New Student - Vanessa Mwebaza Muwanga
Full name: Vanessa Mwebaza Muwanga
Nickname: Muwi
Which Degree are you registered for (MSc, PhD or a Post-Doc)?
PhD
Where were you previously?
Uganda
Which research group are you part of?
South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI)
What is your project?
My project involves evaluating gene signatures that are able to distinguish between Tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases. The major aim of my project is to identify an optimized gene signature that can be used to develop a point of care diagnostic test for Tuberculosis.
What attracted you to come to the DOI?
One of them was the opportunity to work with people within the African continent that were doing research work that I was really interested in. Since there are quite a number of research groups, I felt that being at UCT would also give me a great opportunity to meet a number of scientists that I see myself working with in the near future.
What are your goals at the DOI?
To make sure that I grow and develop as a research scientist. That will involve acquiring certain soft skills, getting better at performing new laboratory techniques, building on my confidence, sharing my ideas and learning how to express myself in a more eloquent manner.
I also want to network as much I can. I think that the people you know and interact with, especially in the scientific community, can play such a big role in one having a successful career.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Something hot, a good cup of coffee or tea does it for me and of course the determination to make every single day I have as productive and meaningful as possible.
Any interesting hobbies?
Singing, writing, taking photos and baking.
Favourite quote?
"Be who you are. No need to hide parts of yourself or what you are passionate about. Just let it come out" - Dr.Catriona Waitt
Interview by Bonamy Holtak