Neneh Sallah is believed to have become The Gambia’s youngest female Cambridge graduate after bagging a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
The 29-year-old, who graduated on the 22nd July, 2017 in the presence of her family and friends, is widely believed to be among the brightest minds in the country.
“To successfully complete a doctorate degree in the University of Cambridge is no easy feat. Some don't graduate. They can easily fail you,” said a Gambian student in England.
Before going to Cambridge, Neneh studied Microbiology at the University of Manchester, UK after which she worked at the Medical Research Council (MRC) investigating diseases of public health concern.
Her PhD research was mainly focused on investigating the influence of genetic variation on infection response traits in diverse populations.
Some of her publications include:
- High genotypic diversity among rotavirus strains infecting Gambian children
- Immunogenic Mycobacterium africanum strains associated with ongoing transmission in The Gambia.
- Chrysomya putoria, a putative vector of diarrheal diseases
Neneh is the country director for Oxbridge Africa Mentorship Programme (OXCAMP) and she is currently coordinating and providing mentorship for high achieving students from less advantaged backgrounds.