Women in Bioinformatics – Rita Sianga

Bioinformatics is transforming how we understand genetics, diseases, and healthcare, and African women are playing a crucial role in this shift. Rita is one of the female experts in this growing field. She uses data and computational models to solve real-world biological challenges;

Hello Rita, thank you for accepting to open the new year for us! We hope it is going well so far
It is my pleasure to be here. Thank you for the invite.

Tell us a little about yourself before we dive into the depths of your journey in Bioinformatics
My name is Rita Sianga from Zambia. I am married to one man named Mete Banda, so our peers often call me Rita Mete. I prefer to be called Rita as it helps people to relate easily with me. In formal settings, I mostly introduce myself as Dr. Sianga.

I believe in education, research, healthy living, and STEM Academic Mentorship. I have a background in Mathematics and Statistics and hold a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics from the University of Cape Town. For work, I analyze complex viral data using knowledge and skills in mathematical models and identify patterns and trends of viral evolutionary relationships and genomic change in phylogenetics. I am actively looking for research opportunities that can allow me to significantly contribute to the world of bioinformatics and phylogenetics. I have grown into loving the applications of bioinformatics in nutrition and this is something I am currently exploring.

Let us talk about your work in the STEM field
I am the Founder and Director of MentorLab STEM Innovations. We provide quality academic mentorship and research services that bridge the gap between academia and the STEM industry. Our mission is to be the shoulders on which young people can see a better future and aid them in getting there. Our organization accepts that children from underprivileged societies face many challenges as they navigate the ladder of success. I believe there is a need for mentorship to help them navigate the academic journey and attain freedom from poverty.

To accomplish this mission, I am running an 11-month academic mentorship program this year, consisting of academic-strength-building programs such as STEM tuition, STEM career guidance, Applications for STEM-related subject conferences, and assisted studying. The program will provide free access to STEM study material to learners enrolled under the free mentorship project.

We understand you also do some work in Bioinformatics. How did you end up in this field? Walk us through what that journey has been like for you
My father died quite early in my life and my mother struggled to fend for my two siblings and me. As though life was not stressful enough, my mother lost her job during my twelfth grade. Shortly after that, I lost my brother in 2014. These were very tough times! I knew that if I did not work hard and get an education, my young sister, my mother, and myself were set for a very hard life.

I was never the typical smart girl. Starting off my early childhood education in the village, I struggled to speak English and this affected my performance in all other subjects. I recall being the least performing student in my fourth grade. I also recall labeling the alimentary canal in the local language during a test in my sixth grade because I could not do so in English.

During my tenth grade of high school, I visited my aunt, and while there, I picked up a book titled Gifted Hands by Ben Carson off her shelf. I must say that my life has never been the same again. Reading about Ben Carson and his mother’s life journey, I was convinced that my mind was the limit. Receiving such outstanding courage from just one book positively impacted my life and academic performance. I never thought I would be a STEM girl, but here I am with a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics.

Although I had never met Ben Carson or his mother, the book Gifted Hands mentored me to believe that there is a better life beyond my then-current circumstances. It taught me the power of mentorship; the power of sitting on the shoulders of those who have been there already. I started appreciating the power of seeing the future through the eyes of others.

After obtaining my statistics degree and master’s in mathematical sciences, I wanted to mentor young people to aid them in achieving their desired goals. Specifically, I wanted to mentor young people from underprivileged communities. I know they can see a better future by standing on the shoulders of those of us who have been there. I have started and completed mentorship programs since 2019 as a volunteer mentor for orphaned children to provide a platform for exposure, determination, and better STEM career choices. My goal is to help young people value STEM education and appreciate its impact beyond the classroom.

What can you say have been the most challenging times throughout your journey so far?
Daring to be different and doing things the unusual way is certainly not an easy thing. I have realized that my visions require of me full time to give the very best. However, running academic mentorship programs requires human resources, STEM materials, and all other learning materials. Building up a financial muscle for the mentorship program centered toward vulnerable children has not been easy. Because of a lack of funds, we failed to complete the mentorship program for 2024.

During such difficult times, what inspires you to continue pressing on?
My determination to make a significant difference in the lives of the children I have encountered during the mentorship programs. I have seen many people move from nothing to high-profile places. This inspires me, knowing that the same can happen for those children enrolled in the mentorship program. I have been blessed to encounter individuals who have donated and contributed to the program, which has also always inspired me to carry on.

Earning a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics is a significant achievement. Can you share some of your key accomplishments, awards, or moments of recognition throughout your journey?
I have been privileged to be a participant and winner of the Famelab science talking competition at the South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA) HEAT in Cape Town. This led to my participation in the National FameLab science talking competition.

I am also a recipient of the bursary under the Department of Science and Technology with the National Research Foundation (DST-NRF) under the South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis.

I received a scholarship under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the African Institute for Mathematical Science (AIMS) in South Africa.

Who is Rita outside of work?
The funny thing is that even outside of “work” I am a mentor. I love to hear of young people’s life journeys in whatever setup I find myself in.

Other than mentorship, I am enthusiastic about healthy living and research in health. This led me to formulate and now produce healthy cereals such as granola, diabetic porridges, herbal teas such as hibiscus tisane, and herb-infused honey concoctions. I run a manufacturing start-up business called Ntha’nzi Lifestyle Solutions which I guess is also “work”.

Outside of MentorLab and Ntha’nzi, I am a wife, a mother of three children, the leader of the youths (16 to 21 years of age) at church, a daughter, a sister, and a friend.

What is your favorite quote?
I have many of those but here are three;

• “Dare to be different” ~ Anonymous

• “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, YOU are right” ~ Henry Ford

• “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants” ~ Isaac Newton

What is your word of encouragement for a young African girl with a passion for Bioinformatics or general STEM?
Baby girl, you can do the impossible, all you must do is believe in yourself and never let anything or anyone discourage you. Hard work does pay off so just focus on the desired end results. Life is tough but you my girl are even tougher.

Thank you, Rita, for sharing your journey and insights with us. Your dedication to bioinformatics and its impact on healthcare and research in Africa is truly inspiring. We also admire your passion for mentoring young African minds in STEM. Your effort and time are not going unnoticed. We look forward to seeing how your work continues to shape the future of the continent!