Dr Khuthala Mnika

Lecturer

GIKD-Africa Project Lead: Dr Khuthala Mnika

Dr. Khuthala Mnika is a distinguished Medical Scientist with a PhD in Human Genetics from the University of Cape Town. Her doctoral research focused on the pharmacogenomics of Sickle Cell Disease, particularly pain and drug metabolism gene variants, and hydroxyurea-induced miRNA expression in an African cohort. Previously, she was a Senior Medical Scientist at NHLS/University of the Witwatersrand. She has co-authored 20 publications, supervised more than 10 postgraduate students

 

Active Research

Dr. Mnika is now a lecturer at the University of Cape Town and leads research on the genetics of inherited kidney disease in Africa. She also has interest in the genomics and pharmacogenomics of sickle cell disease.

 

Affiliated Society

Currently serves as co-chair of African Society of Human Genetics-Young Investigators Forum.

 

Community Engagement

Her community engagement includes five years of participation in learners open day for grade 11 learners and other African Society of Human Genetics activities, promoting scientific inquiry among young researchers. She is also a UCT Division coordinator for STEM MentHER.

 

Students

  • Thina Gcobo (MSc)
  • Zimasa Mdlulwa (MSc)
  • Bianca Obadic (MSc)

 

Publications

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/collections/mybibliography/