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I am a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Tanzania. Over the past 16 years, I have built extensive research experience in biomedical sciences, with a particular focus on molecular biology, human genetics, and genomics. My research aims to harness genomic technologies to improve disease prevention, screening, diagnosis, understanding of disease mechanisms, development of targeted therapies, and pharmacogenomics for monitoring treatment outcomes.My research career has primarily focused on malaria and sickle cell disease (SCD). During my early training, I investigated molecular markers of antimalarial drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum. My PhD research centered on the genomics of fetal hemoglobin. (HbF) in SCD, contributing to a deeper understanding of genetic modifiers of disease severity and therapeutic response. In 2014, I contributed to establishing Tanzania's newborn screening program for SCD, creating a sustainable platform for research and clinical care. In collaboration with the University of Oxford, we also developed a nanopore sequencing assay for screening SCD and beta-thalassemia, providing a scalable genomic diagnostic approach suitable for resource-limited settings. I played a key role in establishing one of Africa's earliest SCD genetic databases, comprising over 1,700 individuals. This resource has enabled studies on genetic determinants of disease phenotypes, treatment outcomes, and population-specific variants while providing a foundation for research in bioinformatics, biobanking, and the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genomics. Throughout my career, I have collaborated with leading international institutions, including King's College London and the Wellcome. Sanger Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, the University of Oxford, and the University of Northumbria. My genomics work has been supported by several competitive international awards, including the NIH Fogarty Global Health Fellowship, the NIH Emerging Global Leader Award (K43), the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Global Research Award, Novartis Global Health, and the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD). I am also actively involved in building capacity for gene and cell therapy research in Tanzania. Beyond research, I am committed to strengthening genomics capacity and policy in Africa. In 2017, I co-founded the Tanzania. Human Genetics Organisation (THGO), an affiliate of the African Society of Human Genetics (AfSHG), and currently serve as its founding President. Under my leadership, THGO has advanced human genetics research, professional networking, and national policy development. In partnership with the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and the Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA), THGO has been a catalyst in the development of Tanzania's National Human Genetics Agenda. For the past 15 years, I have also contributed to the national SCD programme in multiple leadership and research roles. Through these experiences, I have developed strong expertise in genomics research, clinical translation, research leadership, capacity building, and international collaboration.
My research focuses on human molecular genetics, genomics, genetic epidemiology, pharmacogenomics, functional genomics and precision medicine, with an emphasis on translating genomic discoveries into improved disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment in African populations.
My primary research area is sickle cell disease, particularly the genetic regulation of fetal haemoglobin, disease modifiers, hydroxyurea pharmacogenomics and therapeutic discovery. My broader interests include malaria molecular genetics, population genomics, newborn screening, molecular diagnostics, multi-omics, AI-driven drug discovery and emerging cell- and gene-based therapies.
My research activities encompass:
1.Genomic discovery: GWAS, next-generation sequencing, transcriptomics and identification of disease-associated genetic variants.
2. Pharmacogenomics and therapeutic development: Biomarker discovery, treatment-response prediction, functional genomics and small-molecule drug discovery.
3. Molecular diagnostics and newborn screening: Development, validation and implementation of genetic testing and screening technologies.
4. Public health genomics: Translation of genomic technologies into clinical practice and healthcare systems.
5. Research capacity development: Strengthening genomics infrastructure, biobanking, scientific partnerships and genomic medicine capacity in Africa.
Overarching research focus: Advancing African genomic discovery and translation for precision health and therapeutic innovation.
1. SPARKLE Clinical Trial
Role in the project: Lead applicant
Title of the Project: A phase III, Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo Controlled, Doubleblind Study to Assess Efficacy and Safety of Crizanlizumab (5 mg/kg) versus placebo, with or without Hydroxyurea/Hydroxycarbamide Therapy, in Adolescent and Adult Sickle Cell Disease Patients with Frequent Vaso-Occlusive Crises
Project Duration: 01/08/2025-30/07/2027
2. Sickle Pan-African Research Consortium (SPARCO) Clinical Coordinating Center ( SPARCO Center)
Role in the project: Co-Principal Investigator
Project Duration: 01/05/2021-30/04/2026
3. Investigator Initiated trial: Novartis Foundation
Role in the project: Lead Applicant
Title of the Project: Pharmacogenomics of Hydroxyurea/ To develop precision medicine approaches to improve effectiveness of Hydroxyurea treatment for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in Ghana, Nigeria and Tanzania
Project Duration: 22/03/ 2022-30/03/2027
4. K43TW011167, Fogarty International Center (FIC), National Institutes of Health, USA (Emerging Global Leader award):
Role in the project: Lead Applicant and Principal Investigator
Title of the Project: Fetal hemoglobin (HbF), a major Sickle Cell Disease modifier, starts to decline before birth. The mechanisms underlying HbF decline are not fully understood.
Project Duration: 01/08/ 2019-31/07/2024
5. American Society of Hematology, Global Research Award
Role in the project: Lead Applicant and Principal Investigator
Title of the Project: To develop precision medicine approaches to improve effectiveness of Hydroxyurea treatment for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in low and middle income countries (LMIC).
Project Duration: 07/01/18-06/30/20
6. International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)
Role in the project: Lead applicant and Principal investigator
Title of the Project: Comparative study of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) modifiers in Ghana, Nigeria and Tanzania; investigation of fetal hemoglobin parameters and clinical manifestation
Project Duration: January 2021-June 2023
7. Africa Academy of Science
Role in the project: Co-investigator
Title of the Project: Assessing host and viral factors for Covid-19 disease outcomes in Tanzania
Project Duration: 01/12/ 2020-30/11/2022
1. Clinical Manifestations of Sickle Cell Disease in Africa and Its Association with Foetal Haemoglobin Parameters
2. Genetic Epidemiology in the Era of Genomic Medicine
3. Exploring Erythroid Cell Transcriptomics to Understand Regulation of Fetal Hemoglobin Expression for Advanced Sickle Cell Disease Treatment
4. FLT1 and other candidate fetal haemoglobin modifying loci in sickle cell disease in African ancestries.
5. Exploring pharmacogenetic factors influencing hydroxyurea response in tanzanian sickle cell disease patients: a genomic medicine approach.
