Employing (Home) Organisation: KEMRI Wellcome Trust
Project title: Investigating the relationship between the gut microbiome and micronutrient levels in children
I am a Postdoctoral Fellow at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, Kenya. I completed my PhD in Life Sciences in 2023, where I studied the molecular signatures of severe acute infections in hospitalized African children. My research focuses on maternal and child health, particularly how the gut microbiome influences nutrition, metabolism, and infection in early life. I’m passionate about applying multi-omics approaches to drive personalised nutrition and improve health outcomes in vulnerable populations.
Summary of Project Destination
Micronutrient deficiencies remain a major public health challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries, affecting over 372 million preschool-aged children. Emerging evidence shows that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in regulating the availability of key nutrients. The mechanisms linking gut microbiome and micronutrient metabolism, particularly in low- and middle-income countries with prevalent malnutrition, are poorly understood.
Through the AREF Fellowship, I will investigate how micronutrient status interacts with the gut microbiome to influence nutrient bioavailability and child health, using micronutrient biomarker and metagenomic analyses. After the fellowship, I will expand this work to study how the maternal microbiome shapes infant development and micronutrient status. This research could improve interventions addressing childhood undernutrition and support personalised nutrition strategies in early life.
Summary of Fellowship Plan
I will be based at the Nutritional Biomarkers Lab, MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, under the mentorship of Dr Kerry Jones and Dr Albert Koulman. I will gain hands-on training in micronutrient biomarker analysis and integrated analysis of micronutrient and metagenomic data. After the fellowship, I will apply and share these skills at my home institution in Kilifi, Kenya, to support ongoing projects on micronutrient supplementation and strengthen local capacity in micronutrient and microbiome research.
Quote
“This fellowship is pivotal in my research journey – equipping me with advanced skills and the confidence to lead impactful research that tackles maternal and child undernutrition in Africa.”
Dr. Jacqueline Waeni expects to start her fellowship in November 2025