Nafiisah Chotun hopes to encourage more women scientists

Nafiisah Chotun is a PhD student in the Division of Medical Virology at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, and her research project focuses on the risk factors of liver cancer in patients with long-term Hepatitis B infection. Her dedication to improving public health in South Africa has led to her receipt of several prestigious fellowships, scholarships and awards.

“I have always been passionate about the biological sciences in general and wanted to pursue a career in infectious diseases and lately, epidemiology. Although at first South Africa does not seem to be an obvious choice, its excellent research programmes in infectious diseases made it an ideal location for my postgraduate studies,” she says.

In 2010, she enrolled with the University of KwaZulu Natal in Durban for an Honours degree following the completion of which she was offered a position as a Master’s student in Medical Virology at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town. “In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking and yoga. I am also an avid runner and enjoy participating in races. The last big race I completed was the Old Mutual Two Oceans 2016 Half-Marathon in Cape Town.”

Can you please explain to us what your research is all about?

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is endemic to Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and chronic (long-term) HBV infection may have serious outcomes, such as liver cancer. HBV is vaccine-preventable. However, in the absence of public awareness, population screening, and scientific understanding, HBV infection remains prevalent in African populations and too often progresses to liver cancer undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. My research is on HBV and HBV-related liver cancer and aims to contribute to the understanding of the epidemiological, clinical, molecular and genetic features of chronic HBV infection and HBV-related liver cancer.

How do you feel after being awarded the L’Oréal-UNESCO Fellowship?

I am very honoured to be one of the 2016 PhD fellows and through this award, I am hoping to draw more attention to the work that we are doing on viral hepatitis (both B and C), as they are neglected diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa (including Mauritius) despite their devastating consequences. I also hope that I can inspire more women to join the world of science and excel in their respective fields.