Dr Alisa Phulukdaree lost her parents to cardiovascular disease. This experience ignited a passion to further her PhD studies in Medical Biochemistry. In 2014, she joined the University of Pretoria’s Department of Physiology, contributing to the area of microRNA research. Dr Phulukdaree’s research in biochemistry and physiology aims to reveal genetic alterations that may cause the symptoms and
changes associated with cardiovascular disease. 

Dr Phulukdaree explains that diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and obesity are underlying risk factor for heart disease. She explains that these conditions may affect coagulation pathways and increase the risk of thrombosis, which increases the risk of heart attack. Dr Phulukdaree’s accolades include being made a fellow of the prestigious Next Einstein Forum, a programme that recognises Africa’s
best young scientists.