'Nothing is impossible'
Published: 16 September 2019
Malawian student Elizabeth Chimbayo was humbled after winning three awards in the Immunology and Inflammatory Disease Masters programme
The Institute of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation's Elizabeth Chimbayo was humbled after being named as the best overall student in the Immunology and Inflammatory Disease Masters programme.
Elizabeth, whose study at the University of Glasgow was made possible by a scholarship from the BEIT Trust, was one of 20 students on the course.
She continued the tradition of top-performing Malawian students by also picking up prizes for best talk and best dissertation, all of which were presented ahead of schedule due to the fact Elizabeth will graduate in absentia.
The next step in a very promising career is a PhD with Professor Henry Mwandumba, Deputy Director of Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome research programme in Blantyre and Honorary Research Fellow at Glasgow.
Professor James Brewer, chair in basic immunology, said: "Elizabeth was given the award for best overall student and also received the prize for best project for her work with Megan Macleod. She has been an outstanding student throughout the year."
A beaming Elizabeth said: "It was one of the most exciting moments I have ever experienced. I could not imagine that I could achieve that much, but, through hard work and determination, I managed.
"The Institute has been very supportive from day one of my course, through mentorship meetings and also advice from my supervisors.
"My advice to upcoming students is always to seek clarification and don't be shy to ask questions. That's the only way to learn. Furthermore, it is always best to embrace the spirit of teamwork, no one is an island.
"My favourite quotes are 'chance favours the prepared mind' by Prof Brewer and 'the best is yet to come'. These quotes kept me going and striving for excellence and keep on pushing for more rather than becoming satisfied.
"Finally, a special thanks should go to my supervisor Dr Megan Macleod, under whose supervision I have learned so much and that I hope to use in the next step of my career. I wish everyone the very best - nothing is impossible in this world."
First published: 16 September 2019