Malawi

Gamuchirai Kamwenje is a medical microbiologist and emerging public health professional from Malawi, driven by a passion for improving health outcomes through science, research, and community engagement. Her Global UGRAD experience broadened her academic perspective, strengthened her leadership skills, and deepened her commitment to contributing to global and local development. 

She holds a bachelor’s degree in medical microbiology from the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) and is currently pursuing an MS in infection and immunity at MUST. Her academic journey is focused on building the expertise needed to address pressing public health challenges and contribute meaningfully to strengthening Malawi’s health systems.

Gamuchirai has over four years of experience working in clinical laboratory settings, including supporting HIV care and diagnostics through institutions such as Partners in Hope and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), where she contributed to migrant health assessments. She currently works with Partners in Hope under the Integrated HIV CORE-1 and TB LON-1 project in Mulanje district.

Beyond her professional work, she is actively involved in Inspire Learn Malawi, a project addressing digital illiteracy, and Astronomy Club Malawi, which promotes science education.

Lucy Khama Kalindekafe is a Malawian Radiographer at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (the largest referral hospital in Malawi) and Co-Founder of Limodzi Foundation. She is deeply committed to strengthening healthcare systems through safe radiological practice, continuous professional education and values-driven leadership. With a strong focus on radiation safety and quality assurance, Lucy advocates for high standards of patient care and ethical imaging practice.

She is passionate about empowering women in healthcare and inspiring the next generation of professionals to lead with competence, compassion and courage. Her active engagement in professional networks such as International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Radiographers Association of Malawi, and Women in Global Health reflect her dedication to professional growth, collaboration and influence within the medical imaging community.

Beyond hospital practice, Lucy is also an entrepreneur who owns milling services that support local communities by providing affordable access to essential food processing. Through both healthcare and business, she remains committed to service, impact and sustainable community development in Malawi.

Russell Liabunya is a Civil Engineer from Malawi specializing in structural design and construction supervision. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering (structures) from the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences. With over two years of professional experience, Russell has contributed to the design and delivery of infrastructure projects including classroom blocks, healthcare facilities, and residential developments.

Beyond engineering, he is an entrepreneur running a small customization business that focuses on personalized products. He has also worked in the agritech space under the Aquagreen project focused on bringing innovation and applied technology in the agricultural sector.

Ruth Khofi is a biomedical researcher at the Malawi Liverpool Welcome Research Programme with a strong interest in infectious disease research, particularly HIV and tuberculosis. She contributes to clinical research through hands-on sample processing, data management, and laboratory workflows that support ongoing clinical trials and cohort studies.

Beyond her laboratory work, Ruth applies digital and AI-supported tools to strengthen research workflows, data analysis and scientific communication. Her exchange experience continues to shape her commitment to collaboration, cross-cultural learning, and using science as a tool for global connection and problem-solving.

Ruth is actively involved in the Science for All initiative, where she contributes to science communication, mentorship, and creating platforms that connect young people to opportunities in research and innovation. She is passionate about public engagement and youth development, working with students and young professionals to expand access to science, share education pathways, and encourage participation in global exchange and leadership opportunities.

She is particularly interested in leveraging innovation at the intersection of science, technology, and community engagement to strengthen research capacity and contribute to globally relevant solutions.