Simutanyi Mwakamui
Summary
Dedicated professional skillful in sample collection, data recording and instrument calibration. Resourceful and adaptable individual with extensive experience developing and conducting experiments to document results for studies. Comfortable handling complex issues, meeting strict deadlines and adjusting to rapidly changing conditions.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Laboratory Technician
Centre For Disease Control & Prevention(CDC-CoAg)
01.2023 - Current
- Advanced HIV Disease(AHD)/Noncommunicable Diseases(NCDs) integration focal-point person
- Offer technical support in Laboratory services to Ministry of Health
- Monitor and manage proficiency testing and Quality Management System
Consultant-Microbiology
Texila-American University
01.2022 - 11.2023
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning
- Utilized distance learning technology to instruct students remotely
- Designed and implemented various educational activities and programs to meet student needs
Research Scientist
Tropical Gastroenterologist And Nutrition Group
06.2017 - 12.2022
- Biomedical research to understand enteropathy in Children with HIV and Severe acute malnutrition
- Skills included but not limited to bacterial binding assays, Western blot analysis, ELISA, Gel electrophoresis, PCR, Fluorescent Microscopy, DNA extraction
- Maintained consumables and glassware inventory by receiving and inventorying incoming shipments.
- Cleaned and sterilized tools and equipment to maximize purity of specimens.
- Calibrated and maintained instruments to keep equipment fully operational
- Maintained documentation on tests performed in lab
- Spearheaded cross-functional projects, ensuring timely completion while maintaining high-quality standards
Lead Laboratory Technician
Centre For Infectious Diseases Research In Zambia
05.2017 - 12.2021
- Performed biomedical/clinical research HBV mono-infected and HBV/HIV con-infected participants to understand HBV functional cure mechanism
- Skills learned include but not limited to, Flow Cytometry, Single-Cell RNA sequencing, DNA/RNA extraction, RT-PCR, Tissue collection, ELISA, Local and international, Oral Poster Presentation, etc
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure timely completion of complex projects
- Trained new technicians on standard operating procedures, ensuring consistency across the team
Visiting Research Technician
Ray Chung Lab And Lauer Lab-Massachusetts General
04.2021 - 06.2021
- Trained in PBMC isolation, storage, and testing, flowcytomety Trained in Fine Needle liver aspirate sample collection, storage and testing
- Microscopy, Single Cell sequencing and RT-PCR
- Provided expert advice on equipment selection, leading to an overall improvement in operational efficiency
- Managed inventory levels of spare parts efficiently, reducing delays due to lack of resources during repair jobs
Visiting Laboratory Technician
Alex Shalek Lab, MIT
08.2019 - 10.2019
- Trained on Microarray production, Single Cell RNA sequencing, and general laboratory procedures and standards
Research Scientist
Zambia HIV-Related Tuberculosis(ZAMBART)
10.2014 - 05.2017
- Part of the HPTN 071 PoPART study Zambart Laboratory Staff - worked in a multi-cultural environment
- Responsible for sample collection, processing, storage and testing
- Managed the coordination of monitoring program for use and maintenance of laboratory Diagnostic tools, Reagents and consumables
- Participated in coordination works and activities between site Laboratory, Zambart Central Laboratory in Lusaka and HIV Prevention Trial Network (HPTN) Central Laboratory in Baltimore, USA
- Supervised site Biomedical Technologists
Education
Master of Science - Infectious Diseases
University of London
London, United Kingdom10.2021
Post Graduate Diploma - Infectious Diseases
University of London
London, United Kingdom(UK)10.2019
Bachelor of Science - Major in Microbiology
University of Zambia
Lusaka, Zambia11.2013
Skills
- DNA, RNA isolation/extraction
- Molecular Biology techniques including, Single-Cell RNA sequencing, RT-PCR, Flow cytometry, ELISA, Tissue culture, etc
- Laboratory Information Systems
- Data Analysis
- Written and verbal skills to present research progress and future direction
- Teaching and Management Skills
- Self motivated, highly dependable and fast learner with excellent attention to detail
Selected Publications
- Kummerlowe, C., Mwakamui, S ., Hughes, TK., Mulugeta, N., Mudenda, V., Besa, E., Zyambo, K., Shay, JES., Fleming, I., Vulkovic, M., Doran, BA., Aicher, TP., WadsworthII, MH., Bramante, JT., Uchida…Shalek, A., Kelly, P. 2022, Single-cell profiling of environmental enteropathy reveals signatures of epithelial remodeling and immune activation. Science Translational Medicine . 14, 660. DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abi8633
- Schillinger, RJ., Mwakamui, S., Mulenga, C., Tembo, M., Hodges, P., Besa, E., Chandwe, K., Owino, VO., Edwards, CA., Kelly, P., 2022. 13C-sucrose breath test for the non-invesive assessment of environmental enteropathy in Zambian adults. Frontiers in Medicine 9 904339, DOI:10.3389/fmed.2022.904339
- Furch, BD., Mwakamui, S ., Sianongo, S., Zyambo, K., Heimburger, CD., Koethe, JR., Kelly, P., 2022. Contribution of Schistosoma mansoni to systemic inflammation and microbial translocation among people with HIV in Zambia. Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH). https://doi.org/10.1093/trstmh/trab103
- Amadi, B., Zyambo, K., Chandwe, K., Besa, E., Mulenga, C., Mwakamui, S ., Siyumbwa, S., Croft, S., Banda, R., Chipunza, M., Chifunda, K., Kazhila, L., VanBuskirk, K., Kelly, P., 2021. Adaptation of the small intestine to microbial enteropathogens in Zambian children with stunting. Nature Microbiology 6, 445– 454. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-020-00849-w.
Additional Information
Training
- Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GCLP), September, 2021
- Flow Cytometry (FACSVerse) Training by TROPGAN/BD (August 26th, 2018)
- Laboratory Biosafety and Handling of Biohazard Material Training by Zambart (April 20th, 2015 - April 24th, 2015)
- Dangerous Goods Transport Training by Zambart (March 2nd, 2015 - March 6th, 2015): Category A Infectious Substances, Category B Infectious Substances, Exempt Patient Specimens, Dry Ice, Over packs
Referees
Professor Paul Kelly MD FRCP
Tropical Gastroenterology Blizard Institute/TROPGAN
+260966751875
Email: m.pkelly@qmul.ac.uk
Stephen M. Manchinshi,PhD,
Lecturer, Assistant Dean(Research)-School of Natural Science, University of Zambia
Email: Stephen.manchinshi@unza.zm
Mobile: +260979327225
Travis Hughes MD, PhD, MPH
Trainer/MIT/Harvard Alex Ahalek Lab
Email: travis@nference.net
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.
Theodore Roosevelt
Timeline
Laboratory Technician
Centre For Disease Control & Prevention(CDC-CoAg)
01.2023 - Current
Consultant-Microbiology
Texila-American University
01.2022 - 11.2023
Visiting Research Technician
Ray Chung Lab And Lauer Lab-Massachusetts General
04.2021 - 06.2021
Visiting Laboratory Technician
Alex Shalek Lab, MIT
08.2019 - 10.2019
Research Scientist
Tropical Gastroenterologist And Nutrition Group
06.2017 - 12.2022
Lead Laboratory Technician
Centre For Infectious Diseases Research In Zambia
05.2017 - 12.2021
Research Scientist
Zambia HIV-Related Tuberculosis(ZAMBART)
10.2014 - 05.2017
Master of Science - Infectious Diseases
University of London
Post Graduate Diploma - Infectious Diseases
University of London
Bachelor of Science - Major in Microbiology
University of Zambia