She reminded her self to trust her independent mind and not be swayed by peers or societal expectations and that her determination and love for science would guide her to not only a fulfilling career but also a family and that she would contribute to society.
[6] After earning her PhD, she received a Fulbright fellowship to continue her post-doctoral studies at the University of Notre Dame in the United States.
Her pioneering research in the latter is paving the way for a safer cancer detection and treatment, without the debilitating side effects of chemotherapy.
[5] Nyokong’s research group is involved in the development of multifunctional nanodrugs for diagnostics and therapy by chemically linking metallic, magnetic, or semiconductor nanoparticles to photoactive phthalocyanine photosensitizers.
[12] These nanoparticles are designed to accumulate at target sites due to the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect.
Nanoparticles can be modified with various functional groups to act as photosensitizers or carriers, creating an all-in-one therapeutic tool.