Winifrida Kidima - Studying Tropical Medicine in the American Tropics
Fulbright Student from Tanzania
Field: Tropical Medicine
Host Institution: University of Hawaii at Manoa
Grant Dates: 2009-2011
Winifrida Kidima prepares mixtures for a Polymerase Chain Reaction which helps to identify parasite genotypes in infected individuals.
Being in Hawaii as a Fulbrighter is the experience of a lifetime that few would ever want to miss. The islands are very unique in all aspects, the people are very warm and the weather is superb. We are surrounded by beautiful landscapes, hills, mountains and water. I am really privileged to be here getting a quality education, meeting people from diverse backgrounds and learning more about different cultures.
I am attending a master of science program in tropical medicine at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. I am based at the John A. Burns Medical School in Kakaako. Along with several colleagues, I am currently trying to genotype different parasites' antigens (antibody generators). We are also working on malaria immunity in pregnant women and newborns.
I find the program very intensive and enriching. The teaching style at the University is good and requires one to work hard. We are exposed to recent research findings regarding immunology and pathogenesis of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, parasites and viruses and more - all of which will be covered in the program.
Coming from Tanzania, I really have a lot of experiences to share with my colleagues regarding these diseases, particularly malaria. As an academic and a researcher, I look forward to benefiting a great deal from this program. There is so much to take back home.
Apart from my master's studies, I have met other Fulbright grantees from different nations. We look forward to visiting several communities in Hawaii and having an opportunity to learn more about their cultures as well as sharing our own.
To the U.S.-Tanzania Fulbright Program