Ngugi previously taught at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). She also founded a community-based organisation focusing on heart health. This foundation, still in early stages, screens people for cardiovascular risk factors. In many African communities, screening for heart disease risk is uncommon.
Patients often seek care only after severe symptoms appear. By that time, management is more difficult and costly.
The inspiration for her outreach came from clinical experiences in Murang'a County. She saw patients arrive at hospitals in advanced stages of heart failure or with poorly controlled hypertension.
She realised that earlier detection could prevent many complications. "We need to identify people at risk early," she said, adding; "If we know the risk, we can intervene before heart failure sets."
Securing resources is key. Running sophisticated lab analyses and building reliable models costs money. She hopes that her recent recognition in the prestigious UNESCO-L'Oreal For Women in Science Award - will help.
Though she declined to name the award amount, she says it will cover at least one more important laboratory assay. More importantly, it boosts her confidence. "This award shows me that my work matters. It makes me believe that I can contribute to scientific advancements while advocating for gender equality," she said.
Being a woman in science comes with unique challenges. "Being a woman in science means breaking barriers and inspiring future generations," Ngugi said.
She credits mentors for providing the support and guidance necessary to reach this level. She now hopes to act as a mentor to others-both in the laboratory and in the community. "The burden of cardiovascular disease in Africa is high. Many people do not know they have risk factors until it's too late. Screening and education can save lives," she said.
Her foundation conducts community screenings in central Kenya counties, measures blood pressure and other risk indicators, and helps people understand their health. She collaborates with local leaders and medical personnel to ensure continuity of care.
Such initiatives face practical challenges. Healthcare infrastructure in many parts of Africa is limited. Advanced diagnostic tools and specialised tests are often scarce.
Ngugi hopes that as her research advances, the models she develops will become simpler and more accessible. She envisions a future where even resource-limited settings can benefit from predictive tools that inform patient management.