Dr. Rebecca Chukwuanukwu is an Associate Professor of Immunology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria, where she researches host immune responses to diseases. Her educational background is in biomedical sciences, with a specialty in haematology and blood transfusion. She obtained two master's degrees: first, in Haematology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and then, in Immunology and Allergy at the University of Nottingham, UK, before proceeding to pursue a PhD in Immunology at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University. In addition to serving in various academic and administrative roles, Dr. Chukwuanukwu has also won numerous grants and prizes, including the UNESCO-Merck Africa Research Award. She is currently a Senior Experienced Research Fellow at the Friedrich-Alexander-University, Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany, courtesy of a fellowship award by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. In this episode, she takes us on her journey and experience exploring the immune system in different contexts, from co-infections involving malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis to pregnancy and malaria. She also talks about her commitment to advancing the field of immunology by training, mentoring, and supporting next-generation scientists. Connect with her/learn more about her work here and across LinkedIn and ResearchGate. The Immunology in Africa Podcast is on LinkedIn, X, and YouTube. Follow/Subscribe to keep track of new episodes and other immunology updates. Time stamps: 00:00 - intro 01:23 - background, academic and research journey 07:11 - highlights of key research projects and awards from PhD research 18:55 - on training, mentoring, and supporting younger scientists 26:41 - research fellowship at Friedrich Alexander University, Germany 33:11 - what's the most fulfilling part of your work 41:17 - closing remarks 44:20 - outro