Dr Carol Wangui Hunja

PhD-Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Institution Hosting the Fellowship

Centre for Research in Therapeutic Sciences (CREATES)/Strathmore

Academic Background

PhD – University of Edinburgh, UK (2007 – 2012)
MSc. – Kenyatta University, Kenya (2003 – 2006)
BSc. – University of East Africa Baraton, Kenya (1997 – 2001)

Professional Experience

Supervisor of honours students’ research projects University of Edinburgh (January – June 2008 & 2009)
Field Research Assistant at Rusinga Island, Kenya under the University of Edinburgh UK (March – August, 2007)
Research Assistant with the Walter Reed Project (WRP), Kisumu (June – December, 2006)
Teaching Assistant, School of Biological Sciences University of E. A. Baraton (1999-2001)

Research Exposure

Laboratory experience in molecular biology genetic analysis techniques e.g. polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing technologies (Pyrosequencing, Solexa sequencing)
Knowledge of population genetic data analysis tools such as Arlequin, FSTAT, GenAlex, DnaSP
Dissemination of acquired scientific knowledge through the writing of MSc. & PhD thesis, public presentations at scientific meetings and publishing in peer reviewed journals

Focus of the Research Fellowship

This project entails a baseline survey aimed at elucidating the migratory patterns of Plasmodium falciparum
Malaria parasites across islands in the Lake Victoria region of Kenya. Crucial molecular epidemiology data will be generated and will feed into larger project aimed at eliminating malaria on these islands.

Expected impact of the research findings

Prior to deployment of Malaria control measures, the contribution of inter-island human and transmitting mosquitoes’ migration in the spread of P. falciparum parasites is pertinent to:

(a) Take into consideration the possibilities of malaria resurgence post-intervention;

(b) Ensure effective and sustained impact by massive scale-up especially in identified clusters or foci of high malaria transmission.

Anticipated Career development beyond the fellowship

This fellowship has given me an opportunity to establish a research career in Kenya following my Postgraduate studies. This position offers prospects of knowledge transfer and capacity strengthening to local institutions of research or higher learning. I also hope to continue not only with Malaria research but also in other health related fields using the local and already established collaborations toward the enhancement of Kenyans’ health and well-being.