PhD Takes 26-Year-Old Dr Mikyle David to New Heights

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From graduating with a Master’s degree in Medical Sciences summa cum laude to obtaining a doctoral degree, Dr Mikyle David continues to break many barriers in his pursuit for excellence.

He is also the youngest PhD graduate at the age of 26. The Pietermaritzburg-born resident graduated with a PhD in Optics and Imaging for his study on the synergy in HIV infection and pre-eclampsia (pregnancy hypertension). 

David was diagnosed with a deformation of the tibula and fibula bones 26 years ago and was also born with a cleft hand - without two fingers on his right hand. Due to the deformities with the bones in his legs, his parents were faced with the choice of amputating both his legs or placing him in a wheelchair for life. He said his parents chose amputation which he was grateful for as it gave him the chance to walk, albeit with the use of two prosthetic limbs. 

David has excelled in his health sciences studies achieving honours passes throughout his academic life. He said, ‘I always enjoyed studying biology in school and the human body and its systems fascinated me. The same was true when I started my undergraduate studies in medical sciences. It did help that my mother was a nurse, so I guess I’ve always been around the health sciences.’ 

David is currently a postdoctoral Fellow at the University of the Free State in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and hopes to embark on a career in academia. ‘I want to get into lecturing; as much as I do love doing research, I also want the opportunity to teach others.’ David’s doctoral study was on Pre-eclampsia (PE), a complex medical disorder, accounting for the majority of maternal and foetal deaths globally and the impact on mothers who are also HIV positive. The study investigated the association and the prevalence of genetic variants of complement C3 (C3rs2230199; C3rs1047286 and C3rs344555) in the synergy of PE and HIV infection; in South African women of African lineage. 

The complement protein, C3, activates the body’s natural defence against HIV infection and the exacerbated inflammatory state of PE. C3 is the central and most abundant complement protein, and functions to activate the complement system in the presence of foreign invaders. Regardless of pregnancy type, PE versus non-PE samples, David’s study found a significant difference in C3 concentration between the HIV-negative and HIV-positive individuals. As a result, complement C3 levels may be raised in the duality of PE and HIV infection. Hence, women are more likely to get PE, and HIV infection is more severe, susceptible, and transmissible.

David is an avid gamer during his spare time and also volunteers at the KwaZulu-Natal doghouse and the non-profit organisation Saving, Environment, Animal Life, Society (S.E.A.L.S).

Words and Photograph: MaryAnn Francis