Get to Know Alfred Kibowen
Tell about yourself.: I am Alfred, a Kenyan living in New Haven, CT. I am young molecular genetics researcher, and I love what I do! Outside of work, I love creating community! Also, I make hip-hop and Afrobeats dance videos.
Share your professional journey so far and what inspired you to choose your current career path?: I am currently a postgraduate researcher at the Yale School of Medicine, and will be transitioning to a PhD program in genetics and genomics later this year!
I chose to do biology research because I believe in the power of science innovation to positively transform healthcare outcomes. By understanding the genetic, cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying disease, scientists can better empower healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat illness.
I loved this idea as I started out as a student researcher in undergraduate, and it continues to motivate me today!
Tell us about a recent project or accomplishment you're proud of. How did it make an impact on your field or community?: I recently completed a project looking at the relationship between schizophrenia and cannabis use. In the clinic, schizophrenia diagnosis is strongly and positively associated with cannabis use, but whether there are biological mechanisms underlying the relationship is not known.
With this in mind, my colleagues and I investigated the cellular and molecular processes underlying schizophrenia genetic risk and that underlying cannabinoid exposure, and what these look like when they interact together.
Our findings indicate that the primary active components of cannabis sativa - cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol - impact unique biological pathways, and interact in different ways with a genetic background associated with schizophrenia. Our data indicate that cannabidiol may impact biological pathways that are complimentary to but distinct from those that a schizophrenia-related genetic background impact. In contrast, our data indicate that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may impact biological pathways that are shared and similar to those that a schizophrenia-related genetic background impact. We are looking to publish these findings sometime in the middle of this year, so feel free to stay tuned!
This research is important because by understanding whether there are shared or complimentary biological pathways underlying both schizophrenia genetic risk and exposure to cannabinoids, we will be better equipped to understand whether the association between schizophrenia risk and cannabis use is causal, and what that causality looks like.
In the long term, this project, taken with other important data, may inform public health recommendations concerning the association between schizophrenia and cannabis use.
What is a key lesson you've learned in your career, and how has it influenced your approach to work and your future goals?: I am a young researcher, and I am cheerfully aware that there are many lessons I am still yet to learn! But if there is one lesson I have learnt already is the importance of collaboration and teamwork in designing and doing important projects. I aspire to imitate mentors I have witnessed who prioritize professional bonds, and realize the power of this collaboration in improving the creativity and impact of their science.
What advice would you offer young professionals who want to make a meaningful impact in their industry?: As a young professional myself, I am more eager to listen rather than give such encouraging advice! But if I would advise one thing, it is to follow themes that you are passionate about, whenever it is possible.