Journal of Antivirals & Antiretrovirals
Open Access

Shamala Moodley

Biography

Shamala Moodley is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biomedical Technology. Having graduated with a qualification in Medical Technology from the Durban Institute of Technology in 1983, she then moved on to complete the Higher National Diploma in Medical Technology in 1989 at the Durban Institute of Technology and a BA degree from the University of South Africa in 1990. She was employed as a Medical Technologist at the King Edward Hospital from 1977-1996. During this period, she worked in the Department of Chemical Pathology, Haematology and Microbiology. She steered numerous research projects in the area of sexually transmitted infections within the Department of Microbiology. In 1998 she attained a Masters in Medical Science from the University of Natal -Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine. The area of research was focused on sexually transmitted infections with special emphasis on Identification and Isolation of Chlamydia Trachomatis. Having completed her Master’s in Public Health Management (2003) from the University of Luton (UK) she thereafter proceeded with her PhD in Medicine at the NR Mandela Medical School (University of KwaZulu Natal) In 2002, she was awarded the USAID scholarship to study in IOWA University (USA) where she worked in the Carpenter laboratories, gaining new insight into laboratory techniques. In 2006/2007 Shamala became the first Mangosuthu University recipient, of the National Research Funding. Her studies were completed in 2 years during the funding period. The thesis was focused on the Interaction of the HLA- G Antigen and Natural Killer Cells at the placental barrier in HIV positive pregnant women and its significance in determining the HIV status of the child after birth. At the end of the period she received her PhD in Medicine. Overall her research activity includes publications both nationally and internationally. Having coordinated numerous HIV/AIDS projects between Mangosuthu University of Technology and the Medical Research Council (SA) she was also instrumental in developing and constructing a HIV module for students in tertiary institutions. She presented at International and National conferences and also attended a Stem Cell course at the Australian Stem Cell Centre (Brisbane), in 2010. With the knowledge and information gained at the workshop, she has set up a Stem Cell Research Laboratory at Mangosuthu University of Technology. This was undertaken because of her interest in Cell Based Therapy and, to network and form collaborative studies with other institutions within South Africa and Internationally. Currently the university has embarked on instituting a HIV module within each Faculty (Natural Sciences, Engineering and Management Sciences). She is responsible for developing and compiling these guides. As a recipient of the Joseph Award for “Best Article” published in Medical Technology SA,. Shamala received additional recognition, when she was the included in “MARQUISE WHOs WHO- SYMBOL OF EXCELLENCE” for 2013 and 2014. The recognition is for individuals who are leaders in their specific fields of expertise. Currently, she is writing a text book which will be used by all Medical Scientists and Medical Technologist. The title of the book is “Back to Basics in Medical Technology”. Her lecturing career began at the Durban Institute of Technology (Dept of Biomedical Sciences) from 1995-1997. She was employed at Mangosuthu University of Technology as a lecturer in 1998. In 2001, she was given the position of a senior lecturer in the Dept of Biomedical Sciences. Her facilitation includes undergraduate levels such are: Physics I, Anatomy and Physiology, Calculations and Statistics for Clinical Laboratory Practice, Biochemistry, Immunology and Introduction to Medical Technology and at postgraduate level for modules such as Molecular Biology IV, Laboratory Management IV, Pathophysiology IV and Research Methodology IV. As a moderator for various external tertiary institutions in Microbiology I, II and III, Biochemistry II and Molecular Biology IV, Immunology II she has also secured a position as moderator for Immunology IV in the Canadian Distance Education Programme, Canada. With various teaching and learning strategies and, research and community activities, the mark of her achievements has grown over the years.

Research Interest

HIV/AIDS and MTCT; Tissue Culture; Molecular Biology; Immunology