“Understanding genetic changes in estrogen metabolizing enzymes for improved prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer”
University
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology
Area of Focus
Molecular medicine
Education
Mary is a molecular biologist, pursuing a PhD in Molecular Medicine at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT) in Kenya. She has a background in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology which she studied for both her BSc and MSc. Mary is assertive and looks for opportunities to increase her knowledge base. She has attended global and local workshops, trainings & conferences in the areas of bioinformatics, research methodology, epigenetics, and disease development. She works as an assistant lecturer of Medical Biochemistry in the School of Pharmacy at Kabarak University in Kenya.
Research & Work
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in females and ranks second in mortality rate. Mary’s research involves the use of molecular and bioinformatics tools to explore genetic changes in estrogen metabolism enzymes. These enzymes function to reduce the amount of estrogen levels, a hormone whose elevated levels drives development of breast cancer. Her findings will contribute to understanding the role of these mutations in the development of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer in Kenyan women. ER+ breast cancer constitutes 70% of breast cancer cases in the country and is therefore a key player in economic burden. Mary’s research will also help determine the association of these mutations with risk factors and clinical staging. The findings from her research will contribute to the development of evidence-based prevention, screening, and diagnostic and treatment strategies for breast cancer, hence lowering mortality rates of the disease. Mary also hopes that her research will be integrated into policy-making decisions to aid in reducing the burden of breast cancer in Kenya.
Publications:
