28-Year-Old African Scholar Becomes Youngest Black Woman Full Professor at University of Oxford

Patricia Kingori, a 28-year-old Kenyan scholar, has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the youngest Black woman to attain the prestigious rank of a full professor at the esteemed University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

Patricia's academic journey began with her undergraduate studies in Sociology at Royal Holloway, University of London. After completing her bachelor's degree, she embarked on a research career, initially as a research assistant at the University of London, where her focus gravitated towards exploring the ethical challenges encountered by frontline workers.

Despite initial challenges in securing funding for her doctoral studies, Patricia's determination and dedication paid off when she was awarded a Wellcome Doctoral Studentship. This significant milestone marked the commencement of her doctoral journey at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

Recognized for the exceptional quality and global impact of her research, Patricia Kingori was appointed to the Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities at the University of Oxford. Her journey to full professorship was nothing short of remarkable.

During her eight-year tenure at the university, Patricia achieved numerous milestones. She successfully secured competitive funding grants, authored outstanding publications, provided mentorship to several DPhil candidates, and imparted knowledge to countless students.

Patricia faced personal challenges along the way, including becoming a mother during her academic pursuits. She was awarded the Wellcome Doctoral Studentship shortly after giving birth to her first child, necessitating a one-year maternity leave. Subsequently, she relocated to Kenya with her family to conduct fieldwork, a temporary relocation that added complexity to her academic journey.

Despite these challenges, Patricia's unwavering commitment and resilience shone through. She returned to her research after a ten-month hiatus, effectively completing her data collection with the invaluable support of two new supervisors. Her determination led her to successfully complete her Ph.D., following which she pursued postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford's Ethox Centre as a Wellcome Research Fellow.

Patricia's trajectory from a research lecturer to an associate professor within a mere five years is a testament to her tireless dedication, determination, unwavering good humor, and brilliance, as commended by the principal baroness at Oxford's Somerville College. Patricia Kingori's groundbreaking achievement has not only made history but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring scholars around the world.