At the global HQ office for Moderna in Cambridge, MA, USA
My experience as a LIVE master intern at Moderna in Cambridge MA (USA)
Working as a pharmacist within Uganda’s National Drug Authority (NDA) sparked my passion for vaccinology. During the 2018-2020 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, I played a crucial role in the approval and importation of a life-saving Ebola vaccine into Uganda, aimed at protecting frontline healthcare workers. This pivotal experience, coupled with my involvement in coordinating the regulatory approval of COVID-19 vaccines between 2021-2022, broadened my perspective and ignited a profound interest in vaccine development. The immense potential of vaccines to save lives on a large scale and curb the spread of disease became the driving force behind my decision to pursue the Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Leading International Vaccinology Education (LIVE) program. I joined the LIVE program in 2022 (Katalin Karikó promotion), becoming the first Ugandan to be admitted into this Master’s program. My acceptance was made possible by a generous scholarship from the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). The program offered unparalleled mobility experiences across some of Europe’s most vibrant and diverse cities. From the enchanting streets of Barcelona to the picturesque charm of Antwerp, the bustling energy of Lyon, and the tranquil neighborhoods of Saint-Étienne, each training location greatly enriched my educational and personal growth. The final semester of the two-year LIVE program included an eagerly anticipated internship at ModernaTX in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Beginning in early February 2024, the welcoming and dynamic environment at Moderna was invigorating. I quickly immersed myself in the fast-paced world of vaccine development, focusing on the development of an mRNA vaccine (codenamed mRNA 1018) for pandemic influenza (H5/H7) viruses—a timely and relevant topic given the high pandemic potential of zoonotic influenza viruses. My work included Phase I/II clinical trial activities, such as medical monitoring, safety reviews, and contributing to the preparation of an interim analysis data memo containing early results from the clinical trial.
During my internship…
… A significant event unfolded, which involved zoonotic H5N1 influenza transmission from infected cattle to dairy farm workers in the USA. This was the first-time avian influenza H5N1 infection was detected in cattle, with high concentrations of live virus found in unpasteurized raw milk and evidence of infection and fatality in animals (such as cats) consuming it. This adaptation of the virus to infect mammals highlighted the theoretical risk of a pandemic if the virus gained the ability to infect and transmit among humans. I contributed to developing a Phase III clinical development plan to support the licensure of the vaccine, as an important piece towards strengthening pandemic preparedness. In parallel with my work on the pandemic influenza vaccine program, I dedicated time to writing my LIVE Master thesis on non-traditional clinical development strategies for pandemic preparedness vaccines. This research allowed me to gain invaluable knowledge from experts in regulatory affairs, clinical development, and clinical operations, offering me a comprehensive understanding of the vaccine development landscape from a pharmaceutical industry perspective. The culmination of my academic efforts was a successful thesis defense, marking the fulfillment of a deeply enriching journey. My time in the US and Moderna was also an enriching personal experience with the opportunity to meet and network with people from diverse backgrounds in a work environment which greatly enhanced my global perspective. I also traveled to other cities such as Washington DC and New York As I look to the future, I am eager to continue to position myself in the rewarding field of vaccine development, driven by my long-held passion to contribute to global public health.
LIVE intern at Moderna
I joined the LIVE program in 2022 (Katalin Karikó promotion), becoming the first Ugandan to be admitted into this Master’s program. My acceptance was made possible by a generous scholarship from the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). The program offered unparalleled mobility experiences across some of Europe’s most vibrant and diverse cities. From the enchanting streets of Barcelona to the picturesque charm of Antwerp, the bustling energy of Lyon, and the tranquil neighborhoods of Saint-Étienne, each training location greatly enriched my educational and personal growth.
The final semester of the two-year LIVE program included an eagerly anticipated internship at ModernaTX in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Beginning in early February 2024, the welcoming and dynamic environment at Moderna was invigorating. I quickly immersed myself in the fast-paced world of vaccine development, focusing on the development of an mRNA vaccine (codenamed mRNA 1018) for pandemic influenza (H5/H7) viruses—a timely and relevant topic given the high pandemic potential of zoonotic influenza viruses. My work included Phase I/II clinical trial activities, such as medical monitoring, safety reviews, and contributing to the preparation of an interim analysis data memo containing early results from the clinical trial.
In parallel with my work on the pandemic influenza vaccine program, I dedicated time to writing my LIVE Master thesis on non-traditional clinical development strategies for pandemic preparedness vaccines. This research allowed me to gain invaluable knowledge from experts in regulatory affairs, clinical development, and clinical operations, offering me a comprehensive understanding of the vaccine development landscape from a pharmaceutical industry perspective. The culmination of my academic efforts was a successful thesis defense, marking the fulfillment of a deeply enriching journey.
My time in the US and Moderna was also an enriching personal experience with the opportunity to meet and network with people from diverse backgrounds in a work environment which greatly enhanced my global perspective. I also traveled to other cities such as Washington DC and New York
As I look to the future, I am eager to continue to position myself in the rewarding field of vaccine development, driven by my long-held passion to contribute to global public health.
2024.05.15 – Moses (Uganda), M2 LIVE student from the Karikó Prom’ 2022-2024
Menu
Archives