My name is Zangini Nakazwe, an international student from Zambia. I hold a first-class BSc in Microbiology from the Copperbelt University, Zambia. In 2020, I obtained a first-class MSc in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland having been awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship by the UK government, through the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Upon completion, I served as a Lecturer/ Laboratory Scientist at the University of Lusaka in Zambia, in the school of medicine and health sciences. My responsibilities mainly included teaching laboratory sciences, conducting laboratory sessions, and supervising undergraduate research projects. My academic and research experiences equipped me with a robust foundation in bacterial cultures, gene cloning of plasmids, sequence analysis using serial cloner, statistical analysis of data using Minitab, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, my roles as a lecturer and laboratory scientist enhanced my ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and foster collaborative environments.
During my master’s studies, I worked on a project “the role of ACE 2 receptors in the pathogenesis of Covid-19”. Under the supervision of Professor Nigel Pyne, I critically analysed data obtained through various methods including cell cultures, sequence and structural analysis, staining, and statistical analyses. This sparked my interest in molecular techniques and bioinformatics. Over the years, I have developed keen interest in infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. The adverse impact of antimicrobial resistance on health care systems and individuals globally including increased health care costs, high morbidity, and mortality rates due to treatment failure stemmed my interest. As such, when I saw the project that aligned with my research interests, I couldn’t hesitate, but apply. I was particularly drawn to the ARC Biomedical training programme due to its distinguished faculty, world class research facilities, and the collaborative ethos within the University and with the industries.
My PhD project at the ARC Biomedical Analysis centre focuses on profiling synergistic antimicrobial resistance breakers in bacterial biofilms of medical importance. The main aim of this project is to identify and characterize synergistic compounds that can effectively disrupt or inhibit biofilm formation in quest of developing synergistic treatment options for infections where biofilm formation complicates traditional antimicrobial therapy. The specific objectives include, firstly, to screen and identify leadcompounds that can penetrate extracellular polymeric substances and disrupt biofilm structures or inhibit biofilm formation. Secondly, to evaluate the efficacy of synergistic anti-biofilm compounds in vitro against biofilm associated infections. Lastly, to optimize the compounds based on potency, bioavailability, and safety to develop them into viable therapeutic candidates. Findings from this research have a potential to translate to clinical practice as lead compounds will be developed to help treat infections associated to biofilms.
I am eager to deepen my knowledge, and broaden my skill set by leveraging the expert guidance of my supervisors Dr. Iyer Swaminatha and Dr. Keith Stubbs and through interactions with my fellow scholars at the UWA ARC Biomedical Analysis training centre. Through this research project, I hope to contribute towards attaining SDG 3: good health and well-being for all, by contributing towards developing solutions that will bridge the gap between the rise in antimicrobial resistance and the discovery of new treatment options in various population settings. The newly discovered knowledge will certainly make a meaningful contribution to the field of Biomedical Sciences.
Beyond academics, I find it incredibly refreshing exploring nature and visiting new places. The sense of adventure and discovery, combined with the peacefulness of nature, is something that always draws me in.
