Nicola Chiwandire, MS, G1
Research Mentor: Carlos Grijalva, M.D., M.P.H.
Thesis Topic: Respiratory Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Biography
After earning my BHSc in Medical Laboratory Science from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, I went on to pursue a MSc in Epidemiology from the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa. There, my research on the relationship between hypertension, diabetes, and HIV led to my first publication. Following my master’s, I worked as an epidemiologist at the Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis (CRDM) within the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). In this role, I was involved in extensive surveillance activities targeting communicable respiratory diseases in South Africa, with a particular focus on SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. Currently, my research focuses on the epidemiology of respiratory infectious diseases, concentrating on household transmission dynamics and vaccine effectiveness, using different surveillance platforms.
Why Vanderbilt?
I chose Vanderbilt University for my PhD because it directly aligns with my professional goals and offers a unique blend of support, collaboration, and academic excellence. The opportunity to work with respected faculty like Dr. Grijalva from day one ensures that my research is not only integrated with my studies but also broadens my expertise, particularly in respiratory infectious disease epidemiology. Furthermore, Vanderbilt’s reputation, its commitment to cross-disciplinary partnerships, and a curriculum that prepares students for various careers were key factors in my decision.