Inspiring Grads: Health Sci 1

Samar Elsheikh

Job history

2021–Present Postdoctoral Research Fellow Pharmacogenetics Research Clinic, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Canada

2020 Postdoctoral Researcher University of Cape Town

2019–2020 Tutor African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

Academic history

2015–2019 PhD in Bioinformatics University of Cape Town

2013–2014 MSc in Mathematical Sciences University of Ghana

2012–2013 MSc in Statistics University of Khartoum

2006–2011 BSc in Statistics University of Khartoum

Describe your job – what do you do?

I recently joined the Pharmacogenetics Research Clinic (PGxRC) as a post-doctoral fellow in the field of bioinformatics and pharmacogenetics. I work on developing mathematical models and analysis pipelines that integrate various clinical, genetic and psychosocial characteristics to elucidate the underlying biological mechanism of depression. Specifically, my work focuses on understanding why people respond differently to antidepressants.

Currently, I am engaged in and leading research projects that aim at developing predictive machine learning models to understand the effect of genes on antidepressant remission in late-life depression with a special consideration on understanding the effects of medical comorbidities associated with the emerging neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular changes (e.g. Dementia and Stroke) on the response to treatment.

What is the next thing you want to learn?

As I am continuing to do my postdoc for a few more years, I would like to focus more on getting additional training towards translational research in the fields of neuroscience and bioinformatics, as well as to apply my skills and new knowledge in understanding brain-related diseases. As much as I can, I am also keeping my opportunities open to both Academia and Industry careers.

How do you see bioinformatics evolving?

The field of bioinformatics is rapidly evolving and expanding as technologies develop. The biologist now generates a tremendous amount of datasets, and therefore, new research methods and ways to deal with these data are quickly changing. To keep up with all that, one needs to continuously expand their knowledge in the field, be adaptable to this changing environment and acquire the essential computational skills and specifics of their target jobs. Some of the current job titles in the field are; Bioinformatics Scientist, Bioinformatics Engineer and Bioinformatician Consultant.

What were some of the challenges and highlights of studying at UCT?

During the years I studied and worked at UCT, I managed to build and surround myself with a great network of extraordinary researchers and mentors. In particular, the H3ABioNet – Pan African Bioinformatics Network initiative, which is led by Dr. Nicola Mulder, provided me with a lot of essential bioinformatics training, and connected me with researchers around the continent.

Although I received the OWSD PhD fellowship; UCT has generously awarded me the International and Refugee Scholarship, which provided me with additional support during the course of my PhD.

Like any other PhD, my journey had ups and downs. There were times when work progress was slow and worrying. Also, being away from home for so long added more pressure to the situation. I managed that by talking to supervisors, taking short breaks, enjoying Cape Town’s nature and surrounding myself with very good friends.

COURSE recommendations

- Foundations of Project Management

- Our Lessons – Software Carpentry Lessons – Data Carpentry

- Genomics Workshop Overview – Data Carpentry

- Bioinformatics Specialisation – Coursera

Read these blogs:

- How To Start A Career In Bioinformatics

- Bioinformatics Jobs: How to Succeed in This Competitive Space