An early career researcher with strong communication skills and experience in science communication, media and public engagement as a result of a Science Communication Fellowship undertaken at the University of Cambridge.

Risa has a strong interest in science diplomacy, evidence-based policymaking and research intergrity and aspires to pursue a career in the above fields. She is currently in the final year of her PhD studies at the University of Cape Town; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, where she is developing a point-of-care diagnostic for tuberculosis.