NAS Featured scientist
Dr Ntombenhle (Ntombi) Gama - Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology

Q: Why did you choose to study Biochemistry?
A: I have always been intrigued by biology and chemistry in high school, and when I got to university, merging the two came naturally. I also remember the then departmental student advisor, Prof Verschoor, saying to us, “a medical doctor can cure one person at a time, but a biochemist has the potential to cure a million people at once”. Those words stuck with me, and I wanted to be that scientist.

Q: Why is Biochemistry important?
A: I think the current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of not only biochemistry and biochemists but scientists as a whole. Biochemists study the chemistry and function of biological systems, and the development of vaccines such as the ones currently being used for the pandemic is developed by Biochemists. Biochemists also work in drug discovery and the development of diagnostic devices, all very important for the management of various human, animal and plant diseases. Apart from health, Biochemistry research can impact food security, climate change and improve quality of life; all critical sustainable development goals to transform our world.

Q: Why did you decide to focus your research on HIV?
A: I grew up when the slogan “AIDS kills” was everywhere, and we were terrified of HIV. We saw how people were helpless and were dying from this unknown disease, and I remember saying to myself in grade five, “I want to be one of the people that help find the cure to AIDS”. So when I was accepted into the BSc Biochemistry Honours programme and received a project in the HIV Research Group, led by Prof Debra Meyer, it felt like I had come full circle. 

Q: Highlights of your career so far?
A: Obtaining my PhD in Biochemistry remains one of my most significant career achievements. I was awarded the 2016 DST Women in Science PhD Fellowship, and in 2019 I was recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans. In addition, last year, I graduated my first MSc student, and that was a very proud moment. To be able to play a positive role in the success of another young person is truly amazing. Other highlights include opportunities to travel to countries like the Netherlands, Italy and Scotland.

Q: Please give us a glimpse of your most recent research.
A: Our research focuses on the development of novel drug candidates (synthetic compounds, metallodrugs and natural products) that are effective against HIV and associated opportunistic diseases (mainly cancer and TB). We screen the drug candidates against genetically modified viral particles that result in one round of infection (pseudo-viruses) and against the three major enzymes involved in the HIV life cycle; HIV reverse transcriptase, integrase and protease. A significant barrier to the elimination of HIV is the ability of the virus to form latent reservoirs which are reactivated in the case of treatment interruptions or the development of drug resistance. Drug candidates are also screened for latency reversal activity, which we hope will result in the exposure of the latent virus to treatment. 

Q: Describe a day in the life of Dr Gama.
A: A typical day begins with morning prayer, which helps me focus and start the day on a positive note. I then prepare the “To Do “list of the day. No day is ever the same but varies between working in the lab, postgraduate student supervision, research publications, grant applications, undergraduate teaching responsibilities, meetings with students and administration. With the COVID-19 pandemic and working from home, I have found that a good work-life balance has become very important, especially when you are a mom to a one-year-old who demands all your attention. 

Q: What qualities does a good scientist need?
A: *Passion- you need to be passionate about what you are doing as that will get you through the challenging moments (unsuccessful grant applications, publication rejections, failed projects, tough students).
*Social awareness- ultimately, the research you do as a scientist responds to a societal challenge. Therefore it is vital to be in touch with your society. 
*Self-awareness- knowing your strengths and abilities could help build your confidence and help you overcome challenges like imposter syndrome. An awareness of your limitations could help you seek out opportunities for further training and even collaboration with other scientists, which could help in furthering your research goals.

Q: What words/beliefs do you live by?
A: There are two things I always remind myself of: One, you always have something valuable to contribute, doesn’t matter how small. Secondly, people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel (Maya Angelou). 

Q: Who is your role model/mentor?
A: I do not think I have one specific role model or mentor, but I look up to and draw inspiration from various successful women, both in my immediate surroundings and in general. Women like my grandmother and mother, scientists like Prof Debra Meyer, Prof Lyn-Marie Birkholtz, Prof Mmantsae Diale and global icons like Oprah Winfrey. 

Q: Do you have any advice for prospective biochemists/HIV researchers?
A: All I would say is focus on your goals, work hard and take as many opportunities as you come across as possible, even though they seem minor. Success is a culmination of small intentional actions.