Dr. Francis Mwimanzi started his CTN Mark Wainberg Postdoctoral Fellowship in the summer of 2022. A biomedical scientist who specializes in virology and immunology, Dr. Mwimanzi has embarked on a project to improve our understanding of the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines among people living with HIV.
But how did he get to where he is today?
“I have been personally impacted by HIV and AIDS, losing six of my relatives to the conditions,” said Dr. Mwimanzi. “As a result, I developed a strong desire to understand HIV immunopathology, through which we can find ways to develop therapeutics, vaccines, and a cure, and ultimately alleviate or eradicate HIV and AIDS in my community, and others.”
Growing up in Tanzania, Dr. Mwimanzi’s exposure to HIV and AIDS went beyond familial. He also spent time working as a physician at Muhimbili National Hospital, where he was exposed to the devastating effects of HIV and AIDS throughout his community.
“This experience highlighted to me the limitations of my medical skills, which focused on alleviating the suffering of what often seemed like a never-ending caseload of clients, rather than preventing new infections or AIDS-defining illnesses,” he explained. “This further ignited my strong desire to improve the lives of people living with HIV.”
Crossing continents
After completing his PhD and Doctor of Medicine degrees in Tanzania, and gaining invaluable experience as a physician, Dr. Mwimanzi boarded a plane and flew to Vancouver. Eager to further his knowledge and understanding, he undertook a postdoctoral fellowship at Simon Fraser University on HIV-1 immunopathogenesis, under the supervision of CTN Investigator Dr. Zabrina Brumme.