Dr. Cheryl Andisi Kivisi completed her PhD in 2015 in Life Sciences from the Open University, UK, with a specialisation in host-parasite interactions in Plasmodium falciparum. Her academic journey commenced with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from Maseno University, setting the stage for her future research endeavours.

Her dual roles have characterised Dr. Andisi’s professional trajectory as a Lecturer at Pwani University and a researcher at Pwani University BioSciences Research Centre (PUBReC). Her primary focus revolves around unravelling the intricacies of Plasmodium falciparum biology and delving into host immunity and immunopathology to foster the development of more efficacious vaccines and interventions. She has garnered substantial support for her endeavours through grants from the Wellcome Trust.

Looking forward, Dr Andisi envisions establishing an immunology research group within Pwani University Biosciences Research Centre, dedicated to mentoring graduate students in the immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases, as well as their interactions. Presently, she serves as the academic leader for the Masters in Immunology Programme and as a departmental coordinator for postgraduate studies at the Department of Biological Sciences at Pwani University.

Additionally, Dr. Andisi fulfils the role of the Pwani University site coordinator for the Initiative to Develop African Research Leaders (IDeAL) consortium. She also spearheads collaborations between Pwani University and the University of Glasgow, UK, and Orebro University, Sweden, generously funded through ERASMUS+ICM, SIDA’s Linnaeus Palme grants, and The Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education (STINT).

Driven by a genuine passion for mentoring students, Dr. Andisi eagerly embraces opportunities to engage in discussions and provide guidance to budding researchers.