Patricia is a developmental psychologist from Kilifi, Kenya. Her research interests are in the development and use of appropriate diagnostic assessments and interventions for children with neurodevelopmental conditions in Africa. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the United States International University – Africa in Nairobi, and her MSc degree in Clinical Developmental Sciences from Kings College London, where she investigated the perspectives of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder on clinical genetics testing and healthcare. Patricia received invaluable experience in developmental science research at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program in Kilifi, where she worked as a research officer on the NeuroDev project. Currently, she’s a PhD student at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where she focuses on the characterization of the phenotypic and genetic architecture of neurodevelopmental disorders; the risk factors and biomarkers and its psychosocial impact on affected families. In the future, she hopes to blend research with clinical work and focus on interventions for neurodivergent children and their caregivers that enhance their quality of life and wellbeing and help them provide better care. Outside of research, Patricia enjoys spending time with family and friends, going for walks, listening to music, and reading a good book by the beach.
I am incredibly grateful to be part of the GINGER Program! I come from a clinical background – so looking at the other side of the coin, the genetic aspects, has been illuminating. Who knew I’d be learning programming and working with virtual machines (very futuristic and cool to a psychologist like me!). I am coming into my own as a researcher, building networks with Fellows and GINGER partners and getting mentorship from the instructors and PIs. Thanks to GINGER, I am excited for what lies ahead for everyone in the Neuropsychiatric research space on the African Continent.