This series spotlights the amazing students in the YSPH Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (EMD) program. This month, we are focusing on students who are conducting vaccine-related research. Here, 3rd year PhD candidate Natasha Turyasingura tells us about the program and some of her exciting research in a Q&A format.
Please tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to pursue a Ph.D./MPH in the EMD Department at the Yale School of Public Health?
Natasha: I am a third-year PhD student in the EMD Department where I work with Dr. Amy Bei, conducting research on the molecular epidemiology of malaria, coupled with functional studies. My base training is in biochemistry and, prior to coming to Yale, I worked in the pharmaceutical/biotech space conducting research on new oncology drugs and global health at the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research and later on TB and maternal and child health at the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute. These research opportunities were instrumental in showing me how biomedical research, drug discovery & development, and public health could be cleverly woven together to better address pressing disease challenges in resource-constrained settings. I was looking for a Ph.D. program that allowed me to embrace and grow in these interdisciplinary interests. I found that in the EMD Department at YSPH where there is a supportive and collaborative environment of students and faculty with long-standing research collaborations with African populations whom I am passionate about working with.
What is the current focus of your research?
I study malaria pathogenesis using a translational approach, at the intersection of population genetics, genomics, experimental genetics, epidemiology, and immunology. Specifically, my research is evaluating the functional consequences of naturally occurring genetic diversity in key malaria parasite antigens in endemic settings in Africa. Ultimately these studies will support the credentialing of malaria vaccine candidates.
What are some of the most significant findings or innovations from your vaccine research?
Many functional studies of malaria vaccine candidate antigens use laboratory strains and thus have limited generalizability of their findings to natural infections. To complement this research, we study natural diversity in field isolates using innovative phenotypic assays in the field in Senegal to study the parasites circulating in endemic areas, which will offer a more accurate representation of the impact of genetic variation in Plasmodium parasites in natural infections, in response to vaccination.
Which emerging trends or technologies in vaccine research do you find most exciting?
Many previous malaria vaccine candidate antigens which have been evaluated in clinical trials have faced a challenge of strain-specific immunity. Therefore, exploring vaccine candidate antigens like PfRh5, and other members of the PCRCR complex like CSS, the subject of my own research, which are highly conserved, essential, and have demonstrated strong parasite growth inhibition in assays is invigorating in the quest for next-generation malaria vaccines that are maximally effective in the face of genetically diverse parasites in endemic populations.
As a Ugandan and African with a first-hand understanding of local settings, I hope to directly contribute to these research efforts, building on the knowledge, skills, and networks I am acquiring through my training at YSPH.
Natasha Turyasingura
Where do you see the field of vaccine research heading in the next few years, and what role do you hope your work will play in this future landscape?
I am encouraged by the increased discourse and developments concerning African-led vaccine research and manufacturing initiatives for sustainable vaccine production in Africa. I see a stronger involvement in vaccine research of scientists coming from the areas directly affected by the diseases being investigated. As a Ugandan and African with a first-hand understanding of local settings, I hope to directly contribute to these research efforts, building on the knowledge, skills, and networks I am acquiring through my training at YSPH.
How has the EMD Department supported your research and academic goals?
The faculty in EMD is incredibly supportive, and I have received guidance and mentorship in many areas ranging from scientific concepts, grant and paper writing, project design, and field collaborations. I continue to learn a lot from my peers as well as we walk through our shared academic experiences. The EMD Department also hosts numerous distinguished speakers from whom I am constantly learning about research that is pushing the limits of my knowledge.
You will be appropriately challenged to grow as a researcher, which I believe is the goal of a successful traineeship.
Natasha Turyasingura
What advice would you give to prospective students considering applying to the EMD training programs at Yale?
One thing you are guaranteed of while training in the EMD Department is growth. You will be appropriately challenged to grow as a researcher, which I believe is the goal of a successful traineeship. All this growth happens in a supportive environment created by faculty and peers who are always ready to assist and advise if you reach out.