[Feature] The unlikely diplomat

Malariologist Myaing Myaing Nyunt was a medical student in Rangoon, Burma, on 8 September 1988 when her country erupted in prodemocracy riots. When the army opened fire, Nyunt, like thousands of other student radicals, fled for the borders. After a time in Thailand and then the United Kingdom, she eventually immigrated to the United States to continue her education—with no intention of returning home. But malaria has brought her back—specifically, a unique collaboration she and her collaborator/husband are leading, along with government scientists, to forge the scientific and political links needed to drive the disease from her country. Author: Leslie Roberts
Source: ScienceNOW - Category: Science Authors: Source Type: news