Educational/professional background
Salam! I’m Shima, a Sudanese Medical Laboratory Scientist and GSK Future Health Leader Scholar with a lifelong curiosity for microbes and how they shape our world. My work has ranged from diagnosing infectious diseases in the lab to leading medical convoys that provided free testing and treatment to displaced families in Sudan. I also founded The Talk, a platform that connects scientists and policymakers to discuss health challenges and outbreak response. Beyond research, I have a strong passion for teaching microbiology — I’ve worked as a teaching assistant, mentoring students and inspiring them to see the beauty and importance of microorganisms in health and disease.
Research interests or career goals
I’m passionate about developing rapid, affordable diagnostic tools for infectious diseases, particularly cholera and other waterborne pathogens affecting crisis-affected regions. My long-term goal is to establish a diagnostic and research centre in Sudan to strengthen disease surveillance, training, and laboratory capacity across Africa.
Why I chose LSHTM/my programme
I chose LSHTM for its world-leading expertise in infectious disease research and its inspiring community of scientists dedicated to improving global health. It’s the perfect place to turn my passion for microbiology and teaching into sustainable change.