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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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