Daraayo (Daraayo EMF ) Mosobalaje, MSc

• Genetics

Daraayo Mosobalaje is a Nigerian scientist with a strong academic foundation in Cell Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Research, with growing expertise in bioinformatics and laboratory ethics. Her academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to advancing biomedical research, particularly in genetics, neurodegenerative diseases, and translational science, with relevance to global health and African research capacity building.
She obtained her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Cell Biology and Genetics from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, where she developed a solid grounding in cellular and molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, and developmental biology. Her undergraduate training combined theoretical knowledge with hands-on laboratory experience, including microscopy, nucleic acid handling, protein analysis, experimental design, and foundational molecular biology techniques. During this period, she developed a strong interest in the genetic mechanisms underlying human diseases.
Building on this background, Daraayo pursued a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Genetics at the University of Lagos. Her master’s program was competitively sponsored by Transforming Parkinson’s Disease Care in Africa (TraPCAf), in collaboration with the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2). This training provided her with advanced research exposure, mentorship, and insight into international research standards, with a focus on neurodegenerative diseases.
For her master’s research, she conducted a project titled “Differential Expression of the GBA1 Gene in Whole Blood of Parkinson’s Disease Patients and Healthy Controls Using RNA-Stabilized Samples.” The study investigated differences in GBA1 gene expression between Parkinson’s disease patients and healthy controls using RNA-stabilized whole blood samples to minimize pre-analytical variability and preserve RNA integrity. Her work involved ethical human sample handling, RNA extraction and quality assessment, quantitative gene expression analysis, and interpretation of molecular data within the context of Parkinson’s disease pathology. The study highlighted the relevance of GBA1 as a potential molecular biomarker and emphasized the importance of standardized sample processing, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Daraayo has been actively involved in GP2-linked collaborative research initiatives, contributing as a laboratory expert and gaining experience in large-scale g