A Nigerian scientist, Williams Comfort Ekom, has drawn international acclaim for her groundbreaking work in biomedical research, especially in the fight against cardiovascular disease.
Ekom, a senior medical laboratory scientist and Ph.D. researcher, is breaking barriers and redefining the narrative of African contributions to cutting-edge science.

Ekom’s journey began at Imo State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (B.MLS), specialising in hematology and blood transfusion. Her thesis, which explored the antithrombotic potential of low-dose Vasoprin in older adults, signaled an early commitment to cardiovascular research.

Following her graduation, Ekom became a licensed practitioner with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN). She went on to join Clinix Healthcare, one of Nigeria’s top diagnostic centers, as a Molecular Laboratory Scientist. There, she led a multidisciplinary team delivering high-quality molecular diagnostic services, playing a frontline role during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership in pandemic response efforts earned her the Employee of the Month Award for Outstanding Service and contributed to Clinix’s nomination for the 2021 Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award.

Pursuing academic excellence abroad, Comfort earned a Master’s in Cell and Molecular Biology from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, where she received the prestigious Jacob Gelb Scholarship for Excellence. Her academic ascent continued with a fully funded Ph.D. in Pharmacology at New York Medical College (NYMC), where she is investigating the genetic and molecular drivers of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)—a deadly and complex vascular disease.

Her research focuses on the role of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in the migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells, with implications for vascular remodeling in PAH. Her findings suggest PAI-1 may serve as a critical molecular target for future therapies, especially in populations affected by G6PD polymorphisms. Her work integrates advanced molecular techniques with clinical relevance, contributing to the evolving field of precision cardiovascular medicine.

Ekom’s academic accolades continue to mount. In March 2025, she received the Poster Presenter Award at NYMC’s 36th Annual Graduate Student Research Forum. The following month, she was invited to present her research at the American Physiological Society (APS) Summit in Baltimore, joining thousands of scientists from around the world.

Beyond the lab, Ekom plays a pivotal role in academic leadership. She serves as a Ph.D. Program Ambassador and Student Representative at NYMC, advocating for students and fostering communication between faculty and peers. She is also a dedicated science communicator and mentor, encouraging young Africans to pursue careers in STEM and bridging the gap between complex science and public understanding.