Dr Palesa Makoti is one of the postdoctoral research fellows recently appointed by PHA4GE. We spoke to her about her studies, her interest in bioinformatics and genomics, and a few other topics.
Q: Tell us a little about your academic studies – where and what? And what you are doing now?
Palesa Makoti: I am, obviously, currently doing a postdoc at PHA4GE. Before that I studied and completed my undergrad and postgraduate degrees in medical biosciences, all at the University of the Western Cape.
Q: What convinced you to take up bioinformatics as a study and career path?
PM: Bioinformatics takes biology (e.g. infectious diseases) and combines it with data science and informatics, and uses that to solve real world problems in a way that has a direct impact on public health. I was drawn to how biological data can be transformed into something with a tangible and visible impact in disease surveillance, preparedness and in improving health outcomes, even in LMICs.
Q: Can you tell us a little more about your current studies and research?
PM: At PHA4GE, I contribute to work driven towards the use and application of genomics and bioinformatics in public health settings in Africa and LMICs. Mostly I support in managing different projects that involve the development of metadata standards, training and workforce development, the management and sharing of data, and developing practical guidance documents for public health use. I would like to make molecular science and genomic tools more accessible, available, and more “useable” in public health settings in LMICs, and effective in disease surveillance and preparedness in these regions.
Q: What are your career aspirations in the field? What would you imagine achieving in it? What would be your dream job/organisation?
PM: I would like to contribute to developing and establishing more centres of excellence in Africa and other LMICs, to standards, and policies that focus on improving public health, surveillance, preparedness, as well as in capacitating and supporting fully the next generation of scientists in Africa and the global south. Long-term I would like to lead teams and direct some of the projects in public health genomics and infectious disease surveillance and preparedness. I wish to be part of a global network that is always looking for better and simpler ways of developing sustainable systems and tools that will enable the public to use genomic and molecular data effectively for the improvement of public health. Short-term, I think my dream role would be to work at the intersection of scientific leadership, international collaboration and building capacity in Africa and abroad, focusing on improving the quality of ordinary lives through science, in particular molecular sciences and genomics
Q: Outside of work, what do you get up to?
PM: I enjoy watching sports (mostly football and cricket), listening to music and creating playlists, cycling and taking long walks, sleeping, and watching series and documentaries. And more sleep.
Q: What is your favourite book, and why?
PM: My favourite books are Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, and I Write What I Like by Steve Biko. Things Fall Apart was my first introduction to critically thinking about how and why societies become and stay the way they are. This was back when I was in secondary school at Vusisizwe Secondary School in Zwelethemba, Worcester. I like and appreciate how culture and identity are explored in the book, and the impact of major social changes in individuals and communities. I Write What I Like further sheds light on the importance of defining myself and my future. It resonated with me because of the emphasis it puts on thinking critically about myself, the environment and society I find myself in, and the importance of defining and creating my own narrative as I navigate this life.
What is your favourite song? Why?
PM: If I had to choose one it would be Life is for the Living by Passenger. The song is about appreciating life and living in the moment, not taking anything or anyone for granted. I also really love Give Peace A Chance and Peace Brothers, Peace by Bra Winston Mankunku Ngozi. Another song I liked for a very long time is Try Everything by Shakira. I can always count on it to lift my spirits up in moments that seem or feel hopeless.
If you had a dog/cat/fish, what would you name it?
PM: My dog I’d name Champ (short for Champion). If it’s a cat it’ll probably be named Kat. I don’t imagine ever having a fish as a pet, but if it were an octopus I’d name her Shadow or Tents (short for tentacles).
