ApconiX Welcomes Phumzile Sikakana to The Team

ApconiX is delighted to welcome Phumzile Sikakana who joins us straight from University.  Phum, an enthusiastic new master’s graduate will work with our team of experienced scientists on a variety of projects, including target safety reviews and in the ion channel screening laboratory, helping our clients make better decisions on drug safety.

Phum studied Biomedical Sciences at Cardiff University before completing her masters at Sheffield University following research into “The role of the phosphoinositide (PI) 5-kinase PIKfyve in phagosome maturation and killing, using the amoeba and model phagocyte Dictyostelium discoideum”.  Phum recently heard that she had been awarded a distinction for her masters degree.

A keen sports woman, Phum swam for Yorkshire until she was 16.  She started playing rugby when she joined Cardiff University and is hoping to continue playing, now she has moved to the Northwest.

Phum spent two summers in American Camp coaching 6 to 16-year olds.  Rocketry (the design and building of model rockets) was also on the curriculum.

“There will always be a need for new drugs and drug safety is such an important aspect of drug discovery. I am very interested in drug safety; it is a great to have the opportunity to explore various avenues all within the same company,” Phum commented.

Professor Ruth Roberts added, “I know Phum will be a great asset to the company.  We have grown significantly this year but bringing Phum in is not just about new resources to meet demand.  We are, as a company, keen to provide opportunities to young scientists and help the new generation of scientific minds grow and develop.”