Elizabeth Tchaiwe Chimbayo, PhD Student

Elizabeth is a highly motivated and ambitious Biomedical research scientist with a strong interest in the immunology of HIV and Tuberculosis infection in endemic areas. She believes that a deeper understanding of the alteration of HIV-specific TCR repertoire in response to chronic inflammation will provide an insight into why HIV-infected individuals are more prone to lower tract respiratory infections. This knowledge could be harnessed in designing immunomodulatory therapies and long-lasting vaccines. Elizabeth has also worked as a Research Associate in the Mucosal Immunology Group from which she developed a solid background in research skills and a passion for science. She was involved in a multicenter randomized controlled trial assessing rapid urine-based screening for TB to reduce AIDS-related mortality in hospitalized patients in Africa. Particularly a sub-study comparing host-immune responses in HIV/TB patients with different clinical phenotypes and outcomes. She also worked with Prof. Henry Mwandumba (MLW) in collaboration with Prof. David Russell from Cornell University on a study of Exvivo use MTB reporter strains to probe the host immune control of MTB infection. She holds a Master of Science in immunology and inflammatory diseases (with a distinction) from the University of Glasgow(UK). She also holds a 2015 Upper second class Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (Hons) from the University of Malawi, College of Medicine. Her short-term goal is to complete her Ph.D. studies and progress in the field of biomedical research. Five years from now, she sees herself as a vibrant independent researcher who together with fellow enthusiastic scientific members will solve some of the current worldwide health challenges through scientifically tailored research. She further aspires to become a research leader and inspire upcoming female scientists to pursue a career in biomedical science.