Short Biography

Barbara Nerima holds BSc in Biochemistry (Major)/Chemistry (Minor) and MSc Molecular Biology, from Makerere University. In addition, she holds a PhD Cell Biology from the University of Bern, Switzerland. Barbara Nerima is a lecturer at the Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, College of Natural Sciences, where she is involved in teaching and supervising both undergraduate and graduate students. In addition, she is one of the Coordinators of the Masters of Science in Biochemistry Program and the Patron of the Makerere University Biochemistry Society since 2022. Barbara Nerima has expertise in Molecular Biology, Immunology, capacity building training, Mentorship, Research ethics, Program Coordination, Leadership training and project management. She is a member of
the International Animal Care and Use Committee and Institutional Biosafety Committee, of Makerere University.

Education Background

Feb 2023-todate: Masters in Organisational Leadership and Management, Uganda Christian University, Mukono, Uganda

Nov 2005, 2009: PhD in Science, University of Bern, Switzerland. PhD Thesis: “Diagnostics and Chemotherapy of T. brucei”

Oct 2002-March 2005: MSc in Molecular Biology. Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. MSc Thesis: Detection of a Mutant Adenosine Transporter gene in T. b. gambiense isolates from North Western Uganda using Allele-specific PCR

Oct 1998- July 2001: BSc in Biochemistry/Chemistry. 2nd class; Upper division. Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda: Research Review: The Role of iron in Coronary heart disease

Publications

i) Mulindwa J, Lujumba I, Musiime C, Namulondo J, Kimuda MP, Nyangiri O, Cuu G, Mwubaha C, Tukwasibwe S, Ssemaganda A, Ssewanyana I, Nerima B, Baingana R, Noyes H, MacLeod A, Matovu E. High Schistosoma mansoni infection intensity is associated with distinct gut microbiome and low levels of systemic cytokines in children along the Albert-Nile, Northern Uganda. Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs- 5411281/v1
ii) Mulindwa J, Kimuda MP, Noyes H, Ilboudo H, Koffi M, Ahouty B, Nyangiri O, Cooper A, Clucas C, Nambala P, Musaya J, Ngoyi MD, Karume K, Fataki O, Simo G, Ofon K, Enyaru J, Nerima B, Tait A, Marcello L, Chisi J, Kabore J, Kabore WJ, Kamoto K, Simuunza M, Alibu VP, Jamonneau V, Camera M, Camara M, Bucheton B, Hertz- Fowler C, Macleod A, Matovu E, TrypanoGEN Research Group as members of The H3Africa Consortium. A Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Novel Genetic Markers Associated with Human African Trypanosomiasis. MedRxiv. doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.05.14.24307227
iii) Nambala P, Claucus C, Noyes H, MacLeod A, Namulondo J, Nyangiri O, Musaya J, Matovu E, Alibu VP, Nerima B, Chammudzi P, Mulindwa J, the TrypanoGEN+ Research Group as Members of the H3Africa Consortium. Genetic Diversity of T. b. rhodesiense serum resistance associated gene in Malawian isolates. BioRxiv. doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.07.611819=
iv) Nambala P, Mulindwa J, Noyes H, Alibu VP, Nerima B, Namulondo J, Nyangiri O, Matovu E, MacLeod A, Musaya J; TrypanoGEN+ Research Group as Members of the H3Africa Consortium (2023): Differences in gene expression profiles in early and late stage rhodesiense HAT individuals in Malawi. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. Dec 6;17(12):e0011803. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011803.
v) Nyangiri OA, Mulindwa J, Namulondo J, Kitibwa A, Nassuuna J, Elliott A, Kimuda MP, Boobo A, Nerima B, Adriko M, Dunton NJ, Madhan GK, Kristiansen M, Casacuberta-Partal M, Noyes H, Matovu E; TrypanoGEN+ Research group of the H3Africa consortium. Variants of IL6, IL10, FCN2, RNASE3, IL12B and IL17B loci are associated with Schistosoma mansoni worm burden in the Albert Nile region of Uganda. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2023 Nov 30;17(11):e0011796. doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0011796. PMID: 38033168; PMCID: PMC10715658.
vi) Oscar Asanya Nyangiri, Julius Mulindwa, Joyce Namulondo, Anna Kitibwa, Jacent Nassuuna, Alison Elliott, Magambo Phillip Kimuda, Alex Boobo, Barbara Nerima, Moses Adriko, Nathan J Dunton, Gaganjit Kaur Madhan, Mark Kristiansen, Miriam Casacuberta-Partal, Harry Noyes, Enock Matovu; TrypanoGEN+ Research group of the H3Africa consortium. Variants of IL6, IL10, FCN2, RNASE3, IL12B and IL17B loci are associated with Schistosoma mansoni worm burden in the Albert Nile region of Uganda. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2023 Nov; 17(11)
vii) Peter Nambala, Harry Noyes, Joyce Namulondo, Oscar Nyangiri, Pius Alibu, Nerima Barbara,
Annette MacLeod, Enock Matovu, Janelisa Musaya, Julius Mulindwa on behalf of the TrypanoGEN+ Research Group as Members of the H3Africa Consortium. Transcriptome profiles of T. b. rhodesiense parasites in Malawi reveal focus specific gene expression Profiles associated with pathology. Preprint June 2023

viii) Joyce Namulondo, Oscar Asanya Nyangiri, Magambo Phillip Kimuda, Peter Nambala, Jacent Nassuuna, Moses Egesa, Barbara Nerima, Savino Biryomumaisho, Claire Mack Mugasa, Immaculate Nabukenya, Kato Drago, Alison Elliott, Harry Noyes, Robert Tweyongyere, Enock Matovu, Julius Mulindwa for the TrypanoGEN+ research group of the H3Africa consortium. Transcriptome analysis of peripheral blood of Schistosoma mansoni infected children from the Albert Nile region in Uganda reveals genes implicated in fibrosis pathology. June 2023

ix) Julius Mulindwa, Joyce Namulondo, Anna Kitibwa, Jacent Nassuuna, Oscar Asanya Nyangiri, Magambo Phillip Kimuda, Alex Boobo, Barbara Nerima, Fred Busingye, Rowel Candia, Annet Namukuta, Noah Ukumu, Paul Ajal, Moses Adriko, Harry Noyes, Claudia J. de Dood, Paul L.A.M. Corstjens, Govert J. van Dam8, Alison Elliot3, and Enock Matovu, on behalf of the TrypanoGEN+ Research group. High Prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection and stunting among school age children in communities along the Albert-Nile, Northern Uganda: a cross sectional study. 2022 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0010570

x) Sally N. Adebamowo, Veronica Francis, Ernest Tambo, Seybou H. Diallo, Guida Landouré, Victoria Nembaware, Eileen Dareng, Babu Muhamed Michael Odutola, Teniola Akeredolu, Barbara Nerima, Petronilla J. Ozumba, Slee Mbhele, Anita Ghanash, Ablo P. Wachinou, and Nicholas Ngomi, of the H3Africa Study Coordinators Working Group as members of the H3A Consortium. Implementation of genomics research in Africa: challenges and recommendations. Glob Health Action. 2018; 11(1): 1419033

xi) Monica Namayanja, Yan Dai, Barbara Nerima, Enock Matovu, Zhao-Rong Lun, George W. Lubega, Chen Zhengjun: Trypanosoma brucei brucei traverses different biological barriers differently and may modify the host plasma membrane in the process, Experimental Parasitology, 2016

xii) Sylvain Biéler, Harald Waltenberger, Michael P. Barrett, Richard McCulloch, Jeremy C. Mottram, Mark Carrington, Wilhelm Schwaeble, James McKerrow, Margaret A. Phillips, Paul A. Michels, Philippe Büscher, Jean-Charles Sanchez, Richard Bishop, Derrick R. Robinson, James Bangs, Michael Ferguson, Barbara Nerima, Audrey Albertini, Gerd Michel, Magdalena Radwandska, Joseph Mathu Ndung’u,. Evaluation of Antigens for Development of a Serological Test for Human African Trypanosomiasis, PLOS ONE, 2016

xiii) Jesca Nakayima, Barbara Nerima, Charles Sebikali, Joseph Magona. An assessment of veterinary diagnostic services needs in Uganda. Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health,Vol. 8(7), pp. 50-55, July 2016

xiv) Stephen Cose, Bernard Bagaya, Barbara Nerima, Moses Joloba, Andrew Kambugu, Robert Tweyongyere, David Dunne, Edward Mbidde, Pontiano Kaleebu and Alison M. Elliott, Immunology in Africa. Tropical Medicine and Internal Health, 2015

xv) Margaret Nampijja, Emily L Webb2, James Kaweesa, Robert Kizindo, Milly Namutebi, Esther Nakazibwe, Gloria Oduru, Prossy Kabuubi, Joyce Kabagenyi, Dennison Kizito, Lawrence Muhangi, Mirriam Akello, Jaco J Verweij, Barbara Nerima, Edridah Tukahebwa, Alison M Elliott and for the LaVIISWA trial team, The Lake Victoria Island Intervention Study on Worms and Allergy-related diseases (LaVIISWA): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.TRIALS, 2015

xvi) Alison Elliott, Barbara Nerima, Bernard Bagaya, Andrew Kambugu, Moses Joloba, Stephen Cose, Guiseppe Pantaleo, Maria Yazdanbakhsh, David Mabey, David Dunne, Ashley Moffett, Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya, Pontiano Kaleebu, Edward Katongole Mbidde. Capacity for science in Africa. Lancet, 2015

xvii) Xin Zhao, Thiago Luiz, Alves e Silva, Laura Cronin, Amy F. Savage, Michelle O’Neill, Barbara Nerima, Loyce M. Okedi, Serap Aksoy. Immunogenicity and serological cross-reactivity of saliva proteins among different tsetse 1 species. PLOS ONE, 2015

xviii) Barbara Nerima, Daniel Nilson and Pascal Mäser. Comparative genomics of metabolic networks of free-living and parasitic eukaryotes. BMC Genomics, Vol 11:217, 2010.

xix) Kazibwe, Anne J. N., Nerima, Barbara, De Koning, Harry P., Mäser, Pascal, Barrett, Michael P., Matovu, Enock. Genotypic Status of the TbAT1/P2 Adenosine Transporter of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense Isolates from Northwestern Uganda following Melarsoprol Withdrawal. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases Volume 3, Issue 9, e523 pp1-7, 2009

xx) Daniel J. Bridges, Matthew K. Gould, Barbara Nerima, Pascal Mäser, Richard J. S. Burchmore, and Harry P. de Koning. Loss of the High-Affinity Pentamidine Transporter Is Responsible for High Levels of Cross-Resistance between Arsenical and Diamidine Drugs in African Trypanosomes. Mol Pharmacol 71:1098-1108, 2007

xxi) Sonja C. Bernhard, Barbara Nerima, Pascal Mäser, Reto Brun. Melarsoprol- and pentamidine-resistant Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense populations and their cross- resistance. International Journal for Parasitology 37 (2007) 1443-1448

xxii) Nerima B, Matovu E, Lubega GW, Enyaru JC. Detection of mutant P2 adenosine transporter (TbAT1) gene in Trypanosoma brucei gambiense isolates from northwest Uganda using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. Trop Med Int Health 2007;12(11):1361-8

xxiii) Enyaru John Charles K; Matovu Enock; Nerima Barbra; Akol Margaret; Sebikali Charles. Detection of T. b. rhodesiense trypanosomes in humans and domestic animals in south east Uganda by amplification of serum resistance-associated gene. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1081: 311-319, 2006.

xxiv) Alexandra Lüscher, Barbara Nerima, Pascal Mäser. Combined contribution of TbAT1 and TbMRPA to drug resistance in Trypanosoma brucei. Molecular & Biochemical Parasitology 150 (2006) 364-366

Projects /Grants

i) Anti-cancer Activity of Selected Medicinal Plant Species in Kigezi Sub-region of Uganda, used by Herbalists..” under the MakRIF Round 5, 2023-2024
ii) 2021-2024-Influence of Gut Microbiome on Nutritional and Disease status of children in Schistosomiasis endemic region of Albert Nile, Pakwach district
iii) 2021-2024-MakRIF project: e-resources for health: Empowering healthy lifestyle choices.
iv) 2018-2023: TrypanoGEN+: Genetic determinants of two Neglected Tropical diseases
v) Oct 2015-Sept 2016 Post-doctoral Fellow AAT project, COVAB, Makerere University
vi) 2012-2014: Oct 2015-Sept 2016 Post-doctoral Fellow AAT project, COVAB, Makerere University
vii) 2013-2016: Lake Victoria Island Intervention Study on worms and Allergy-related Diseases |(LAVIISWA
viii) 2012-2016: Makerere University-Uganda Virus research Institute Research Training Programme in Infection and Immunity (MUII)
ix) 2009-2011: Identification of Recombinant antigens for diagnosis of African Trypanosomiases” project.
x) 2005-2009: Diagnostics and Chemotherapy of Trypanosoma Brucei
xi) 2002-2005: Detection of mutant adenosine Transporter in Trypanosoma brucei gambiense Isolates from north western Uganda using allele- Specific PCR
xii) Detection of T. b. trypanosomes in humans and domestic animals in south east Uganda by amplification of serum resistance-associated gene
xiii) 2004: Swiss scholarship to pursue a PhD in Science at University of Bern, Switzerland
xiv) 2003: WHO/TDR research training grant for MSc fellowship
xv) 1998: Uganda government scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree at Makerere University, Uganda

Mentorship / Supervision

1. Student Supervision
i) November 2006-March 2008. Bachelors` students, University of Bern, Molecular
Biology Practicals.
ii) April-June, 2008: Erminia Nally-Meyrat. PhD student, Université de Neuchâtel,
Swiss Tropical Institute, Basel
iii) Supervised Justine Bukirwa (MSc Immunology and Clinical Microbiology, Makerere University, 2012-2014)
iv) John Vianney Tushabe (MSc Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Makerere University, 2015-2017), both MSc Immunology
v) Akampurira Lucky, BSc Biochemistry Major, Makerere University graduated 2021
vi) Ssali Ibrahim: MSc Biochemistry Students who enrolled in 2019 and graduated in January 2024
vii) Emunyu Jude: MSc Biochemistry Students who enrolled in 2019 and graduated in January 2024.
viii)Taremwa Madelyne, BSc Biochemistry Major, Makerere University, Graduate 2024
ix) Baghuma Roland Domazo, BSc Biochemistry Major, Makerere University. Graduated 2024
x) Tumusiime Rodney, BSc Biochemistry Major, Makerere University, Graduated 2024
xi) Currently Supervising Rachael Atwongyeire (MSc Biochemistry)
xii) Current Supervisor of Bweisgye Thaddeus (PhD Biochemistry, student)
xiii) Current Supervisor of BSc project Supervisor for Mugeni Hannington

2. Mentorship
-Patron of Biochemistry Society from Jan 2022-to date. Besides guiding the cabinet, I also mentor them in leadership skills
-I am a mentor Mugeni Hannington; a BSc student who had dropped out in 2nd year. I worked with him to be reinstated. I do counsellling and soliciing for funds where possible.
-Mentor/mentee at Destiny moment Leadership training
-Mentor to Wanzira Ezra (MSc 1 Biochemistry)
-Mentor to Akello Sandra, Masters of Organisational Leadership student

For the detailed CV please click here