Reshmi Dassaye is a scientist with a PhD in Medical Science. She has accumulated about 15 years of experience within research and academia, including a six-year tenure in clinical trials at HIDRU, SAMRC. During these six years, she has undertaken multiple and multifaceted roles at HIDRU. She has been involved in HIV, STI and COVID-19 research, encompassing both observational and clinical-trial studies. She is the Co-PI of the COVID Kids Schools study (CoKiDSS), assessing the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a triad of learners, their parents and teachers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. While working in clinical research and trials, she has developed a profound interest in basic sciences imbedded in maternal-child health.