Welcome to the first installment of the ABIC Researcher Showcase Blog Series! This initiative is spearheaded by the ABIC Communications & Awareness Working Group, in an effort to ensure local and global visibility of members of the African bioimaging and microscopy community, and the amazing work that they do.
In this interview, we will be catching up with Edwin Lisimba. Edwin is a research assistant at the Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme where his current research interest is mucosal immunology. Edwin is also the 1st prize winner of the 2024 ABIC Imaging Competition where he submitted a phenomenal image showcasing the localization of the HIV protein p24 with CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the duodenal mucosa!
What inspired you to pursue a career in science?
As a child growing up in Malawi, I witnessed the devastating impact of diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, cancer, and tuberculosis on the community. However, it wasn't until my final year of high school that I seriously considered a career in science. I was captivated by a health TV show hosted by a Zimbabwean surgeon who shared fascinating insights into the immune system and the body’s defense mechanisms. His explanations helped me understand how our bodies defend themselves against pathogens. I discovered that we could use this knowledge to design effective vaccines that could protect vulnerable populations in our society. The idea that I could contribute to reducing the disease burden in my community became incredibly appealing to me, ultimately steering me toward a career in biomedical sciences.
Were you aware of research or science as a career option prior to your university studies?
During my high school years in Malawi, I was aware of career paths in science but lacked role models I could look up to in order to seriously consider it. Most young people around me primarily considered professions such as medicine, engineering, journalism, and business. My perspective shifted dramatically when I met Professor Kondwani Jambo at the Malawi-Wellcome Programme, who introduced me to the fascinating fields of science and immunology. This experience also inspired me to join the Science for All initiative, hosted at the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme (MLW). Through this initiative, I travel across both rural and urban areas of Malawi, visiting primary, secondary, and tertiary schools to raise awareness about scientific careers and encourage students to take up biomedical fields. I firmly believe that Malawi requires a robust community of scientists and researchers to effectively tackle both its immediate and long-term health challenges. The work we do through Science for All is crucial in nurturing the next generation of scientists and leaders, aligning with MLW's broader goal of advancing health and expertise in our country.
What led you to choose a career that involved microscopy and image analysis?
I have a strong career interest in mucosal and tissue immunology. My interest in image analysis and microscopy was sparked by Dr Leonard Mvaya, who was using these techniques for a research project within our group. I discovered that these techniques can provide more information about immune cells, which could supplement traditional methods like flow cytometry. Since I began to be actively involved in image analysis and microscopy projects, I have grown to love the field more and more.
When did you first find out about microscopy and its possible benefits to your research?
I first learned about microscopy techniques during my Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences in Blantyre, Malawi. My interest was further developed through experience in tissue processing and labelling using Histochemistry at the University of California project in Lilongwe, Malawi. Joining the Infection and Immunity group at MLW, I discovered how microscopy could be applied to study immune cells at mucosal sites, particularly in the gut. This provided a more comprehensive understanding of immune cells' phenotype, function, spatial localization, and cell-to-cell interactions compared to traditional immunological assays such as flow cytometry.
What research project(s) are you working on, or particularly excited about?
Currently, I am part of a research team that is deeply invested in investigating the role of mucosal immune cells in HIV control. Our focus is on tissue-resident CD8+ cells, which have shown remarkable potential in controlling HIV replication to extremely low levels in natural controllers. What excites me about our work is the opportunity to uncover the phenotype, function, and spatial dynamics of these cells using various techniques such as flow cytometry-based assays, single-cell transcriptomics, microscopy, and quantitative image analysis. By understanding how CD8+ T cells effectively control HIV, we aim to contribute to the development of more potent vaccines that modulate the function of these important cells.
Can you describe a recent breakthrough or a significant finding from your research and its potential impact?
We have recently discovered that tissue-resident CD8+ T cells are spatially isolated from HIV-infected CD4+ T cells in the duodenal mucosa of people living with HIV. Our observation indicates that non-productively infected CD4+ T cells are more likely to be in regions where CD8+ T cells are present, as opposed to their HIV-infected counterparts. This suggests that virally infected CD4+ T cells tend to seclude themselves from CD8+ T cells, which would otherwise initiate an effector response against them. This finding has provided significant insights into how HIV is able to persist in the gut of individuals living with HIV.
How has being a researcher in Africa impacted you, whether in your actual research or in your perspective about research?
The experience of being a researcher in Africa has had a profound impact on both my research and my perspective. Despite encountering challenges with the supply chain, delayed reagents for crucial experiments, and limited access to advanced equipment and technologies, conducting research in Africa presents unique opportunities. The work we do in Africa is vital for addressing local health challenges and implementing effective interventions tailored to our communities. I strongly believe that research must be done in and led from communities where the need is greatest to make a difference.
Has your experience in your field of research led you to encounter other opportunities to interact with other African microscopists, outside of those in your lab or imaging facility?
Absolutely, my experience in the field of microscopy has opened up several opportunities to interact with other African microscopists. For instance, I recently had the privilege of attending the 1st Openscopes workshop in Cape Town, South Africa. This workshop provided a great learning experience where I got to work with open-frame-based microscopes. It was truly captivating to realize that we could access advanced microscopy at a lower cost and possibly upgrade it. Moreover, I had the chance to interact with people from all over Africa involved in microscopy research. I look forward to more such opportunities in the future. Additionally, joining an ABIC working group has provided me with a fantastic platform to contribute to the growth and increased access to imaging infrastructure on our continent.
In your experience, what are the challenges that researchers face that seem unique to your region today? How have you been impacted by such challenges?
I believe the primary challenges are access, infrastructure, and expertise. In Malawi, we lack advanced microscopes such as confocal and multicolour fluorescent microscopes, and core imaging facilities. As a result, we often send our samples outside the country for advanced microscopy. However, the establishment of an imaging laboratory at the newly established Clinical Research Excellence and Training Open Resource (CREATOR) project is set to address these challenges for our setting.
What type of microscope are you currently using? Is this microscope optimal in helping you answer your research question?
Currently, we only have a couple of bright field microscopes useful for routine work including visualising and counting cells. We usually need to take our samples outside the country to do more advanced imaging experiments. We need better equipment to do our research effectively, thankfully CREATOR has come just at the right time.
What is the most remarkable thing that you have observed under a microscope?
Whilst working at a clinic in Blantyre, I encountered a standout moment under the microscope. A young child arrived with bloody urine and dysuria, prompting me to prepare a wet mount of the urine sample. Browsing through the fields of the slide, I identified Schistosoma haematobium, confirming the diagnosis of bilharzia. This finding made sure that the patient received the treatment they needed.
What do you envision for the future of science and microscopy in your region over the next decade, and how do you hope to contribute to this future?
I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the imaging laboratory at my home institution through the CREATOR project. I believe that this will not only improve access to microscopy for scientists in Malawi but also benefit our neighbouring countries. The information we gather under the microscope is crucial for both current and future research. Additionally, the increased utilization of advanced technologies such as high-resolution, multiplex microscopy, and spatial transcriptomics will enhance our understanding of mucosal and tissue immune cell dynamics, which is essential for understanding disease pathogenesis and designing effective interventions which promote health outcomes in Malawi and beyond.
Thank you to Edwin for taking the time to do this interview. Edwin's dedication to helping improve scientific research in Malawi but also ensuring the youth are empowered about science as a career field and what it can do for them and their communities has inspired me. I hope it has inspired you too.
If you would like to keep up with Edwin, be sure to follow him on his LinkedIn profile.
Until next time, thank you for reading!
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