Dr Kalina Naidoo at the Wade-Martins Lab, she is a UKZN graduate and has been pioneering Parkinson’s Research at University of Oxford in Oxforshire, England
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Parkinson’s disease is something very close to Dr Kalina Naidoo’s heart. The postdoctoral researcher at the Wade-Martins Lab in Oxford’s Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics (DPAG) is making significant strides in Parkinson’s disease research.
She is focused on the early diagnosis and developing targeted therapies for the neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions worldwide. Dr Naidoo began her academic journey at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), where she completed a degree in Medical Science. She went on to complete a Master’s in Medical Science, during which she encountered an opportunity that would change the trajectory of her future.
“It was while I was waiting for an elevator at the UKZN Medical School that I noticed an advertisement for the prestigious Cecil Renaud Overseas Scholarship,” she said. “Encouraged by its objective checklist format, I applied and secured the scholarship, enabling me to study at Oxford in 2015.”
Dr Naidoo specialised in neuroscience, focusing on dementia and neurodegenerative diseases. Her current research explores Parkinson’s as a disease with distinct clinical subtypes. She is investigating whether these variations have a biological basis. By understanding these differences, she hopes to develop more precise treatments tailored to individual patients.
A previous project saw Dr Naidoo optimise an innovative imaging technique to measure an enzyme linked to a genetic mutation (GBA N370S) associated with Parkinson’s. This breakthrough could become a valuable tool for researchers studying the disease’s genetic components.
Despite challenges, including the disruption of her PhD research due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she persevered. Dr Naidoo joined the Wade-Martins Lab as a postdoctoral research assistant and within six months, was promoted to full postdoctoral researcher after proving her capabilities.
“Reflecting on my journey from UKZN to Oxford, I credit my success to resilience, community support, and an openness to unexpected opportunities. I encourage UKZN students to seek personal development in various forms, emphasising the importance of perseverance and adaptability in scientific research,” Dr Naidoo said.
Her work continues to extend the boundaries of Parkinson’s research, with the potential to transform how the disease is diagnosed and treated globally. Beyond her research, Dr Naidoo is passionate about mentorship. She tutors and lectures at Oxford University, contributing to shaping the next generation of scientists. She also hopes to include a South African cohort in her studies to ensure that diverse genetic data informs Parkinson’s research.