Programs > Research Fellows > Maryanne Mufford

Maryanne Mufford

South Africa
2020-2024

Maryanne is a doctoral candidate at the Division of Human Genetics at UCT, investigating the genetic architecture of amygdala nuclei volumes and the genetic overlap with anxiety and related disorders. This involves analyses, such as Genome-Wide Association Studies and cross-trait Linkage Disequilibrium Score Regression, using large-scale data sources, such as the UK Biobank. Maryanne completed a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Molecular Genetics and Human Physiology, at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 2015. She earned her honors and master’s degrees at the Division of Human Genetics at UCT. Her research focused on the genetic underpinnings of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in South African cohorts, respectively.

In five years, she would like to have completed a post-doctoral fellowship and have a faculty position. She has a keen interest in teaching the next generation of scientists and being at the forefront of neuropsychiatric genomics research. Maryanne was born and raised in a small town called Clanwilliam, a few hours outside of Cape Town. She spends most of her spare time with friends and family, hiking and exploring the beautiful surroundings of Cape Town, or reading a good book.

GINGER has helped me connect with experts both on the African continent and globally. I’ve been able refine and develop skills that are lacking at my home institution. This is a life changing opportunity for which I am forever grateful.