Current Lab Members

Prof. Martin Munene Nyaga

Prof. Martin Nyaga, a B-Rated NRF Researcher, is the Head of the University of the Free State-Next Generation Sequencing (UFS-NGS) Unit, within the School of Biomedical Sciences and is the Unit’s Principal Researcher, since its inception in 2016. His academic affiliation is the Division of Medical Virology within the Faculty of Health Sciences. Previously, Prof. Nyaga was a Research Fellow and a visiting Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the J. Craig Venter Institute, Rockville, MD, USA and at the Laboratory of Viral Metagenomics, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Belgium, respectively. He served at the Medical Research Council-Diarrhoeal Pathogens Research Unit (MRC-DPRU), which is one of the two WHO Regional Reference Laboratories for rotavirus research in Africa, where he coordinated the African rotavirus genomics project and the human Microbiome and Metagenomics studies. He was part of the team that undertook the Phase II and III Rotarix rotavirus vaccine efficacy clinical trials in South Africa and the pre- and post- rotavirus vaccination genomic surveillance studies for the African Rotavirus Surveillance Network (ARSN).

Prof. Nyaga‘s research investigates the long-term effects of the introduction of the monovalent RV-1 vaccine in five African countries (Cameroon, Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and South Africa), through the African Enteric Viruses Genome Initiative (AEVGI) and the Sequencing of the Antigenic Cartography of Enteric Viruses (SACEV) . The AEVGI and SACEV are Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) funded consortium of young researchers from Cameroon, Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and South Africa borne out of the ARSN, and which Prof. Nyaga is the Principal Investigator and a co-founder. One of the key goals of the AEVGI and SACEVare to leverage a genomics and bioinformatics approach to complement the routine work being done by the ARSN. Likewise, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the UFS-NGS Unit as a Collaborating Centre (CC) for Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) Surveillance and Pathogen Genomics surveillance, of which Prof. Nyaga is the Director. This WHO CC is undertaking studies on whole genome sequencing of rotavirus positive samples obtained from pre- and post- Rotarix, RotaTeq, Rotavac and Rotasiil rotavirus vaccines, within the ARSN.

Prof. Nyaga is the ‘Team Lead’ of studies on metagenomics of Gut and Respiratory Virome funded by grants from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Poliomyelitis Research Foundation (PRF) and the South African National Research Foundation (NRF). The aim of these studies is to establish the role played by the gut and respiratory virome in young children over time, to effect normal and metabolic disorders that may influence a child’s healthy growth or impact medical conditions such as obesity later in life. He is also an integral member of the Network of Genomic Surveillance, South Africa (NGS-SA), a National consortium formed in 2020 as a rapid response team to fast track COVID-19 global pandemic solutions, through whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 in South Africa.

Prof. Nyaga was nominated by the Africa Pathogen Genomic Initiative (PGI) of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to strengthen multi-pathogen sequencing and bioinformatics capacity of emerging and re-merging diseases and genomic surveillance of pathogens of public health importance in Africa. The Africa PGI is working with a Focus Group of experts in Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) genomic surveillance, which is chaired by Prof. Nyaga, to provide technical guidance and support to develop a continental VPD road map and implementation strategy.

Prof. Nyaga collaborates with numerous local and International Associates. He has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles in International journals, deposited over 50,000 full-length and partial genome sequences at the NCBI GenBank and supervised over 40 postgraduate students.

Ms. Suprise Baloyi

Ms. Suprise Baloyi, a 2025 intern at the University of the Free State Next Generation Sequencing (UFS-NGS) Unit holds a BSc Microbiology honours degree (University of Pretoria) and recently completed her MSc in Medical Virology (Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University).

Her research in Hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutations and their impact on occult HBV status, sparked her interest in NGS and applications of bioinformatics including protein modelling and molecular docking and in creating innovative solutions for infectious diseases.

She joins the UFS-NGS unit in 2025 as a DIPLOMICS-SA supported intern and expresses her enthusiasm to further learn and upskill herself in this transformative field through the mentorship of Prof. Martin Nyaga.

Ms. Siphe Thabisa Mpaxa

Ms. Siphe Thabisa Mpaxa holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Genetics and Microbiology from the University of South Africa and a Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSc) Honours degree (Cum Laude), from the University of the Free State (UFS) under the supervision of Prof. Martin Nyaga. Her academic excellence was recognized with the prestigious Van Rensburg/Lancet Pathology Laboratory Prize, awarded to the BMedSc (Hons) student with the highest research component mark in Pathology, underscoring her outstanding academic and research capabilities and dedication to scientific advancement in 2024.

Currently, Ms. Mpaxa is pursuing a Master of Medical Science (M.MedSc.) degree in Virology at UFS in the Division of Virology and the UFS-NGS Unit. Her current research, titled “Unveiling the Molecular Epidemiology and Genetic Diversity, of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Respiratory Infections in South Africa,” is supervised by Prof. Martin Nyaga and co-supervised by Dr. Emmanuel Ogunbayo. This work aims to deepen the understanding of HMPV infections, contributing valuable insights to Molecular Virology and Public Health.

Driven by a passion for genomics and infectious disease research, Ms. Mpaxa is committed to advancing viral diagnostics, precision medicine, and global health initiatives. Her journey at the UFS-NGS Unit continues to shape her expertise, fostering her growth as a researcher at the forefront of molecular innovation. With a keen interest in genomic technology, she aspires to make impactful contributions to the evolving landscape of medical science.

Ms. Mbali Ncube

Ms. Mbali Ncube, a 2025 intern at the University of the Free State Next Generation Sequencing (UFS-NGS) Unit holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Genetics and Developmental Biology, as well as Biochemistry and Cell Biology, from the University of the Witwatersrand. She further pursued a Bachelor of Health Sciences (B.HSc.) Honours in Human Genetics at the same institution. Her honours research focused on identifying and analysing genetic variants associated with Xeroderma Pigmentosum using a targeted Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) panel. This project ignited her passion for integrating both wet lab and computational approaches to tackle complex biological questions.

Ms. Mbali, one of the two 2025 DIPLOMICS-SA supported interns under the mentorship of Prof. Martin Nyaga at the UFS-NGS Unit, eludes strong interest in genomic research, is dedicated to understanding intricate biological systems and leveraging genomics to address pressing challenges in health and disease. Her internship serves as a pivotal step in her career, providing hands-on experience in viral metagenomics, bioinformatics, and NGS-based research. By acquiring advanced technical and analytical skills, she aspires to contribute to cutting-edge genomic studies that enhance disease surveillance and diagnostics across Africa.

Ms. Palesa Tsunke

Ms. Palesa Tsunke is a 2025-2026 intern serving in an assistant support capacity within the Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, under the supervision of Prof. Martin Nyaga. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Physiology from the University of the Free State and graduated in 2025.

Since joining the UFS-NGS unit as an ANBE-supported intern in 2025, Ms. Tsunke has developed a strong aptitude for rapid learning and a keen enthusiasm for acquiring NGS practical experiences. She is committed to continually expanding her expertise in genomics and bioinformatics. Furthermore, she possesses excellent interpersonal skills and collaborates effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Ms. Linda Tshane

Ms. Lindah Tshane is a PhD candidate at the UFS-NGS Unit within the University of the Free State. She holds a Master of Biomedical Technology from the Central University of Technology, a B.MedSc Honours degree in Medical Microbiology from the University of the Free State, and dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Biotechnology and Medical Bioscience from Monash University.

With over a decade of experience in medical laboratory practice and public health, Ms. Tshane began her career at the Goodhope Primary Hospital Laboratory in Botswana, where she worked for ten years and gained extensive hands-on experience in clinical diagnostics, laboratory management, and quality assurance. She is currently based at the National Public Health Laboratory under the Botswana National Health Laboratory, where she contributes to national public health surveillance and outbreak response initiatives. Her work focuses on infectious disease diagnostics and strengthening laboratory capacity in Botswana.

Her PhD research will investigate the molecular epidemiology of rotavirus strains circulating among children with gastroenteritis in Botswana. Ms. Tshane’s research interests include virology, molecular epidemiology, vaccine-preventable diseases, and emerging viral infections in Southern Africa.

Ms. Tholwana Pelokgosi

Ms. Tholwаnа Pеlokgsosi is currently pursuing а M.MedSc in Medical Virology under thesupervision of Prof. Martin Nуаgа and Co-supervisor Prof. Sikhulile Moyo at the University of the Free State Next Generation sequencing unit (UFS-NGS Unit).

Prior to commencing her postgraduate studies, Ms. Pelokgosi completed а BSc (Honours) degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry at the University of Nаmibiа.

She brings 5 years of significant professional experience from the Botswana National Public Health Lаborаtorу (NPHL), where she worked in the molecular laboratory. This extensive, hands-on background has provided critical skills and has empowered her to seek advanced training during this MSc, with the goal of gaining the necessary expertise.

Ms. Pеlokgosi’s core objective during this MSc program is the acquisition and mastery of advanced sequencing and molecular virology techniques. She is excited to officially join thedynamic team at the NGS Unit, looking forward to directly implementing this advanced expertiseto strengthen the NHL’s capacity to address pressing public health questions and contributesignificantly to viral genomics surveillance.

Ms. Joyce Tshiswaka

Ms. Joyce Tshiswaka is a Master of Medical Science (M.MedSc) candidate in the Division of Virology, UFS-NGS Unit at the University of the Free State under the supervision of Prof. Martin Nyaga and co-supervision of Dr. Milton Mogotsi. She holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree majoring in Medical Microbiology from the University of Pretoria (UP). She further completed a Bachelor of Science Honours (BSc Hons) at the University of South Africa (UNISA), where she pursued an elective in Ecotoxicology, focusing on environmental contamination, toxicity testing and risk assessment.

Driven by her deep passion for Molecular Biology and Infectious disease research, Ms. Tshiswaka is particularly interested in the study of enteric viruses, an area that resonates strongly with her due to the significant disease burden these pathogens impose on underdeveloped regions. Her research interests lie in leveraging next-generation sequencing (NGS) and molecular epidemiology to enhance disease surveillance and support effective public health interventions across the African continent.

Ms. Tshiswaka is excited to be part of this innovation driven team at the UFS-NGS Unit, where she looks forward to gaining hands-on experience in viral genomics, bioinformatics, and pathogen surveillance. Under the mentorship of Prof. Nyaga, she is confident that this journey will shape her into a well-rounded and impactful researcher, contributing to the broader Ms.ion of advancing genomic science and global health equity.

Current Lab Members

Teaching and Training

Prof. Martin Munene Nyaga

Dr. Ayodeji Emmanuel Ogunbayo

Dr. Milton Tshidiso Mogotsi

Ms. Sesiyanda Maseko

Ms. Somila Nazo

Ms. Hlengiwe Sondlane

Ms. Eyong Manyi Marcelle

Ms. Nkosazana Shange

Ms. Angela Mbele

Ms. Mamello Maku

Ms. Suprise Baloyi

Ms. Siphe Thabisa Mpaxa

Ms. Mbali Ncube

Ms. Palesa Tsunke

Linda Tshane

Ms. Tholwana Pelokgosi

Ms. Joyce Tshiswaka

Prof. Martin Munene Nyaga

Ms. Suprise Baloyi

Ms. Siphe Thabisa Mpaxa

Ms. Mbali Ncube

Ms. Palesa Tsunke

Ms. Linda Tshane

Ms. Tholwana Pelokgosi

Ms. Joyce Tshiswaka