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). 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 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, Genetic Diversity, and Clinical Impact 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.