Profile
Jared Maina
Candidate CV questions (extra)
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Education:
Kanjuri High School (KCSE), University of Nairobi (BSc Biochemistry), Imperial College London (MSc Human Molecular Genetics), University of Lille, France (PhD in Statistical Genetics)
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Qualifications:
BSc Biochemistry, MSc Human Molecular Genetics, PhD Statistical Genetics
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Work History:
I've been a sales representative for British American Tobacco, a photographer's assistant to, a student intern at KEMRI-CDC in Nairobi, a researcher at King's College London
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Current Job:
Research associate in the Depression Genetics in Africa (DepGenAfrica) project
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Employer:
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience
King’s College London
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Favourite thing to do in my job: Exploring new cultures, travelling and understanding more about the human body.
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About Me
Jared is a creative all-round. Curious about life and our purpose in it. Eager to use science as a tool to change lives back home in Kenya.
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Jared was born in Nyeri, Kenya about 3 decades ago. The village life has shaped his personality as he dislikes the rush or urban living, even though he enjoys what big cities have to offer. Jared prefers to listen twice as much as he speaks. He is a Man United fan (rough patch), an artist in science and photography and likes nature and outdoor activities. He hopes to one day contribute to improving the mental health research back home in Kenya, and Africa at large. To help spread the word about genetics in Africa, he founded a social-media platform called Genes Zetu (on Instagram and TikTok). Using this platform, he breaks down genetics concepts in Swahili
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My work
My work aims to understand the causes of depression among people living in Africa
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Depression is one of the main causes of disability around the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries. But most of the research done on depression has only involved people of European ancestry. This means that many communities, especially in Africa, are left out of the benefits of scientific discoveries.
In my work with DepGenAfrica, we are trying to change that. We study how genetics (the information in our DNA) affects depression in African people. This can help us understand the illness better and, in the future, lead to improved ways to diagnose and treat it for everyone.
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My Typical Day
I spend most of my days working with big datasets through computer applications. I also have meetings with colleagues to discuss results and future work. During breaks I have lunch with colleagues and then do activities such as running or football after work
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Most days I have at least one meeting to either discuss an ongoing project, or just a catch up with my research group. I also spend a significant part of my day running analyses on my computer. From time to time I am preparing for conferences or symposia. Of course I will break for lunch and I take breaks every often to recharge..rest is key 😁
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What I'd do with the money
In conjunction with the teachers, I would organize a trip to one of Kenya's research facilities for a day. Expose the future researchers to what a research environment looks like should they choose that direction
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Early on in school, most of us are not sure what to do as a career. One of the reason for this could be the lack of awareness of different fields out there, especially if they are not mainstream in society. In the case of science, there are some well-equipped, well-staffed facilities in Kenya which drive scientific research in Kenya but not many people know about them. For young kids in high school, a trip to such a facility may be eye-opening and thought-provoking; potentially inspiring a few to work in such places. With the prize money, I would liaise with the teachers on which facility would be within budget to attend for a whole day. And preferably outside the school’s region so it doubles up as a fun trip.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Calm. Curious. Creative
What was your favourite subject at school?
Science in primary school, History in secondary school
What did you want to be after you left school?
I really wanted to be a cardiologist (Human heart doctor)
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Haha haven't we all? I was in trouble a lot early in my schooling years, slightly less in the later years but still got in trouble
If you weren't a scientist, what would you be?
A photographer or a baker
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Nyashinski is my favourite artist. I love the band 'Just a Band'.
What's your favourite food?
The way to my heart is through a plate of ugali, dry fry (beef) stew, skuma and avocado
What is the most fun thing you've done?
Hmm, hard to pick one, but attending a Man United match at Old Trafford was pretty cool. But the most fun thing is yet to come!
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
(1) To be more content with life (2) To be a better Kenyan for Kenya (3) To have a lifetime supply of fanta orange and avocado
Tell us a joke.
Who called it "insomnia" instead of "resisting a rest"? 😂
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My Comments