Research Focus: Epigenetics, microRNA, HIV, obesity and pregnancy.

Biography
Dr Patten obtained her PhD degree from the University of Cape Town where her research was focused on investigating genetic aberrations identified through whole genome sequencing in South African oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients. During her postgraduate studies, she was awarded the University of Cape Town’s Vice Chancellor’s award for academic excellence and she served as the African regional leader on the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) Trainee Initiative Leadership Committee. She mentored honours students in the Division of Medical Biochemistry and was a biochemistry tutor for MBChB students.

Currently, Dr Patten continues her career of scientific research as a postdoctoral fellow in the Epigenetics group of the Biomedical Research and Innovations Platform. Her research delves into investigating the changes in microRNA expression during conditions of obesity in postpartum women living with HIV in Cape Town, South Africa, and the associated cardiometabolic risks.