Sena Institute of Technology Foundation

PROGRAMS

Programs in Ghana – Biodiversity and sub-saharan African genome repository, research, conferences and trainings.
Programs in Boston – Sena arts for climate action, ecobiological workshops and environmental DNA tracking

IMPACT

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

As an emerging economy, Ghana needs youth enthusiastic about STEM programs. The future scientists will be the ones who will uncover innovations that will help develop Ghana’s economy. Through hands-on workshops and experiential learning programs, the SIT will cultivate the next generation of African scientists. We train high schools, undergraduate and postgraduate students and provide the environment for less fortunate institutions conduct research out our institute and to make science accessible to students at an early age.

In picture: High school students evaluating soil nutrient levels of farms across the Penyi- Dzodze area.

TRAINING PROGRAMS

It is projected that by 2050, about 70% of the world’s population will live in urban centers. The development of urban centers leads to increase in human population, loss of biodiversity and associated pollution and pathogen emergence which significantly impacts our wellbeing and health. This project is to develop workshops to educate the public especially inner-city students on climate change, biodiversity and pathogen tracking using emerging genetic tools. We will use the workshops to sequence environmental DNA (eDNA) in New England and to assess biodiversity at inner cities. The repository will be integrated into an early warning platform for crops, marine, animals and public health disease emergence

In picture: In picture: Greetings from Nature art workshop at Fenway Community Center.

Sena aquatic life conservation research

PRESERVING BIODIVERSITY

Field research where we are documenting plants, insects and marine organisms for conservation working with local taxonomists and fishermen to identify both scientific names and local Ewe names for the organisms they collect. African plants, insects and marine specimens are under-represented in global repositories, so the collection of these specimens and data is particularly exciting. Through genome sequencing, gene editing, and cell line generation, SIT is developing climate adaptable plants that can withstand drought.

SIT maintains 4 repositories for biological research. These include the Sena Digital Plant Herbarium, which documents over 300 plant species; the Sena Food Recipe Repository, which documents over 500 food recipes in Ghana; the Sena Aquatic Life Conservation database, which documents about 100 marine species; and the Sena insect repository. By maintaining these databases, the SIT is able to facilitate ecological research, as well as both environmental and cultural conservation efforts.

At SIT, our mission is to facilitate the United Nations Sustainability Development goals, African Union Development Agency’s mission and strengthen global partnerships to foster economic and scientific development of Ghana and across Africa.

Sustainable agriculture and food systems can improve food security and human health, improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education that transforms lives and promote lifelong learning opportunities for students, to be able conduct scientific experiments, and also increasing the access to information knowledge , affordable equipments and materials they may require to enhance their learning curve
Reduce inequality within Ghana and among countries through sharing resources, providing affordable scientific solutions and technological innovation 
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss and preserve local habitat  by building a sustainable future for all
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development by initiating several sustainable research projects and technological solutions that impacts society