Inspiring Progress, Empowering Professionals
Welcome to JFT Academy, a personal professional platform by Dr. Florence Tanui, where groundwater science, policy insight, and professional learning come together to support meaningful, real-world impact.
I am a groundwater and geo-environmental professional with experience spanning hydrogeology, climate resilience, risk assessment, institutional engagement, and science–policy dialogue, particularly in African and climate-vulnerable contexts.
My work focuses on translating groundwater science into policy-relevant, decision-ready knowledge, supporting governments, development partners, NGOs, and professionals to design more durable and equitable water solutions.
This platform sits at the science–policy interface, bringing together applied expertise in groundwater governance, water security, and climate resilience with mentorship, learning, and knowledge exchange. It is designed for professionals, institutions, and organisations working in complex water and environmental contexts who seek clarity, credibility, and actionable insight.
My Professional Journey
Growing up in remote Africa, I discovered my fascination with the natural world early on, particularly the challenges and opportunities presented by our planet’s water resources. This early fascination with the environment inspired me to pursue a career in the natural sciences, and it set the foundation for a lifelong passion for environmental geology and groundwater management – a unique in a male-dominated field. My passion for science and environmental sustainability enabled me to study at some of the best universities, both locally and internationally. I began my academic journey at the University of Nairobi, earning a BSc in Geology (First Class Honours).
This foundation led to an excellent opportunity to pursue an MSc in Applied Environmental Geology at Cardiff University, UK, where I deepened my expertise in addressing environmental challenges. I later completed a PhD in Climate Hydrogeology at the University of Nairobi, supported by the prestigious FCDO REACH Programme in collaboration with the University of Oxford. These experiences provided me with a world-class education and advanced research opportunities, culminating in a Post-Doctoral Fellowship under the REACH Programme, where I focused on groundwater management and climate resilience.
What This Platform Is About
JFT Academy is built around three core pillars, reflecting how expertise, learning, and impact come together in practice.
Professional Learning and Mentorship
This platform supports professionals and emerging practitioners through mentorship, career guidance, and structured learning. It offers space to reflect, grow, and navigate complex professional pathways in science, policy, and development
Applied Technical and Policy Expertise
JFT Academy showcases applied expertise in groundwater governance, climate resilience, geo-environmental analysis, and strategic planning. It provides practical resources supporting informed decision-making and programme design.
Science–Policy Engagement
Science matters when it informs decisions. This platform emphasises science communication, policy engagement, and knowledge translation, helping bridge the gap between research, policy, and implementation.
This is more than a platform—it’s my way of making a difference by sharing knowledge, building connections, and driving meaningful change.
My Mission
To inspire and empower students, professionals, and organisations to create meaningful and sustainable change through grounded science, thoughtful policy engagement, and continuous learning.
Science is not only about discovery—it is about impact, responsibility, and informed approaches
Why This Platform?
Through my professional journey, I have seen a consistent gap: strong technical expertise is often disconnected from governance, communication, and professional development. JFT Academy exists to help bridge that gap.
I welcome thoughtful enquiries related to collaboration, professional engagement, learning opportunities, mentorship, and knowledge exchange. Please feel free to reach out to explore how we might work together.
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