Kevina Birungi is a postbac in the Humoral Immunology Section in the Virology Laboratory in NIAID’s Vaccine Research Center where she works under the supervision of John Mascola, M.D. Kevina explains her unique experience of using antibodies to combat both the HIV and the COVID-19 pandemics. Read about Kevina’s experience at NIAID and her next steps.
Tell me about your research and how it contributes to mission of the VRC.
I am working on a vaccine for HIV, which remains a global pandemic. An effective HIV vaccine will need to generate broadly cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs). Some HIV patients develop bNAbs naturally; I am studying one such patient with the hope of uncovering new insights to develop a vaccine that elicits similar or better bNAbs. In parallel, I am also contributing to COVID-19 research by isolating and characterizing antibodies that are cross-reactive between the original COVID-19 virus and its variants such as Beta and Delta. These antibodies can guide vaccine research, and the most effective bNAbs may even be viable as therapeutics.
What inspired you to conduct postbac research at NIAID, and specifically at the VRC?
In Uganda, I experienced firsthand the devastating effects of HIV when I lost two brothers to AIDS. This and my passion for science motivated me to pursue a postbac research fellowship at the VRC working on a vaccine for HIV. I wanted to learn more about the immunological concepts behind the disease and to contribute to the efforts of making a vaccine for HIV to help stop the virus from destroying lives.
What have you enjoyed most about being a postbac at NIAID?
I have enjoyed lab meetings the most because during these meetings, my mentors and fellow lab mates challenge me to critically think about the different routes I can explore and the different questions I can ask to achieve my research goals. This has taught me how to form research questions, how to get data, and how to analyze this data critically to answer these questions.
What are your future plans and how has your postbac inspired you for your next step?
My time at the VRC has reinforced my passion for science and confirmed the kind of physician I want to become—one who integrates research and clinical practice. The VRC has inspired me to pursue research endeavors as a medical student and throughout my career as a physician. My postbac experience has taught me invaluable lessons, such as the importance of being detail oriented and collaborative—qualities that will contribute to my success in medical school and beyond.