Julian Nyaga, born and raised in Kenya, initially dreamed of a career in medicine. Excelling as a top student in high school, she envisioned herself donning a white coat and working in the medical field. However, fate took a different turn. The Kenyan university placement system, which assigns students to programs based on their preferences and academic qualifications, left Julian Nyaga in a challenging position. Despite her excellent performance, she was not placed in any medical programs and was left with a choice: wait for another chance or accept an alternative. 

“I was devastated,” Julian Nyaga recalls. “When my peers asked what I was going to study, I was reluctant to say agriculture. It felt like a consolation prize.” 

None the less Julian Nyaga enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in agriculture at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. At first, her enthusiasm was minimal, and she struggled to find pride in her new path. But the tides began to turn during her first semester. To her surprise, she excelled. “Agriculture came naturally to me. It wasn’t just easy; it was enjoyable,” she shares. Encouragement from her lecturers and recognition as a top-performing student helped her regain confidence. 

Embracing opportunities and finding direction 

As Julian Nyaga’s academic journey progressed, so did her involvement in extracurricular opportunities. Professors recommended her for various projects, internships, and competitions, which allowed her to engage with agricultural professionals and researchers. “Meeting these people was inspiring,” she says. “I started to think, maybe I can make a difference in this field.” 

Her determination solidified during her undergraduate studies when she decided to pursue a Master’s degree. A lecturer encouraged her to apply for a German DAAD scholarship, which provided funding for her studies at Kenyatta University. Her Master’s research focused on biotechnology and nitrogen management—a theme that continues to shape her work today. 

“The decision to specialise in nitrogen came from understanding its importance,” Julian Nyaga explains. Nitrogen, a key nutrient in agriculture, however if overused, it can lead to environmental harm and financial losses for farmers. “I realised I wanted to work on solutions that could create a balance: optimising nitrogen use without compromising soil health or yields.” 

The PhD journey 

After completing her Master’s and gaining experience as a research specialist working with insect-based organic fertilisers, Julian Nyaga felt the call to academia once more. This time, she set her sights on a PhD. The search for the right program led her to Aarhus University in Denmark, where an opening in sustainable nitrogen management perfectly aligned with her goals. 

Her PhD research focuses on reducing nitrogen fertiliser use while maintaining feed quality in grassland systems. By studying legume-based mixtures, she aims to identify plant combinations that not only reduce dependency on synthetic fertilisers but also improve environmental outcomes. “Legumes fix nitrogen naturally, which means we can rely less on artificial fertilisers,” she explains. Her work extends beyond Denmark, incorporating insights from long-term experiments conducted in Canada. 

Challenges and triumphs in research 

Research is not without its challenges, and Julian Nyaga has faced her fair share. “The uncertainty is the hardest part,” she admits. “You set up experiments with hypotheses, but the results can be unpredictable.” Despite the hurdles, her resilience and optimism shine through. She views setbacks as opportunities for growth and believes that even unexpected outcomes contribute to the larger body of knowledge. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of her research is its potential impact. Julian Nyaga’s work addresses pressing global issues—climate change, food security, and sustainable farming practices. “If we can find ways to manage nitrogen more effectively, we’re not just helping farmers; we’re protecting our planet for future generations,” she emphasises. 

Balancing work and life 

Balancing the demands of a PhD with personal life is no small task, but Julian Nyaga has found strategies that work for her. Recognising her most productive hours, she structures her day to maximise efficiency. “I’m a morning person,” she notes. “I focus on work early in the day and save meetings or social activities for later.” 

Relocating to Denmark has also sparked her curiosity about new experiences. From trying winter sports to exploring Danish cities, Julian Nyaga ensures her weekends are filled with activities that rejuvenate her. “Having something to look forward to keeps me motivated,” she says. 

Looking ahead 

As Julian Nyagas vision for the future is clear. “I want to stay in research,” she affirms. The interdisciplinary nature of her work excites her, and she sees endless possibilities for innovation. “There’s so much more to explore in nitrogen management and sustainable farming systems. I want to be part of the solutions that shape agriculture’s future.” 

Julian Nyaga’s journey from reluctance to passion is a testament to the power of perseverance and an open mind. What began as an unplanned detour has blossomed into a fulfilling career dedicated to making a difference—one nitrogen molecule at a time. 

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