VANESSA MWEBAZA MUWANGA
Bweyogerere, Wakiso District
Summary
I am a research scientist trained in biomedical sciences with a focus on immunology. My education, work experience, and specialized training have equipped me with skills in basic science research, science communication, R programming, data analysis and visualization, scientific writing, project management, and monitoring & evaluation. My goal is to be a highly competent scientist who advances disease control, particularly across the African continent.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Visiting Research Scientist
Afrigen Biologics
Cape Town, South Africa
09.2025 - Current
- Recipient of the 2025 VALIDATE Network laboratory placement grant
- Scheduled to join Afrigen this September contributing to their mRNA technology transfer hub.
- Will participate in vaccine formulation and adjuvant research.
- Expected to support encapsulation technologies.
- Will assist in compounding solutions and formulation innovation.
- Aiming to contribute to technology transfer activities.
Strategic Manager
Dreams of a Scientist
Remote
04.2025 - Current
- Managed production and distribution of the monthly newsletter to subscribers.
- Analysed social media engagement metrics (likes, shares, reach, follower growth), driving content adjustments that resulted in more engagement and followers.
- Orchestrated and refined the brand identity and messaging strategy, raising public awareness of DOAS’s mission to bring science to underrepresented communities.
- Spearheaded drafting of the first annual report, consolidating key achievements, impact data, and future strategic goals to strengthen stakeholder trust and funding potential.
- Designed a 30-day book launch campaign leveraging social media and the company website, driving brand visibility and audience growth in preparation for publication.
PhD Candidate and Researcher
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
02.2024 - 04.2025
- Conducted research on transcriptomic signatures as non-sputum biomarkers for TB diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
- Contributed to the design of selection criteria for 20 transcriptomic signatures and stand-alone biomarkers.
- Optimized a 96-gene panel using a multiplex qRT-PCR microfluidic platform, improving biomarker evaluation efficiency.
- Developed and implemented statistical analysis plans to guide data evaluation across multiple projects.
- Acquired proficiency in R programming, applying it to assess diagnostic performance of transcriptomic signatures.
- Presented research findings at three scientific conferences, including two international forums, strengthening scientific visibility and networking.
Intern
Stop TB Partnership Working Group on New TB Vaccines (WGNV)
Cape Town, South Africa (Remote)
05.2024 - 11.2024
- Developed communication and collaboration tools to strengthen information-sharing in global TB vaccine research and development.
- Supported the WGNV Secretariat lead in implementing the annual work plan, with emphasis on projects advancing early-career researcher support, research advocacy, and strategic communications.
- Contributed to research advocacy initiatives, helping to amplify visibility of TB vaccine R&D within the broader global health landscape.
- Assisted in planning and communications for the 7th Global Forum on TB Vaccines, engaging with international stakeholders and partners.
Tutor
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
07.2024 - 10.2024
- Supported course conveners in delivering an elective on infectious diseases and vaccines to undergraduate science students.
- Facilitated small-group discussions to deepen understanding of lecture material and promote critical thinking.
- Provided academic support for assignments and practical sessions, guiding students in applying theoretical knowledge.
- Assessed student learning by marking quizzes and essays, ensuring fair and constructive evaluation.
- Collaborated with a team of six tutors to maintain consistent teaching standards and contribute to a positive learning environment.
Writing Consultant (Junior Communications Officer)
Immunopaedia
Cape Town, South Africa
03.2022 - 05.2024
- Authored news articles on emerging research and discoveries in immunology for the Immunopaedia website.
- Conducted and published interviews with leading scientists for the “Immunologist of the Month” feature.
- Contributed to the development of online immunology course material, ensuring content accuracy and accessibility.
- Designed and reviewed multiple-choice assessment questions to support interactive learning.
- Edited and refined website content such as the clinical cases studies to maintain clarity, scientific accuracy, and reader engagement.
Associate - Technology services and Data
The Innovation Village
Kampala, Uganda
08.2019 - 09.2019
- Contributed to the design of the organisation’s data management policy, strengthening governance and data-driven decision-making.
- Contributed to the establishment of a data science fellowship, supporting capacity building and innovation in data science.
- Coordinated and supported events and initiatives, engaging diverse stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem.
- Researched and identified grant opportunities, aligning funding prospects with organisational priorities.
- Developed and administered surveys to capture feedback from stakeholders, analysing results and producing evidence-based recommendations for improvement.
- Supported recruitment by drafting interview questions for prospective staff, contributing to the hiring process.
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Associate
The Innovation Village
Kampala, Uganda
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Supported program teams in developing performance monitoring plans and results frameworks to guide program design and implementation.
- Contributed to the creation of M&E systems, processes, and tools to track program outcomes and impact.
- Participated in data collection, measurement, and analysis to assess program effectiveness and inform decision-making.
- Assisted in drafting reports and presentations, communicating key findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
Postgraduate trainee
Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI)
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Performed peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) isolation and prepared stained samples for flow cytometry analysis.
- Gained experience with Luminex assay techniques and supported general laboratory procedures.
- Participated in a UC Berkeley–led workshop on innate immunity techniques, with training in cell culture, flow cytometry, immunofluorescent staining, and qPCR.
- Strengthened practical skills in immunology research methods, contributing to research activities within the IDI translational research laboratory.
Trainee, Mycobacteriology (BSL-3) laboratory
Makerere University
Kampala, Uganda
03.2019 - 05.2019
- Performed direct and concentrated fluorescent microscopy for detection of Mycobacterium species.
- Gained hands-on experience with GeneXpert assays, sample processing and inoculation, and sediment storage.
- Conducted reagent and media preparation to support diagnostic and research workflows.
- Operated the Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) system and carried out solid culture readings.
- Trained in BSL-3 laboratory safety procedures and the laboratory quality management system (LQMS) to ensure compliance with biosafety and quality standards.
Volunteer
MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit
Entebbe, Uganda
09.2016 - 07.2017
- Completed 2 courses on STATA; one on basic statistics with an introduction to STATA and an intermediate course with a focus on regression analysis.
- Collaborated with staff to prepare budgets, conduct fieldwork, audit laboratories, and draft comprehensive activity reports.
- Co-designed posters and delivered presentations for an open day at the Medical Research Council (MRC), engaging stakeholders and showcasing laboratory activities.
- Utilized GraphPad Prism to analyze and compare manual vs. automated cell counting techniques, providing data-driven recommendations for assay optimization.
- Supported audits of laboratory performance and compliance.
- Assisted in field studies, data collection, and preparation of detailed laboratory activity reports.
Intern
MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit
Entebbe, Uganda
06.2016 - 08.2016
- Developed an independent research idea on Epstein-Barr Virus co-infection as a risk factor for severe malaria in children, which was selected for an oral presentation; awarded a certificate of participation.
- Awarded the 2016 needs-based bursary by Uganda Virus Research Institute.
Education
Ph.D. - Clinical Science and Immunology
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa04-2025
Master of Science - Immunology (Distinction)
University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen, Scotland, UK11-2018
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Sciences (2nd Class Honors)
Makerere University
Kampala, Uganda 02-2017
Skills
- Scientific writing and research
- Programming and coding
- Quantitative data analysis and statistical analysis
- Laboratory work
- Communication
- Computational
- Insightful and analytical
- Teamwork
- Problem solving and troubleshooting
- Organizational
- Project Management
Timeline
Visiting Research Scientist
Afrigen Biologics
09.2025 - Current
Strategic Manager
Dreams of a Scientist
04.2025 - Current
Tutor
University of Cape Town
07.2024 - 10.2024
Intern
Stop TB Partnership Working Group on New TB Vaccines (WGNV)
05.2024 - 11.2024
PhD Candidate and Researcher
University of Cape Town
02.2024 - 04.2025
Writing Consultant (Junior Communications Officer)
Immunopaedia
03.2022 - 05.2024
Associate - Technology services and Data
The Innovation Village
08.2019 - 09.2019
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Associate
The Innovation Village
06.2019 - 08.2019
Postgraduate trainee
Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI)
06.2019 - 08.2019
Trainee, Mycobacteriology (BSL-3) laboratory
Makerere University
03.2019 - 05.2019
Volunteer
MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit
09.2016 - 07.2017
Intern
MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit
06.2016 - 08.2016
Ph.D. - Clinical Science and Immunology
University of Cape Town
Master of Science - Immunology (Distinction)
University of Aberdeen
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Sciences (2nd Class Honors)
Makerere University