Melanie Alufandika will study for an MPhil in Endocrinology and Metabolism at UCT
Melanie Alufandika has been awarded a Beit Trust Scholarship to train as a diabetologist/endocrinologist by reading for an MPhil in Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. This is a 2-year clinical and research course that culminates in the award of a Sub-specialty Certificate in Endocrinology and Metabolism from the College of Physicians of South Africa in addition to the MPhil.
Melanie Alufandika joined the Mucosal and Vascular Immunology Research Group in January 2018 as the lead physician and coordinator of the AMBITION-cm study under the supervision of Professor Henry Mwandumba. She was an MMed fellow, undertaking specialist training in the Department of Medicine at QECH and she graduates in April as a specialist physician.
Melanie Alufandika appreciates that MLW is a rich, academic, and intellectually stimulating environment.
“When I first joined the institute, I was intimidated by the cutting-edge research that is conducted and published by researchers here. At the same time, being surrounded by high achievers challenged me to strive for excellence too. You can’t walk into MLW and not have the greatness rub off you! My supervisor is a clinician-scientist, and his work has inspired me to follow a training path that combines clinical practice with research because it places such a doctor at a unique vantage point of raising research questions that are relevant to clinical practice and answering these questions and advance clinical care through research.
An excited Melanie Alufandika said, “I am very excited about my award; it still feels surreal because this is a prestigious and competitive scholarship. I feel so grateful for the support I have received from my seniors in my pursuit of this scholarship and sub-specialty training. I am looking forward to this next step in my career.
Shine on, Melanie Alufandika!
Victoria Mukhula was Awarded a CORE Pre-Master Internship before the Scholarship
Victoria Mukhula has been awarded the Beit Trust Scholarship to study for an MSc (MedSci) Cardiovascular Health Sciences at the University of Glasgow for one year.
Victoria Mukhula joined MLW as a CryptoResp research project intern under Paediatrics and Child Health group in November 2019. She has also coordinated cardiometabolic projects and co-supervised undergraduate student projects under Kamuzu University of Health Sciences during her time at the institution.
She was awarded the CORE Pre-Master internship under the Vascular and Mucosal research group where she is looking at endothelial biomarkers in diabetic patients living with HIV.
Asked how the MLW research environment has benefitted her, she had this to say,” The research environment at MLW has helped me network and advance my clinical research and academic writing skills. I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity. I am grateful to my mentors and colleagues for their continued support in my journey. A special mention to Dr. Pui-Ying Iroh Tam, Professor Henry Mwandumba MLW, Dr. Kondwani Katundu, and Dr. Mwapasa Mipando of KUHeS for their mentorship.
We wish you well, Victoria!
Gareth Lipunga: I am excited about this next training step.
Gareth Lipunga has been awarded the Beit Trust Scholarship and will study for a one-year master’s in integrated Immunology at the University of Oxford.
Asked how he feels about this achievement, Gareth said, “I am excited about this next training step. Undertaking the MSc programme will enable me to broaden my knowledge spectrum of immunology and the body’s response to infectious diseases. The program uniquely integrates basic immunology with a clinical application which will allow me to synthesize immunology theory through its well-blended approach to clinical application. As a junior clinician-scientist who is keen to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, this is well suited for me.”
Gareth Lipunga appreciates the experience he has accumulated working alongside eminent academics and clinicians, with a diverse supervisory team on the Brain Infections Global study as it has allowed him to explore the clinical and diagnostic aspects of neurological infections and the adverse neuro-inflammatory effects on brain health owing to various pathogens.
Gareth Lipunga joined MLW in October 2019. Currently, he is the study coordinator and clinician for the Brain Infections Global study embedded within the GEARM group with Jen Cornick. The study was also nested within the Behaviour and Health Group which was headed by Dr. Nicola Desmond. He largely has worked with the diagnostic, qualitative, and clinical aspects of the wider research program both implementing and developing protocols. He has had the opportunity to develop his research competencies by collaborating on various projects, presenting at scientific forums, and networking with different leaders within my research interests. He secured an independent research grant from the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH) to investigate clinical approaches toward patients with suspected brain infections.
Soar higher, Gareth Lipunga!
Watipenge Nyasulu: This masters will open me up to new opportunities
Watipenge Nyasulu has been awarded the Beit-University of Glasgow postgraduate scholarship for a one-year MSc in Immunology and Inflammatory disease beginning September 2022. The program will enhance her immunology research skills and the knowledge that she has attained from working at MLW.
Having joined MLW as an intern in December 2019, Watipenge Nyasulu has been working in Dr. Christopher Moxon’s Laboratory on a project assessing the role of neutrophils in the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier in children with cerebral malaria.
This allowed her to gain an extensive range of laboratory, research, and leadership skills which aided in the success of her application. She indicates that MLW overall has provided her with an environment that not only challenged her but also motivated her through the interactions with both local and international fellow scientists.
“I am so excited as this is a huge stepping stone in my career journey. This masters will open me up to new opportunities and also equip me with the necessary skills to conduct excellent research that will benefit Malawi. I am thankful for the support and mentorship I received from both my peers and supervisors which has been critical in my progress”, Watipenge Nyasulu elaborated.
Well done, Watipenge Nyasulu!!
