Data for Health in Africa Meeting
&
5th DS-I Africa Consortium Meeting
23 - 29 August 2025
CEDI Centre, University of Ghana, Accra

Miss Daniesha Govender - Travel Awardee

Advancing discovery for developmental disorders - expanded analysis of the DDD-Africa resource (Study Coordinator)

I am a molecular biologist and research professional specialising in genomics, project coordination, scientific communication and Database Management. I hold an MSc in Molecular and Cell Biology and a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), where I distinguished myself as a top achiever, earning awards such as the Wits BCB MSc Shimadzu Top Achiever Award (2021) and placing first in the Wits MBRT Research Day (2021). Currently, I serve as the Study Coordinator at Wits Health Consortium, where I manage operations for the DDD-Africa study, ensuring compliance with GCP/ethical standards. My work includes managing the DDD-Africa Clinical (REDCap) and Sequencing (DECIPHER) datasets in alignment with FAIR principles. Previously, as a Molecular Diagnostic Scientist at Akili Labs, I developed diagnostic testing SOPs (SARS-CoV-2, HPV, HIV, Cancer Panel) and contributed to SANAS accreditation (ISO15189:2012) through rigorous quality management. I have expertise in next-generation sequencing techniques, research administration, and funder reporting, with a strong record of scientific writing and presentations. My interdisciplinary experience spans teaching (as a Writing Fellow and TA at Wits), curriculum design, and mentorship, fostering scientific literacy among students. Certified in Advanced Project Management, GCP, and Biostatistics, I combine technical proficiency with strategic oversight to advance genomic research and healthcare innovation. I am committed to equitable science, and aim to bridge gaps between research, clinical practice, and education-driving projects that translate genomic insights into actionable solutions.