In a compelling testament to the intersection of technology and healthcare, Dr Mpho Mokoatle has emerged as a beacon of hope following her recent PhD graduation in Computer Science from the University of Pretoria (UP). Her groundbreaking research, which seeks to harness advanced computational methods for DNA analysis, holds the promise of enabling early detection of diseases like cancer.

The roots of Dr Mokoatle’s quest can be traced back to a deeply personal loss. “My grandfather raised me as his own daughter, so losing him to prostate cancer in 2019 was devastating,” she said. Determined to uncover the reasons behind her grandfather’s limited response to treatment, Dr Mokoatle poured herself into her studies. Within months, she discovered genetic mutations linked to aggressive forms of prostate cancer, particularly affecting males of African ancestry.

“This personal experience transformed my grief into purpose,” she explained.

Dr Mokoatle’s vision extends beyond academia; she hopes her research can offer a lifeline to many by facilitating earlier disease detection. “Life, in its essence, begins with DNA. By creating computational models that can ‘read’ genetic information more effectively, we can identify diseases before symptoms appear. This early detection capability could revolutionise healthcare by saving lives and reducing treatment costs,” she said passionately.

A pivotal moment in her research came when she successfully developed a DNA representation model that outperformed DNABERT-6, an industry-standard model in genomics. This achievement not only showcased her ingenuity but also highlighted the potential of African researchers to drive significant advancements in the fields of machine learning and healthcare. “That was a big moment for me,” she recalled. “I hope my work inspires others to believe in the power of African science.”

Dr Mokoatle’s journey to becoming a doctor is one rooted in resilience and determination. Raised in Orkney, North West, she dedicated her degree to her late grandfather, Jacob, whose battle with cancer fuelled her desire to pursue impactful research. “This accomplishment highlights how God and my ancestors have been faithful to me,” she reflected. “I am the first PhD graduate in the entire clan, and my lineage has been placed on the map.” 

Despite life’s challenges, including humble beginnings and limited access to technology, she remained undeterred. “We didn’t have much, but my mom and grandmother both worked hard to provide for me. Success isn’t determined by your background or by attending prestigious schools,” noted Dr Mokoatle. Her first encounter with technology came only in university, where she discovered coding, igniting a passion that would lead to her innovative research.

Dr Mokoatle’s journey to becoming a doctor is one rooted in resilience and determination. Raised in Orkney, North West, she dedicated her degree to her late grandfather, Jacob, whose battle with cancer fuelled her desire to pursue impactful research. “This accomplishment highlights how God and my ancestors have been faithful to me,” she reflected. “I am the first PhD graduate in the entire clan, and my lineage has been placed on the map.” 

Despite life’s challenges, including humble beginnings and limited access to technology, she remained undeterred. “We didn’t have much, but my mom and grandmother both worked hard to provide for me. Success isn’t determined by your background or by attending prestigious schools,” noted Dr Mokoatle. Her first encounter with technology came only in university, where she discovered coding, igniting a passion that would lead to her innovative research.

Significantly, her academic success was bolstered by sponsorship from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), IBM, and Google, alongside the invaluable mentorship from prominent figures like Professor Vukosi Marivate and Dr Darlington Mapiye. “My mentors challenged me to push myself and reminded me that my work could change lives. I will always be grateful for that,” she said.

Looking ahead, Dr Mokoatle is committed to advancing machine learning applications for healthcare. “My vision is to work collaboratively with medical specialists, doctors, and nurses to tackle complex healthcare challenges and improve patient outcomes. By developing AI solutions that are both sophisticated and utilitarian, I aim to address real-world medical needs.”

To students from small towns, she imparts this powerful message: “Do not let your school’s limitations define your potential. I didn’t have access to a laptop until my first year at university. But I was determined to learn.” Dr Mokoatle’s story is a triumph of spirit and ambition, a symbol of persistence and the potential for change in the world of science.

For Dr Mokoatle, her PhD is not merely a personal victory but a tribute to her family and community. “This degree belongs to my family, my community, and especially my grandfather. I know he would have been proud. For me, this is just the beginning – I want my research to save lives,” she concluded with unwavering determination.

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