20% protected time to apply for independent grants as Principal Investigator
Generating preliminary data for NIH K-series, R-series and other supplementary grant applications
Applied Research Scientist
08.2021 - Current
Cancer Epidemiology under Dr Anna Giuliano
Co-leading a case control study, nested under a U54 grant, soon to be awarded, to investigate the role of Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infection in people-living-with-HIV
Study built on preliminary data obtained with R21 funding during IARC post-doctoral training
Initiated a research collaboration between Moffitt Cancer Center and University of Zimbabwe and played a pivotal role in a multi-site U54 grant application
Directing studies (observational studies) on the immune landscape of cervical cancer
Organizing data analyses and preparing manuscripts on the natural history of oral HPV
Generating preliminary data on the immune landscape of cervical cancer and viral infections in ocular cancers, for future grant applications
Facilitating data collection, analyses and manuscript draft of SARS-CoV-2 in cancer patient studies
International Agency for Research on Cancer
Adjunct Faculty, Senior Lecturer
01.2021 - Current
Supervising MSc students research projects on infection related cancer epidemiology and molecular classification
Co-leading collaborative projects awarded through Moffitt Cancer Center, with IARC and Cancer Registry of Norway
Chairing bi-monthly HPV meetings and journal clubs focusing on HPV related multidisciplinary research
Bringing together researchers from Zimbabwe and neighboring South-Saharan countries
Communicating global health fellowship opportunities with clinicians and doctoral students
Past
T, Mandishora RS
07.2021 - 06.2023
Total direct costs: $257,129
Total amount of award: $290,551
Title: Role of viral infections in conjunctival lesions
Co-investigator role
Completed funding (summary)
ICGEB
Trainings and Meetings- HPV and related Cancers (PI/Organizer) Euro13000 2022
Fogarty GloCal Fellowship research and training grant $18 500 2019 (1yr)
University of Zimbabwe Clayton-Dedonder/PERFECT
Training & mentorship $10 000 2016-201
HIV Research Trust (HIVRT) travel grant $10 000 2017(3 months)
Alliance small laboratory research grant (Principal Investigator) $22 000
Postdoctoral Scientist
Norway and Akershus University Hospital
01.2019 - 01.2021
International Agency for Research on Cancer, Infections and Cancer Biology, Fogarty GloCal Health Fellowship, HPV attributable cancers
doctoral Scientist
01.2019 - 01.2021
Under Dr Massimo Tommasino
Awarded, as leader and organizer, a training and meeting grant with international renowned HPV researchers presenting on HPV-related cancers and priority research areas in LMICs
The workshop was held in Harare, Zimbabwe 16-18 August 2022
Awarded, as co-investigator, an R21 grant from National Cancer Institute to investigate the role of HPV and EBV co-infection in conjunctival cancer development in patient from Zimbabwe
Organized testing of viruses in head and neck cancers from an Italian sample set
Led a project on HPV infections, post HPV vaccination, in rural Zimbabwe where HIV prevalence is high
Investigated and co-authored publication on the diversity of HPV in the anal canal of HIV infected men
Developed project proposals and grant applications on global health and cancer prevention and screening.
Senior Lecturer and Molecular Virologist (Faculty Member)
01.2014 - 01.2021
Built a local HPV group of almost 50 researchers with multidisciplinary interests in HPV-related cancers, with membership expanding to institutions in South Africa, Namibia and Malawi
Characterized anal and cervical HPV in women reporting for routine cervical cancer screening, as part of my PhD research work, in collaboration with Cancer Registry of Norway
01.2017 - 01.2018
Letten Foundation of Norway (LFRC); PI/PhD grant $46000
Visiting PhD Fellow
01.2016 - 01.2018
2 month intervals for 6 months total)
Faculty of Health Sciences & Clinical Trials Research Center
University of Zimbabwe
01.2014 - 01.2018
Facilitated the set-up of cervical cancer screening programs, as co-investigator, in an HPV surveillance in rural Zimbabwe, in collaboration with colleagues from Stanford University
Implementing home-based self-collection of samples as an alternative to visiting difficult to reach health facilities
Awarded extramural grants; 2 research (as principal investigator), 3 mentorship and 1 travel
Lead an Alliance funded small-laboratory research on investigating the role of HPV genomic variation in anogenital carcinogenesis
Taught clinical microbiology, immunology and molecular biology to undergraduate and postgraduate students; yearly student numbers ~ 280 3rd year MD, 12 MSc, 30 nursing science and 24 occupational & physiotherapy
Delivered tutorials on molecular diagnostics, biotechnology, onco-viruses, hemorrhagic fevers, vaccinology and basic immunology
Trained laboratory scientists on manuscript development and conference abstract writing
Developed and improved learning curricula at departmental and faculty level, leading to the introduction of 2 new degree programs in our department
Facilitated validation of molecular assays used for HIV, HPV and sexually transmitted infection diagnostics
Investigated differential levels of genomic variability of HPV in vulval and cervical cancer in HIV-infected women under a global health fellowship with University of California-San Francisco.
01.2014 - 01.2017
Fogarty Research: PI/PhD grant $15000 2014 (8months)
Trials of Excellence Southern Africa (TESA): PI/MSc grant $12000 2011(8 months)
International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)
Promoting Excellence in Research and Faculty Enhanced Career Training (PERFECT)
Biomedical Scientist
National Microbiology reference
, Zimbabwe
01.2013 - 01.2014
Developed project proposals for HIV viral load studies in a collaborative agreement between Zimbabwe Ministry of Health (MoH) and Médecins sans Frontières (MSF)
Analysed data for HIV viral load assay validations, disease surveillance and Tuberculosis (TB) genetic epidemiology
Setup a national surveillance program for monitoring HIV treatment through viral load and CD4 testing
Trained laboratory personnel in rural Zimbabwe on point-of-care assays such as the PIMA for CD4 counts
Lead report writing and strategic planning for the Ministry of Health and MSF for policy development and informed procurement of machines and consumables
Performed research on detection of genes conferring TB drug resistance, as part of my Master of Science degree in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology thesis
Contributed to early infant HIV diagnosis and HIV viral load analyses of samples collected nationwide using molecular methods (Roche and Biomerieux)
Trained state registered nurses on rapid HIV testing in collaboration with MoH, Population Services (PSI) Zimbabwe and International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH).
Biomedical Scientist
Biomedical research and training institute
, Zimbabwe
01.2009 - 01.2012
Spearheaded a project on the etiology of sexually-transmitted-infections (STIs), using culture, microscopy and enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assays
Coordinated trainings for Microscopists on Malaria and Tuberculosis diagnosis (TB), using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) tools
Developed the training curriculum with the MoH Zimbabwe
Developed project proposals on STIs and TB
Performing TB microscopy, culture and molecular diagnostics (Hain line probe assay, GeneXpert and conventional PCR), in a level 2 Biosafety laboratory
Reviewed project proposals on EliSPOT and ELISA for HIV and Measles studies
Optimized the use of HIV RDTs using dried-blood-spots (DBS) for a child-aid HIV surveillance study
Performed HIV PCR for early infant diagnostics and detection of Nevirapine drug resistance.
Laboratory Scientist
Parirenyatwa Hospital Public Health laboratories
, Zimbabwe
01.2007 - 01.2008
Routine diagnostics
Analyzed of hospital statistics on basic disease epidemiology (Nosocomial infections and drug-resistant bacterial infections), patterns of prevalence and numbers of laboratory tests performed
Processed clinical specimens for routine diagnosis and disease management in Microbiology, Serology/Immunology, Histopathology, Clinical chemistry, Hematology and Blood bank & transfusion
Trained students on attachment
Ordered of consumables and reagents
Calibrated machines, organized dispatch of external quality assurance results and performed routine maintenance of laboratory instruments and machines
Prepared internal quality control reagents and microbiological culture media.
Guest Lecturer
University of Wisconsin
Madison
01.2021
Global Health California Spring, Women’s Cancers and Public Health Interventions
Delivered two lectures on HPV burden of disease, testing strategies, and prevention opportunities.
Lecturer
Africa University
, Zimbabwe
01.2015
BSc Medical Laboratory Sciences Program
Delivered lectures in clinical microbiology, bacteriology theory and practical sessions
Supervised and mentored undergraduate research students
Nominated by senior faculty to be an affiliate member of the Board of Directors Letten House Research Center 2014-2019
Student representative and nominated chairperson for research in progress meetings Harvard University Alumni Class of 23’
Vice President 2023-2025
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS 2019 - date Affiliated Researcher, Global Virology Network, Zimbabwe site 2012 - 2014 Member, International respiratory society 2015 - present Member, International papillomavirus society
Accomplishments
Table 1: List of graduate trainees
Name
Program/Departmental Unit/student’s degree award
Date
My role
Thesis subject area
Trainee’s current position
University of Zimbabwe (UZ)
Bernadette Malunda
MSc/Medical Microbiology2023
Co-supervisor
Project development
HPV testing in urine post vaccination
Completing MSc in Dec 2023
Winnie Chipato
DPhil/Pharmacy2020
Co-supervisor
Training on laboratory diagnosis of Mycobacteria Tuberculosis (TB)
Protocol writing and laboratory standard operating procedures
Manuscript writing
Anti-TB phytochemicals
Completing DPhil in Dec 2023
Nikhat Zia
DPhil/Medical laboratory Sciences2021
Co-supervisor
Project development
Protocol writing and laboratory standard operating procedures
Manuscript writing
HPV p16 biomarker in cervical cancer
Completing DPhil in Dec 2023
National University of Science and Technology (NUST)
MSc/Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology/Merit2018
Co-supervisor
Project development
Manuscript writing
HPV molecular assay optimisation
In-house nested PCR and sanger sequencing for HPV detection
PhD student, Witwatersrand University, SA
Mathias Dzobo
MSc/Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology/Merit2018
Co-supervisor
Project development
Manuscript writing
HPV molecular assay optimisation
HPV methylation
PhD student, University of Pretoria SA
Table 2: Teaching experience
Degree Program (number of students every academic year)
Topics Taught
Undergraduate – University of Zimbabwe 2014-2019
MBChB (300)
Diagnosis of viral infections
Introduction to virology/Classification of viruses
Herpes and neurodegenerative diseases
Oncoviruses; viral genomes in latent infections
Viral hemorrahagic fevers
Congenital viruses
Urinary tract infections
Health Education and Promotion (9)
Nursing Science (15)
Occupational Therapy (13)
Introduction to virology/Classification of viruses
Influenza infections
Central Nervous System viruses
Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV), Cytomegalovirus and Hepatitis;
Biology and vaccinations
Measles, Hepatitis
Viral structure and disinfection mechanisms
Undergraduate – Africa University (2018)
Medical Laboratory Sciences (26)
Introduction to bacteriology
Features and classification of bacteria
Bacterial infections in human specimens (fecal, urine, sputum, throat/mouth and ulcer/pus and skin
Culturing bacterial pathogens
Biochemical tests to identify bacteria
Microscopy and staining bacterial pathogens
Graduate -University of Zimbabwe (2014-2021)
MSc Medical Microbiology (8)
Polymerase chain reaction principles
Caliciviruses and astroviruses
Polyoma-Papilloma-Hepadno viruses
DNA analyses methods, DNA sequencing methods, Bacterial genetics
MSc Vaccinology (10)
Human papillomavirus biology and vaccine development (under Vaccine Development Technology module)
Immunology of HPV and HPV vaccines (under Immunology for
Vaccinologists module)
Graduate -University of Zimbabwe – Adjunct Lecturer (2023)
MSc Virology (11)
Introduction to Virology/ Classification of viruses
Oncoviruses (HPV, EBV and Hepatitis B and C)
HIV co-infection and infection related cancers
Advanced and emerging methods in Virology
GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS
Current funding
External Grants
Award number: 1R21CA256902-01A1
Certification
Feixue Wei, Ningshao Xia, Rebeca Ocampo, Marc T Goodman, Nancy A Hessol, Beatriz Grinsztejn, Ana P Ortiz, Fanghui Zhao, Erna M Kojic, Rupert Kaul, Isabelle Heard, Imran O Morhason Bello, Anna-Barbara Moscicki, Alexandra de Pokomandy, Joel M Palefsky, Luana L S Rodrigues, Racheal S Dube Mandishora, Reshmie A Ramautarsing, Silvia Franceschi, Sheela V Godbole, Fernanda K Tso, Lynette J Menezes, Chunqing Lin, Gary M Clifford, Age-specific prevalence of anal and cervical HPV infection and high-grade lesions in 11 177 women by HIV status: a collaborative pooled analysis of 26 studies, The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2022;, jiac108, https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiac108. Takudzwa Matuvhunye, Racheal S Dube-Mandishora, Nyasha, Chin’ombe, Graham Chakafana, Joshua Mbanga, Edward Zumbika, Babill Stray-Pedersen. Genotyping Human Papillomavirus in Women Attending Cervical Cancer Screening Clinic In Harare, Zimbabwe. British Microbiology Research Journal 16(6): 1-9, 2016, Article no.BMRJ.28481
Dube-Mandishora Racheal S, Dhlamini Zephaniah, Mutetwa Reggie, Duri Kerina, Stray-Pedersen Babill, Mason Peter. Diagnosis of multi - drug resistant Tuberculosis mutations using Hain line probe assay and GeneXpert: a study done in Zimbabwe. British journal of medicine and medical research. 2014. 5(8): 1044-1052. Submitted (Under review)
Racheal S Dube Mandishora, Luisa Galati, Richie Reich, Jean-Damien Combes, Rudo Makunike Mutasa, Rangarirai Masanganise, Bevele Gwambiwa, Tricia Magombei, Pagona Lagiou, Gary Clifford, Anna Giuliano, Anna Coghill, Tarik Gheit, Massimo Tomassino. Epstein-Barr-Virus DNA detected more frequently in conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma from Zimbabwe.
Racheal S. Dube Mandishora, Brittney L. Dickey, Wenyi Fan, Richard R. Reich, Bradley Sirak, Martha Abrahamsen, Kimberly Isaacs-Soriano, Julie Rathwell, Luisa L. Villa, Eduardo Lazcano-Ponce, Anna R. Giuliano. Oral-HPV incidence Among Men Participating in the Human Papillomavirus Infection in Men (HIM) Study.
Tarisai Kufa, Ardele Mandiriri, Tinei Shamu, Racheal S. Dube Mandishora, Margaret Pascoe. Prevalence of cervical high-risk human papillomavirus in women living with HIV. In preparation (Advanced draft)
Racheal S. Dube Mandishora, Brittney L. Dickey, Anna R. Giuliano. Natural history of oral-HPV in people living with HIV: systematic review.
Racheal S. Dube Mandishora, Alexandra Martin, Julie Rathwell, Hye Sook Chon, Ha Kristal, Staci Sudenga, Shari Pilon-Thomas, Anna R. Giuliano. The Immune Landscape in Cervical Cancer and Opportunities for Therapeutic Vaccination.
Brittney L. Dickey, Racheal S. Dube Mandishora, Wenyi Fan, Richard R. Reich, Bradley Sirak, Martha Abrahamsen, Kimberly Isaacs-Soriano, Julie Rathwell, Luisa L. Villa, Eduardo Lazcano-Ponce, Anna R. Giuliano. Persistence and Clearance of Oral-HPV Among Men Participating in the Human Papillomavirus Infection in Men (HIM) Study.
References
REFERENCES Prof Anna Giuliano Director, Center of Immunization and Infection Research in Cancer (CIIRC) Moffitt Cancer Center 12902 Magnolia Drive Tampa Florida 33612 USA Tel : +1-813-745-6820 Email: anna.giuliano@moffitt.org Prof Trine B. Rounge Head, Department of Research Cancer Registry of Norway P.O. box 5313 Majorstuen 0304 Oslo, Norway Tel: +4799604304 Email: Trine.Rounge@kreftregisteret.no Prof Zvavahera Mike Chirenje Director/Principal Investigator UZ- Clinical Trials Research Centre 15 Philips Road Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe Tel: +263-772283631 Email: zvavahera.chirenje@ucsf.edu
Languages
Mother tongue level - English, Shona and Ndebele/Zulu.
Intermediate level- French.
Very basic - Mandarin.
Timeline
Instructor
Moffitt Cancer Center
06.2023 - Current
Applied Research Scientist
08.2021 - Current
T, Mandishora RS
07.2021 - 06.2023
Adjunct Faculty, Senior Lecturer
01.2021 - Current
Guest Lecturer
University of Wisconsin
01.2021
Postdoctoral Scientist
Norway and Akershus University Hospital
01.2019 - 01.2021
doctoral Scientist
01.2019 - 01.2021
01.2017 - 01.2018
Visiting PhD Fellow
01.2016 - 01.2018
Lecturer
Africa University
01.2015
Senior Lecturer and Molecular Virologist (Faculty Member)
01.2014 - 01.2021
Faculty of Health Sciences & Clinical Trials Research Center
Feixue Wei, Ningshao Xia, Rebeca Ocampo, Marc T Goodman, Nancy A Hessol, Beatriz Grinsztejn, Ana P Ortiz, Fanghui Zhao, Erna M Kojic, Rupert Kaul, Isabelle Heard, Imran O Morhason Bello, Anna-Barbara Moscicki, Alexandra de Pokomandy, Joel M Palefsky, Luana L S Rodrigues, Racheal S Dube Mandishora, Reshmie A Ramautarsing, Silvia Franceschi, Sheela V Godbole, Fernanda K Tso, Lynette J Menezes, Chunqing Lin, Gary M Clifford, Age-specific prevalence of anal and cervical HPV infection and high-grade lesions in 11 177 women by HIV status: a collaborative pooled analysis of 26 studies, The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2022;, jiac108, https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiac108. Takudzwa Matuvhunye, Racheal S Dube-Mandishora, Nyasha, Chin’ombe, Graham Chakafana, Joshua Mbanga, Edward Zumbika, Babill Stray-Pedersen. Genotyping Human Papillomavirus in Women Attending Cervical Cancer Screening Clinic In Harare, Zimbabwe. British Microbiology Research Journal 16(6): 1-9, 2016, Article no.BMRJ.28481
Dube-Mandishora Racheal S, Dhlamini Zephaniah, Mutetwa Reggie, Duri Kerina, Stray-Pedersen Babill, Mason Peter. Diagnosis of multi - drug resistant Tuberculosis mutations using Hain line probe assay and GeneXpert: a study done in Zimbabwe. British journal of medicine and medical research. 2014. 5(8): 1044-1052. Submitted (Under review)
Racheal S Dube Mandishora, Luisa Galati, Richie Reich, Jean-Damien Combes, Rudo Makunike Mutasa, Rangarirai Masanganise, Bevele Gwambiwa, Tricia Magombei, Pagona Lagiou, Gary Clifford, Anna Giuliano, Anna Coghill, Tarik Gheit, Massimo Tomassino. Epstein-Barr-Virus DNA detected more frequently in conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma from Zimbabwe.
Racheal S. Dube Mandishora, Brittney L. Dickey, Wenyi Fan, Richard R. Reich, Bradley Sirak, Martha Abrahamsen, Kimberly Isaacs-Soriano, Julie Rathwell, Luisa L. Villa, Eduardo Lazcano-Ponce, Anna R. Giuliano. Oral-HPV incidence Among Men Participating in the Human Papillomavirus Infection in Men (HIM) Study.
Tarisai Kufa, Ardele Mandiriri, Tinei Shamu, Racheal S. Dube Mandishora, Margaret Pascoe. Prevalence of cervical high-risk human papillomavirus in women living with HIV. In preparation (Advanced draft)
Racheal S. Dube Mandishora, Brittney L. Dickey, Anna R. Giuliano. Natural history of oral-HPV in people living with HIV: systematic review.
Racheal S. Dube Mandishora, Alexandra Martin, Julie Rathwell, Hye Sook Chon, Ha Kristal, Staci Sudenga, Shari Pilon-Thomas, Anna R. Giuliano. The Immune Landscape in Cervical Cancer and Opportunities for Therapeutic Vaccination.
Brittney L. Dickey, Racheal S. Dube Mandishora, Wenyi Fan, Richard R. Reich, Bradley Sirak, Martha Abrahamsen, Kimberly Isaacs-Soriano, Julie Rathwell, Luisa L. Villa, Eduardo Lazcano-Ponce, Anna R. Giuliano. Persistence and Clearance of Oral-HPV Among Men Participating in the Human Papillomavirus Infection in Men (HIM) Study.