EP 24: Zakithi Mkhize- PhD Candidate in Medicine (Virology) & Founder of "Black Girl Scientist" YouTube Channnel

My guest is Zakithi Mkhize from South Africa. In this episode, we find out that she had a dream of being a medical doctor that did not work out as planned. However, life led her to still pursue an academic career in medicine. Currently, she is a PhD Candidate in Medicine (Virology) at the HIV Pathogenesis Program at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa. Her research focuses on a particular gene called the transactivator of transcription (Tat), which enhances HIV replication and its interaction with host transcription factor positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFB). She studies how genetic variation in Tat can affect its interaction with P-TEFB, efficient transcription, and latency. Latency is a significant barrier to HIV cure. Thus, her research will inform HIV cure studies. Zakithi also has a YouTube channel called ‘BlackGirlScientist’. The channel is geared toward motivating, encouraging & inspiring young black people, especially black women, to get into science. She shares her journey through science as well as knowledge & expertise. She aims to break stereotypes and make science cool. Lastly, we also talk about the #CelebratingYouthinSTEM #BlackInSTEMSA campaign that we are running in collaboration with The Root of the Science Podcasts. The importance of this campaign during South Africa's Youth Month. Stay tuned.

Twitter: @Zakkie_M
Instagram: @Zakkie_M & @blackgirl.scientist
LinkedIn: Zakithi Mkhize

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