Mr. Peleka Joseph
Co-Lead & Intern
Peleka Joseph holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Dar es Salaam (2024). He served as the Assistant Coordinator of the Microbiology and Biotechnology Students’ Association (MBSA) during the 2023/2024 academic year.
Peleka is skilled in graphic design, website design, and management, and he is the Creative Director at Peleka Digital.
He is also a member of the Communication Team of the Tanzania Immunology Society and serves as the Digital Marketing Manager at Precur Chem Technologies.
At the Tanzania Human Genetics Organization (THGO), he interns with the Communication Team, serving as the Communication Team Co-Lead and Graphics Team Lead.
Ms. Ester Masalu
Co-Lead & Intern
Esther holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Microbiology and Chemistry at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). At the Tanzania Human Genetics Organization (THGO), she volunteers as a member of the Communication Team.
She is passionate about genetics, research, chemistry, and biotechnology, and eager to further explore these fields. In her free time, she enjoys reading books, learning new languages such as French, and developing her skills in graphic design through online courses and social media platforms.
Ms. Linda Obed
Intern
Linda is a Master’s degree candidate in Health and Biomedical Sciences at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, specializing in Computational Drug Design. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from the University of Dar es Salaam.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Linda worked at the Ifakara Health Institute clinical trial facility in Bagamoyo, where she received intensive training as a Research Officer. Through this experience, she gained both laboratory and fieldwork expertise, establishing a strong foundation in technical and analytical skills for health-related research.
She has a keen interest in Genomics and Bioinformatics and aspires to integrate these fields into her research, with the goal of advancing drug development through in silico approaches.
At the Tanzania Human Genetics Organization (THGO), Linda volunteers with the Communication Team, where she is being mentored in science communication and advocacy.
Ms. Rachel Mtama
Intern
Rachel Mtama is a Research Assistant at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from the University of Dar es Salaam.
Rachel has gained valuable experience in molecular biology and biotechnology, having worked as a research assistant in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology on the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) project. She also interned at NIMR Mabibo as a Laboratory Research Analyst, where she developed laboratory skills and received training in scientific dissemination.
Her research interests include molecular diagnosis and prognosis of hematological disorders, HLA genetic diversity, and population genetics. Rachel is passionately involved in science and health awareness communication, actively participating in professional organizations such as the Tanzania Human Genetics Organization (THGO) and the Biotechnology Society of Tanzania (BST), where she contributes to community outreach and the advancement of science communication.
Mr. Stuart Ngereza
Intern
Stuart holds a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). He currently volunteers as a member of the Tanzania Human Genetics Organization (THGO) Communication Team. Stuart is enthusiastic about expanding his knowledge in molecular biology, biotechnology, and research.
In his free time, he develops skills in graphic design and other digital-related areas through online classes, mentorship programs, and social media.
Mr. Furahini Mbise
Intern
Furahini Mbise is a Health Laboratory Scientist and early career researcher at NIMR Muhimbili Center, certified in Quality Management Systems (QMS). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science from Kampala International University in Tanzania (2020).
During his studies, Furahini gained practical experience at several accredited clinical laboratories, including Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) and the Central Pathology Laboratory (CPL) at Muhimbili National Hospital. After graduation, he completed a one-year internship at Amana Regional Referral Hospital Laboratory, where he enhanced his clinical laboratory skills. He later worked at the Central Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (CTRL), a SADCAS-accredited facility, gaining experience in advanced diagnostic techniques and high-containment facilities.
At NIMR, Furahini has developed extensive research experience and is currently focusing on molecular epidemiology, with aspirations to pursue a Master’s degree in this field. He has co-authored one peer-reviewed publication: “Diagnostic capacity for fungal keratitis in Africa – a survey in 50 African countries.”
He is also an active member of the Tanzania Human Genetics Organization (THGO), volunteering with the Communication Team, where he is building his skills in science communication and advocacy. Furahini is passionate about collaboration and open to networking in areas of shared interest.
Mr. Evance Tarimo
Intern
Evance holds a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). At the Tanzania Human Genetics Organization (THGO), he volunteers as a member of the Communication Team. He is passionate about advancing his knowledge and career in molecular biology, biotechnology, and research. In his free time, he enjoys learning graphic design and other digital-related skills through online courses and social media platforms.
Mr. Benson Nedura
Intern
Benson Nedura is an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS).
He currently serves as a volunteer with the Tanzania Human Genetics Organization (THGO), where he is part of the communication team. Benson is passionate about genetics and research, with a strong eagerness to learn and explore new opportunities in these fields. Beyond academics, he actively participates in community outreach and teaching, and enjoys reading books.
He is also developing skills in graphic design and leadership through online courses and social media platforms.
Mr. Joel Maduki
Intern
Joel Peter Maduki is a medical student at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS). He volunteers with the Tanzania Human Genetics Organization (THGO) as a member of the Communication Team. Joel is passionate about continuous learning and exploration, with particular interests in genetics, research, and medicine.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Joel has a strong enthusiasm for data analysis and visualization, reflecting his skills as a data enthusiast. He also enjoys reading, learning new languages, and public speaking, while travel experiences provide him with opportunities to broaden his horizons and perspectives.