Lina Akinyi Ochieng

Lina’s research focuses on understanding the pathogenesis and therapeutic targeting of inflammation-mediated conditions, with a particular interest in translating fundamental immunological insights into clinical applications. She obtained her BSc in Biotechnology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and an MSc in Immunology from Pwani University, where her research, conducted at the KEMRI–Wellcome Trust Research Programme, examined how inflammation influences growth among children treated for severe malnutrition.

She is currently investigating how a Golgi-resident protein kinase regulates inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis, a mechanism that may underlie poor responses to existing therapies. Findings from this work aim to inform the development of more effective treatment strategies for patients with ulcerative colitis, who often experience severe symptoms and limited therapeutic options. Lina is conducting this research within Professor Kim Midwood’s group.