Profile – Blue Zone

Education:

Egerton University, 200-2005, The open University 2011-2015
Qualifications:

Bsc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences and Technology, PhD
Work History:

Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme
Current Job:

Postdoctoral research scientist (Bioinformatician)
Employer:

KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme

Favourite thing to do in my job: Ask questions!
My work

I use genetic data to tell stories about where the pathogen has been and sometimes what it is capable of.
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I use computers, and computer programs to look at genetic data, the building blocks of life (DNA or RNA) and to tell stories about parasites and people. Who infects whom? What is this pathogen or virus capable of?
My Typical Day

hacking, reading, more hacking, experiments and writing.
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I start by wring computer programs to do nifty things like decode the genetic makeup of a given pathogen. I will then read on the latest and sometimes old scientific material to update my knowledge. I plan and execute experiments on my computer and document what I have done.
What I'd do with the money

I would spend it on engaging young people with scientific research. This is something that I am very keen on!
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There is a clear gap in the way young people engage with research and scientists. I would like to spend the prize money on similar efforts and bringing young people closer to science.

George Githinji