Cherileila Poda Thiombiano has more than four years of experience in clinical research and laboratory management. Currently, Cherileila is head of a laboratory at the Centre Muraz in Burkina Faso, where she focuses on health research. Cherileila holds a doctorate in Pharmacy and specializes in Clinical Biology and Toxicology. She is committed to fighting drug addiction and ensuring that patients receive psychological support. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Cherileila plans to create a social rehabilitation center to help drug users find their way out of addiction.

What do you do in your home country and what do you hope to do upon completion of your Fellowship? In particular, with the integration of your experiences with Drexel University?

I am pharmacist specialized in clinical biology and i completed a master degree in toxicology. I currently work as a head of laboratory in one of the health research center at Bobo Dioulasso, the second big city of burkina faso. As a medical provider i am involved in constant non profit activities, like campaign to screen sickle cell disease in blind children and the realization of the annual health check-up for retired persons.

After completion of my fellowship I envision to built a non profit center to help those suffering the effects of drugs and addiction move away this destructive cycle toward a more productive life. I will use my experience with Drexel about non profit organization and addiction center management to get an action plan and steps for building this kind of organization.

What is your favorite thing about your home country? What are you most excited about learning about Philadelphia?

In my country the craft is developed and we  have for that every two years an event call SIAO which mean International fair of craft of Ouagadougou and many country are invited for exhibitions during 7 days to let others know about their country' craft.

For Philadelphia I look forward to learn their about cultures, main dishes, the top attractions to visit  and the popular things to do.

Do you have any hobbies or an interesting fact you wish to share about yourself?

I enjoy good food and travelling thus I am always willing for new culinary discoveries and also learn from others country.

If I were to come to your home country, what is the first thing I should eat?

In Burkina Faso, we have our chicken call “bicycle chicken” because unlike some countries our chickens are thin as if they sometimes ride a bike. The way they are cooked give them a special taste. So if you come in Burkina Faso don’t forget to taste our “bicycle chicken”.