Dr. Jennifer Giandhari

Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban
KRISP
Website: https://www.krisp.org.za/people.php?fullName=Giandhari%20J
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9946-8783
Email: jennifer.giandhari@gmail.com
Jennifer Giandhari is an accomplished scientist with a passion for viral genomics and research and development of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) methods. Her research interest lies in understanding the intricacies of viral genomes and their impact on human health. Giandhari obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science, followed by a Master’s degree in Molecular Virology. Her drive for knowledge led her to pursue a PhD in Virology, focusing on developing advanced NGS methodologies for viral sequencing and drug resistance analysis. During her doctoral research, her study made significant contributions to the field by using innovative approaches to identify viral genetic variants and explore their functional implications on drug susceptibility. In addition to her academic achievements, Giandhari has amassed considerable hands-on experience through various research and development projects. She collaborated with leading researchers around the world to assist with their study design and project deliverables. These projects involved Mycobacterium tuberculosis whole genome sequencing, microbiome studies (16s and ITs), development of rapid protocols for pathogen sequencing (SARS-CoV-2, HIV-1, HCV, HBV, Cholera, Dengue virus). These contributions have significantly enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of pathogen sequencing, enabling rapid identification and characterization of novel strains and outbreaks. To further disseminate her knowledge and expertise, she has actively participated in numerous training programs and workshops. She has served as a mentor and instructor, imparting her skills to aspiring scientists and researchers in the field of viral genomics and NGS methods. Her work has been published in several reputable scientific journals, contributing to the global scientific community’s understanding of pathogen genomics and its implications for public health. Through her expertise, Giandhari strives to shape the future of infectious disease research, paving the way for improved diagnostics, treatments, and preventive measures in the face of emerging viral threats.