Dr. Oria is one of the founding members of Integrated Cancer Research Foundation of Kenya and is responsible for directing its scientific strategy. He holds a doctorate degree in cancer biology from the University of Freiburg, Germany. He was a postdoctoral researcher at the Yale Cancer Center, Yale University where he investigated the molecular mechanisms that drive melanoma brain metastasis. Currently, he is an assistant professor at the University of Copenhagen (Biotech Research and Innovation Centre). His research focuses on understanding how the tumor vasculature shape the tumor microenvironment to promote metastasis.
Dr. Abbott co-founded ICRF in 2019 and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administrative and operational functions. He holds a doctorate in Oncology and a master’s degree in Radiation Biology from Oxford University. He received bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and physics from the University of Florida. Dr. Abbott has published translational research on colorectal and liver cancers at the University of Chicago and Oxford University. He is also interested in combination radiotherapy and universal access to evidence-based medicine.
Faith Mokobi Zablon is a Ph.D. candidate in Nanoengineering (Synthetic Biology) at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, North Carolina A&T State University. She has a background in Immunology and Microbiology. Faith is a dynamic researcher and a science communicator passionate about applying nanotechnology to advance biomedical research. With her integrated multidisciplinary skills, Faith focuses on studying complex diseases such as cancer through a theranostic lens, aiming to bridge diagnostics and therapy. In her current research, Faith is exploring long non-coding RNA-microRNA-mRNA networks using computational tools to identify signature biomarkers for breast cancer in cells and extracellular vesicles. She also designs molecular biosensing tools using 2D materials to detect and monitor these biomarkers for point-of-care applications. Faith is committed to scientific outreach and education, as evidenced by her initiatives like founding the Navigating Nano podcast and the STEM-GEMS summer program for refugee girls, whose efforts have been recognized and received multiple awards from her current institutions. These programs are aimed at demystifying science and fostering diversity in STEM.
Dr. Fiona Okonjo is a founding member of ICRF-K, where she’s responsible for overseeing the organization’s research activities. She holds a doctorate in Cancer Studies from King’s College London, after which she worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oxford, where she developed a novel gene signature, in breast cancer. Currently, Dr Okonjo works as a Staff Scientist at NanoSyrinx Ltd, where she develops cell assays for a next-generation platform technology, focused on targeted intracellular delivery of biological molecules. Her extensive experience spans cancer biology, diagnostics, drug discovery, target validation, and genomics, shaped by previous roles at Oxford Gene Technology, the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, and the Institute of Cancer Research. Passionate about enhancing cancer research and genomics capacity in Africa, she has forged strategic scientific partnerships with global organizations to achieve this goal.
David Victor is a Co-Founder, Director and board member of ICRF-Kenya and is responsible for its administration and information technology. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Land Administration from the Technical University of Kenya and a master’s degree in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence from the University of Suffolk.