Dr. Doty holds a PhD in Medical Virology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and has been at the forefront of HIV research since 2018. Her work has significantly advanced our understanding of immune-driven viral escape variants, viral fitness, and HIV disease progression.

As an Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) Fellow, Dr. Doty is currently investigating the impact of maternal HIV and human cytomegalovirus (CMV) co-infection on fetal immune development, with a particular focus on placental macrophages. Her research aims to uncover key immunological mechanisms that shape infant health outcomes.

In addition to her fellowship, Dr. Doty is supported by UK-SAMRC and HU-CFAR, where she continues to develop innovative research approaches. She is committed to translating her findings into meaningful impact—training students, influencing health policies, and improving the lives of the communities she serves.