Biography
Biography: Ms. Sumaya Kambal is a PhD candidate and Graduate Research Fellow at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Ethiopia (2022-2026). She specializes in whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data analysis, high-performance computing (HPC) for genomics, population genetics, evolutionary analysis, and scientific data visualization. Ms. Kambal holds a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology and a Bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Animal Production, University of Khartoum. Her core expertise lies in genomics and population genetics, with a strong focus on applying computational approaches to uncover genetic diversity and support improvements in animal health and breeding. She is a highly motivated bioinformatics researcher with extensive experience in managing and analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) data. Known for her precision, organization, and collaborative mindset, she has demonstrated a strong track record in interpreting complex data, presenting research findings effectively, and mentoring others in genomic analysis. Her work significantly contributes to advancing bioinformatics research and capacity-building across Africa.
Research Interests
- Genetic diversity and structure in livestock populations
- Variant discovery and annotation from NGS data
- Identification of genomic regions under selection
- Application of bioinformatics in livestock improvement and conservation
Notable Achievements
- Successfully conducted advanced analyses of WGS data including preprocessing, quality control, and variant calling
- Explored population structure, genetic diversity, and selection signatures using cutting-edge population genetics tools
- Presented research findings at multiple international conferences
- Recipient of the ISAG Yoshi Suzuki Award for Best Student Poster at the 39th International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG 2023) in Cape Town, South Africa
- Recognized for providing technical guidance and mentorship in genomics research teams
Collaborations
- Long-term research fellowship (2021–2024) with ILRI focusing on genomic analysis in livestock
- Contributed to capacity building and cross-disciplinary genomic research projects in the African region