news.busitema.ac.ug