Expertise and focus:

My team works on the development of an effective HIV-1 vaccine. Our basic research deciphers what constitutes protective killer T cells against HIV-1. To tackle the extreme HIV-1 variability, our working hypothesis is to attack functionally conserved protein regions with limited escape and high commonality among global HIV-1 variants: We target HIV’s Achilles heel. In addition to a preclinical vaccine development programme, we focus mainly on human data to inform iterative design improvements of the vaccine immunogens and delivery. Our current candidate vaccines are tested alone and in combination with other cutting-edge tools for HIV-1 cure and prevention in a series of Experimental Medicine trials on five continents, including Africa, where my partners and I enhance research capacity and infrastructure. 

Form of mentoring meetings:

Either way, online or offline

Has an experience in:

Academic career

Link to CV CV

Previous mentoring experience: 

I have joined the International AIDS Society Mentorship Programme 2023 and 2024

I have supervised/directed approximately 13 Postdocs, and 12 DPhil and 12 MPhil students

Motivation: 

I enjoy working with young people.

Career guidance topics you can discuss with the mentor: 

• Creating a career plan, strategy

• Identifying and utilizing one's skill set

• Career change, change of field

• Asking essential life questions

Research related experience the mentor is ready to share with the mentee: 

• Preparation of scientific publications - how to do it correctly, efficiently, and with quality

• Grant writing process, grant application consultation

• Management of science and research in an academic institution

• Networking - introducing people in the field

• Path to an academic position abroad

• Project management