A first enriching MSc student supervision experience for Dr Mireille Kameni

An important milestone in career path of Dr Kameni – postdoctoral researcher in the Immunobiology and Helminth Infections Unit (IBIH) and as a teacher-researcher in the Department of Microbiology and Parasitology at the University of Bamenda. This supervisory experience has proven particularly rewarding, both scientifically and pedagogically.

Research Project Context

The research work assigned to the student Ms Phukensam Mireille Anuh, was a continuation of previous postdoctoral research works on metabolomics profiling of schistosomiasis among school-aged children from endemic areas. The main objective was to validate hypotheses emerging from this research, a stimulating scientific challenge that required the acquisition of advanced technical skills in parasitology and molecular biology.

Practical organization and training

To successfully carry out this project, the student left Bamenda to settle in Yaoundé for a period of four months internship. This immersion in the Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology headed by Dr Nono (Co-supervisor) provided her with intensive and practical training. During this period, she benefited from progressive learning covering several essential aspects of quality scientific research: the fundamentals of operating a molecular biology laboratory, rigorous research methodology, and the acquisition of specialized techniques. Her training program included good laboratory practices, the basics of molecular biology, primer design, RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, primer efficiency verification, as well as PCR and qPCR techniques.

Student Performance and Qualities

Msc. Phukensam, particularly distinguished herself through several remarkable qualities. Her constant eagerness to learn and her ability to quickly assimilate complex concepts facilitated her progress. Her mastery of techniques as advanced as those mentioned above testifies to her commitment and scientific aptitude. Her rigor in executing experimental protocols and her analytical mindset contributed to the quality of the results obtained.

The Defense

The defense took place on November 21, 2025, at the University of Bamenda. The jury praised several aspects of the work presented, particularly the candidate ability to answer most questions, the scientific quality of the research, the technical sophistication of the methods employed, and especially the potential utility of the results for public health in schistosomiasis-endemic regions.

Evaluation and Recommendations

Ms Phukensam achieved the excellent grade of 84/100, reflecting the overall quality of her work. However, the jury made a constructive recommendation for the continuation of her academic career: to deepen certain fundamental concepts in Biochemistry. This suggestion proves relevant in view of pursuing a doctorate, where a solid mastery of biochemical foundations will enable better assimilation of advanced concepts and more refined analysis of results.

Dr Kameni’s Reflections on This First Supervisory Experience

« This first Master’s supervisory experience has provided me with numerous insights. It confirmed the importance of intensive practical training, particularly in technical disciplines such as molecular biology. The laboratory immersion model over several months proved particularly effective, allowing the student not only to acquire technical skills but also to develop the autonomy and scientific rigor necessary for high-quality and impactful research.

This experience also reinforces my conviction that research in parasitology and multiomics in Cameroon can benefit from inter-institutional collaborations and the use of advanced technical platforms to train the next generation of researchers.

This first supervisory experience encourages me to continue training young researchers and to contribute to the development of scientific expertise in our region.»