Cynthia Khumalo
Lusaka
Summary
Scientist passionate about public health and its impacts on the community. Knowledgeable professional specializing in delivery of diseases management and surveillance programs. Proficient at creating and executing control of disease, providing detailed instruction and post outbreaks activities to prevent further outbreaks. Brings knowledge of health and wellness topics and capacity to disseminate health information to both professionals of diverse background and general public.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Veterinarian
Farmers Africa Zambia Limited
03.2020 - Current
- Improved diagnosing and treating various animal illnesses and injuries promptly.
- Educated clients on proper biosecurity techniques, such as disinfection, traffic control, and preventative medicine
- Actively participated in continuing education opportunities to stay current on advancements within the veterinary field.
- Developed partnerships with local animal health givers providing discounted services and products to increase proper herd management.
- Practiced veterinary medicine with emphasis on preventive care and chronic disease management
- Led, coached and developed team of associate veterinarians, veterinary technicians in all aspects of animal care and client management.
- Conducted community classes on animal care and husbandry, parasite prevention and nutrition for various groups.
- Developed and implemented safety protocols to protect staff, guests and animals.
Graduate Research Assistant
University Of Zambia, Ridgeway Campus
11.2020 - 12.2022
- Managed multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and adherence to high-quality standards.
- Conducted extensive background research on specific topics, establishing a strong foundation for project success.
- Conducted rigorous experiments using cutting-edge tools and equipment to test hypotheses and validate theories.
- Participated in regular meetings with project supervisors, providing progress updates, discussing potential challenges or areas for improvement and maintain study alignment with objectives.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to advance research objectives and achieve project milestones.
- Identified opportunities for process improvement within the laboratory setting, optimizing workflow efficiency while maintaining safety standards.
- Performed statistical, qualitative, and quantitative analysis and gathered, organized and entered data into Microsoft excel, Stata and R-studio.
- Streamlined data analysis processes for improved efficiency and accuracy results.
- Utilized advanced statistical software to analyze large datasets, uncovering key insights for informed decision making
- Developed comprehensive reports, effectively communicating complex research findings to diverse audiences.
- Mentored undergraduate students, providing guidance on research methodologies and techniques.
- Presented research findings at conferences and workshops, fostering professional growth and collaboration within the academic community.
- Presented results to field experts at Veterinary Association of Zambia Regional Conference.
- Maintained database of research materials, documents and other paperwork.
- Completed administrative and research duties per professor request.
Associate Veterinarian
Loving Hands Animal Clinic
03.2019 - 02.2020
- Provided expert guidance to clients on preventative healthcare measures, contributing to the overall well-being of their pets.
- Diagnosed animal diseases through examinations, observation and testing.
- Reviewed pet health history, examined animals, conducted tests and prescribed treatments for diagnosed conditions.
- Gathered pet health histories and symptoms to identify root cause of medical issues.
- Collected animal blood samples and prepared specimens for shipment and laboratory testing.
- Collaborated with veterinary technicians to ensure accurate diagnostics and effective treatment plans.
- Managed medication administration, dispensed prescriptions and replenished inventory, carefully accounting for controlled substances.
- Maintained detailed diagnosis and treatment records for future reference.
- Treated average of 216 animals each month.
- Contributed to successful clinic operations by collaborating with colleagues on case management and maintaining detailed records.
- Participated in community outreach events to raise awareness about animal health issues and promote responsible pet ownership practices.
- Mentored veterinary students during clinical rotations, guiding them through real-world scenarios and offering valuable insights into the profession.
- Served as an advocate for animal welfare by reporting suspected cases of abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.
- Worked with local animal rescue organizations, wildlife officers and county shelter to provide veterinary services to animals on pro bono basis.
- Conducted community rabies clinics every spring to offer free or low-cost rabies vaccinations to pets for low-income owners.
Education
Master of Science - Infectious Diseases
04.2024
- Thesis topic is of neglected zoonotic disease transmitted by ticks of public health importance titled Tick Population Genetics and Prevalence and Molecular Epidemiology of Rickettsia in Chongwe and Chisamba Districts of Zambia: Unraveling the Landscape of Emerging Zoonotic Threats
- This masters program is by research and coursework on research methodology, data analysis and scientific writing.
- Other public health education courses are response preparedness for Zoonosis disease outbreaks using a one health approach by World Health organization and Rabies diagnosis World Organization for Animal Health
Bachelor of Science - Veterinary Medicine
03.2019
- Some of the courses taken under this degree were; Public Health, Preventative medicine, Infectious diseases, Epidemiology
- Was attached to the Tropical diseases research centre, a Zambian health institution conducting research and training in diseases of public health importance and related conditions in the Region in order to contribute to their prevention and control.
Skills
- Emergency Preparedness
- Outbreak Investigation
- Infectious Disease Control
- Surveillance Systems Management
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Staff Meetings
- Statistical Analysis
- Program Evaluation
- Epidemiological Analysis
- Presentation Skills
- Training Coordination
- Research Abilities
- Community Engagement
Certification
Response Preparedness for Zoonotic
Disease Outbreaks Using a One Health
Approach, World Health Organization, December 2023.
Applied bioinformatics, African Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases in Humans and Animals, November 2022.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Bemba
Full Professional
Additional Information
My soft skills are;
Organized
Good task triaging
Motivated
Collaboration
Responsibility
Desire to learn
Empathetic
Research and data analysis
REFERENCES
Dr. Walter Muleya (Post graduate supervisor)
Lecturer / Researcher
Biomedical sciences department
School of Veterinary Medicine
The University of Zambia
P.O Box 32379
Lusaka, Zambia.
+260 955 914 191, muleyawalter@gmail.com
Prof Simbarashe Chitanga (Project supervisor)
Lecturer Department of Pathobiology
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Namibia
Windhoek, Namibia.
+264 813 105 062, schitanga@gmail.com
Dr. Kunda Ndashe (Mentor)
Lusaka, Zambia.
+260 967 903076, ndashe.kunda@gmail.com
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant - University Of Zambia, Ridgeway Campus
11.2020 - 12.2022
Veterinarian - Farmers Africa Zambia Limited
03.2020 - Current
Associate Veterinarian - Loving Hands Animal Clinic
03.2019 - 02.2020
University of Zambia - Master of Science, Infectious Diseases
University of Zambia - Bachelor of Science, Veterinary Medicine
Response Preparedness for Zoonotic
Disease Outbreaks Using a One Health
Approach, World health Organization, December 2023.
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