I am working on developing knock down and overexpression cell lines of specific genes known to be important in the control of inflammatory responses during infection and cancer pathogenesis. So far, I made 5 cell lines with 70 - 95 % knock down efficiencies.

Investigated the role of protein phosphatase-4 (PP4) in Arabidopsis thaliana using microRNA technology and real time PCR (RT-PCR). The project involved molecular biology, genetics and proteomic techniques including generation of artificial microRNA and making recombinant plasmids (the project is ongoing).

I worked on vaccine design and delivery project using Improved Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV) as a vaccine-at the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Science. As part of this work, I investigated the immunogenicity of a novel candidate HIV vaccine based on LSDV vector using a prime-boost strategy in non-human primates and one manuscript has already been submitted for publication. Prior the vaccine project, I worked on HIV/TB co-infection project that involved analysis of clinical samples, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and blood collected from HIV+ volunteers with latent TB. In addition to the laboratory work, I managed this project by liaising with the Hospitals in Cape Town in recruiting study participants in collecting blood and bronchoalveolar lavage samples. PI: Professor Anna-Lise Williamson and Associate Professor Wendy A. Burgers.For my PhD project, I worked on an in-vitro expression and functional characterization of desiccation linked Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) proteins from the resurrection plant: Xerophyta humilis.This project was undertaken as a PhD project under the supervision of Prof. Jill Farrant and Prof. Nicola Illing. Techniques used include analysis of a cDNA library, primer design and PCR, cloning into expression vector, transformation and culturing of bacteria, protein expression, purification and functional analysis, antibody generation and immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy. I also obtained my MSc. qualification from the University of Cape Town and the project was on comparative study of physiological and molecular responses of selected Eragrostis species to water-deficit stress, conducted as a masters project also under the supervision of Prof. Jill Farrant at the University of Cape Town. Techniques mastered include cDNA library construction and differential screening; and analysis of physiological responses such as photosynthesis, transpiration and respiration.

Teaching Biological sciences at a bachelor level