The science field has largely been male-dominated from time immemorial and women in science are increasingly making their mark and breaking barriers through conducting and leading various ground-breaking research. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an annual observance in recognition of the critical role played by women and girls in science and the promotion of their full and equal access to participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields. At KWTRP we celebrate, Dr. Caroline Tigoi a dedicated scientist whose journey into microbiology and infectious disease research has not only advanced medical science but also inspired the next generation of women in STEM.
Dr. Tigoi’s fascination with biology and the natural world from an early age set her on a path toward scientific discovery leading her to pursue a degree in Botany and Zoology, majoring in Microbiology at Kenyatta University laying her research foundation. Through mentorship by esteemed professors like Prof. Ng’ang’a Zipporah Waithera and later, witnessing the leadership of female scientists like Prof. Njeri Wamae at KEMRI fuelled her desire to contribute to scientific advancements. Inspired by her desire to excel in her field she pursued her master’s degree in medical Virology and Project Management and has recently completed her PhD in Clinical Medicine at the University of Oxford. She is currently transitioning into an early-career postdoctoral scientist role at KEMRI Wellcome.
Previously, as the Laboratory Lead for the Childhood Acute Illness and Nutrition Network (CHAIN), she coordinated laboratory procedures across nine international sites (Kenya, Burkina Faso, Uganda, Malawi, Pakistan, and Bangladesh) and standardized them across the network leading to the CHAIN Nested Case-Cohort (CNCC) study. The study investigated biological pathways contributing to child mortality paving the way for impactful development of interventions for child health development.
Dr. Tigoi’s research contributions, including her work focused on, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), infectious disease surveillance, and microbial genomics all play a crucial role in improving healthcare and addressing public health challenges in Kenya leading to better healthcare outcomes for vulnerable populations. Some of her most impactful projects include
- CHAIN Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Study: Investigating multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in hospitalized children to enhance understanding of AMR carriage and informing guidelines, antimicrobial stewardship programs, and infection prevention and control strategies countrywide.
- Neonatal Bacteraemia Surveillance (NeoBAC): Monitoring bloodstream infections in newborns to guide antibiotic treatment guidelines and contribute to ongoing work on maternal vaccine development to reduce neonatal colonization.
- Pneumococcal Colonization Studies: Providing baseline data that influenced Kenya’s pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) and shaping national vaccine policies.
Among her most memorable career moments was presenting her research to Bill Gates during his visit to Kenya in 2022 and engaging with Trevor Mundel, the President of Global Health at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. These experiences reinforced her passion for impactful research with her ultimate goal being to contribute to the development of vaccines and antimicrobial treatments, particularly for vulnerable children in low-resource settings.
Despite the progress made in the scientific field, women in STEM still face challenges, including limited mentorship, gender bias, and work-life balance constraints. Dr. Tigoi advocates for structured mentorship programs, STEM exposure at an early age, increased research funding for women-led projects, and policies promoting fair hiring and leadership representation to solve these challenges. She also called on institutions like KEMRI to play a significant role in encouraging women to pursue research careers by implementing structured career development programs, leadership training, and gender-inclusive hiring policies that foster an environment where women thrive. Additionally, increasing visibility for women scientists through awards and media representation is essential to gender equality in science.
When asked what words of encouragement she had for aspiring women scientists, Dr. Tigoi emphasized the importance of self-belief, curiosity, and continuous learning. Science is a journey of discovery that requires perseverance and resilience. Seeking mentorship, embracing challenges, and staying updated with evolving research trends are crucial for success. She encourages women to take up space in science, stating, “Your contributions can change lives and shape the future of healthcare, technology, and scientific discovery.”
The role of women in science is set to expand over the next decade, with more women leading research initiatives in medicine, vaccine development, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine. With increasing gender inclusivity, women will be pivotal in shaping global health policies and mentoring future generations.