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NM-AIST Student Wins Novartis Internship

Edson Ishengoma, a graduate student at Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), won the prestigious Novartis Next Generation Scientist (NGS) Internship for 2015. His PhD research focuses on using evolutionary genomics to understand the unique anatomy and physiology of giraffes. For the internship, Ishengoma was selected based on his proposal to use genomics and phylogenetics to study the historical origins of high blood pressure in humans by comparing human genes to those of other mammals. The internship will provide him experience applying genomic science to medical solutions and help his professional growth, while supporting NM-AIST's goals of responsive research and meeting societal needs.

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93 views2 pages

NM-AIST Student Wins Novartis Internship

Edson Ishengoma, a graduate student at Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), won the prestigious Novartis Next Generation Scientist (NGS) Internship for 2015. His PhD research focuses on using evolutionary genomics to understand the unique anatomy and physiology of giraffes. For the internship, Ishengoma was selected based on his proposal to use genomics and phylogenetics to study the historical origins of high blood pressure in humans by comparing human genes to those of other mammals. The internship will provide him experience applying genomic science to medical solutions and help his professional growth, while supporting NM-AIST's goals of responsive research and meeting societal needs.

Uploaded by

Regina Efraim
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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NM-AIST Student Wins Prestigious Norvatis Next

Generation Scientist (NGS) Internship 2015

Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and


Technology (NM-AIST) graduate Student Edson
Ishengoma has worn a chance for the Novartis Next
Generation Scientist Internship Program (NGS) 2015!
His PhD work, supervised by Prof. Morris Agaba, is
focused on understanding genomic attributes of giraffe
unique anatomy and physiology through evolutionary
applications.
For a Novartis award, Ishengoma was chosen for his
application “Cardiophylogenomics: Investigating
Hypertension in the Light of Human and Vertebrate
Evolution”. The study aims at understanding the historical origins of elevated blood pressure
in humans using the power of genomics and phylogenetics to identify the genes related to
regulation of blood circulation during mammalian evolution.
Novartis is a leading global pharmaceutical corporation committed to novel drug discovery
and treatment of human infectious and non-infectious diseases based on solid understanding
of science of disease mechanisms. Novartis has also a long standing commitment to provision
of scientific and leadership training for emerging scientists in developing countries through
The Novartis and University of Basel competitive NGS Program based in Switzerland.
Ishengoma's study at Novartis will combine cutting edge bioinformatic screening techniques,
modern statistical approaches, expertise and instrumentation available at Novartis to search
for specific molecular signatures of being prone to hypertension when human genes are
compared to corresponding genes from other mammals not prone to hypertension. This study
may be crucial in the identification of novel target pathways and in the design of appropriate
therapies to hypertension.
“The Internship at Norvatis is an opportunity for me for a close up experience about genome
science being converted to medical solutions. This is a perfect fit with a concomitant NM-
AIST goal of provision of quality education and research that meets the needs of the society
and industry through responsive research projects. It is also a moment to grow
professionally; it is also a critical moment in my science carrier.” said Mr. Ishengoma.
Considering NM-AIST’s very young age, the Institutional management is greatly encouraged
and proud of this kind of achievements by faculty and students on the international scene. Mr.
Ishengoma has kept the remarkable race preceded by his fellow students in the recent years as
follows;
“Seven female students won (in 2013-15) the very competitive and prestigious African
Women in Agricultural Research & Development (AWARD) fellowships sponsored by the Bill
and Melinda Gates Foundation; One female student won (in 2014) the impressive and
competitive Young Innovators Award of UN-FAO; and A young faculty member won the 2014
Africa Prize for Engineering Innovations Award of the Royal Academy of Engineering.

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