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.