Dr Mwila Kabwe is a post-doctoral researcher in the Tucci Lab at La Trobe University Bendigo. Together with Professor Joseph Tucci, Mwila is looking at ways to treat infection that don’t involve antibiotics. As part of their research the Tucci Lab recently achieved a world first, in isolating a bacteriophage (a ‘good’ type of virus) that can be used to control cancer growth.
Researching infectious diseases is a theme Dr Kabwe has pursued since he began on the path of medical research. Starting out as a medical scientist before joining a research program between the University of Zambia and the UCL Medical School, Dr Kabwe made significant contributions to infectious diseases research including sepsis and TB before moving to Australia.
It wasn’t until his PhD at La Trobe University Bendigo, under the supervision of Professor Tucci, that Dr Kabwe began to connect the role of infectious diseases in cancer progression.
But that wasn’t the only learning curve for Dr Kabwe. In 2017 he moved to Australia, far from Lusaka in Zambia. Arriving mid-winter into the regional city of Bendigo, Mwila took a few months to adjust to his new home.
‘Life in Bendigo was very different to life in Lusaka; the open spaces, the laid back atmosphere, even the time difference,’ said Dr Kabwe. ‘But I knew why I was here, and having a world class research team by my side eased my transition and exceeded my expectations. Also, the people in Bendigo were welcoming – I learnt that people in regional Victoria love to have a cuppa!’
It was after countless cups of tea that Mwila submitted his PhD in 2021. Fortuitous timing for a bacteriophage expert, the Tucci Lab had recently secured significant funding from US venture capital firm, General Inception, to pursue trials involving bacteriophages in cancer therapy. ‘It is amazing to think where I am now. If you asked me four years ago, I would say NO WAY!,’ said Mwila.
Professor Joseph Tucci is very pleased that Mwila came to La Trobe University for his PhD. ‘Mwila is a dedicated hard working scientist and the work we are doing is very exciting. It has the potential to contribute to new cancer therapies.’
Dr Kabwe is excited about where his work into bacteriophages, which the Tucci Lab terms “bacteriophage oncotherapy”, will lead. ‘If we can find a way to rely less on antibiotics in the treatment of infectious diseases and provide alternative treatments for cancer patients, I will be very happy. There are many rewarding jobs in the world but this is the one after my own heart.’
Are you considering a Doctor of Philosophy?
The La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) offers a number of supported positions. Read more about studying a PhD at La Trobe University and take a look at the research specialisations of LIMS
