Dr. Cara Mia Dunaiski, PhD (Medical Microbiology), is a Senior Research Scientist at the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP). She specializes in diagnostic microbiology and public health research, with a focus on infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, fungal infections, and non-communicable diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
Her work emphasizes improving diagnostic accuracy, advancing laboratory methodologies, and strengthening surveillance systems that generate timely data to guide evidence-based healthcare. She has published on the burden of fungal infections in Namibia, outcomes of vaginal discharge syndrome, and antifungal resistance in Candida glabrata.
Beyond her research, Dr. Dunaiski contributes to national research ethics initiatives, mentors emerging scientists, and actively engages in science communication. She was recently appointed a Regional Ambassador for the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), recognizing her leadership in strengthening laboratory systems and advancing research capacity across Africa.