Meet Modesta Akoth of Egerton University (Kenya)! She is a graduate student in the Protozoology and Molecular Biology labs within the Biotechnology Research Institute, KALRO (KARLO-BioRI). Modesta spent last week with us at the Proteomics virtual course, her first course at CSHL, the format to which she found “convenient in reaching out to a wider audience globally.”

Tell us about your research.
My research entails using proteomic approaches to identify the mechanism(s) of drug resistance in African trypanosome, the hematophagous parasite that causes sleeping sickness in man and Nagana in animals.

How did you decide to focus on this area/project?
From the reported records on upsurge of drug resistance in African trypanosomiasis by other researchers as well as a gap identified from a related study by one of the students in our labs led to this area of study.

What and/or who is the inspiration behind your scientific journey?
The inspiration has been self-driven since I have always been enthusiastic about research. Dr. Paul Mireji, a senior research scientist at KALRO-BioRI has also been instrumental in my scientific journey.

What impact do you hope to make through your work?
I am hopeful that my work will identify potential target sites which will provide insight into the development of novel drugs. This will improve disease management hence, better quality of life among the affected marginalized population. 

What do you love most about being a researcher?
The ability to explore and discover something that can be beneficial if implemented is very fulfilling to me.

What is your key takeaway from the Course; and how do you plan to apply it to your work?
My key takeaway from the course is to work with what works best for me because there will always be working environment factors to consider like the possible limitation in the equipment available. Also, ensure credibility and reproducibility of the generated results.

What feedback or advice would you share with someone considering to participate in this course?
The course is very informative and has competent facilitators with vast knowledge in the area of proteomics, therefore, s/he should not be hesitant to apply if the opportunity avails.

What’s the most memorable thing that happened during the Course?
The prompt elaborate responses by the lecturers towards the questions raised as well as being able to cover almost all aspects of proteomics within four days was remarkable.

Modesta received financial support from Regeneron to cover her course tuition. On behalf of Modesta, thank you to Regeneron for supporting and enabling our young scientists to participate in training courses where they expand their skills, knowledge, and network.

Thank you to Modesta for being this week's featured visitor. To meet other featured researchers - and discover the wide range of science that takes part in a CSHL meeting or course - go here.

Image provided by Modesta Akoth