Vaccines through the cheak

I am pharmacist by training and my research is in the development of a vaccine platform intended for application through the cheak (as opposed to the conventional delivery route -  the muscle). Specifically, I am using the mRNA vaccine platform, which was successfully used during the COVID-19 pandemics. Conventional (intramuscular) immunizations are effective when it comes to systemic (whole-body) immunity. They induce the production of antibodies that circulate in the blood and protect the human body if a virus is encountered. However, they do not induce a strong local (mucosal) immune response, aka immune response at the entry sites for the virus. Airborne viral infections are mostly described by a viral particle entering the body through the nose or the mouth. Therefore, a stronger immune protection at those entry sites would first prevent the virus from entering and secondly reduce the spread of viral particles by secretes. 

Having a strong relation to global health and preventions of disease spread is the main reason why the project is relevant to the society. 

I went to a German Highschool in Sofia, Bulgaria. Afterwards I moved to Germany, Heidelberg, to study pharmacy. I graduated as a registered pharmacist. As part of my journey to get the license to be a pharmacist, I worked 6 months in a community pharmacy. Alongside my academic journey I gained experience and insights in biotechnology, gene editing and drug delivery. The latter turned out to be my main area of interest. That is how I landed at MIT, the USA, where I completed my Master thesis in pharmaceutical technology. I worked on developing thermostable mRNA vaccines, that can be stored at room temperature and do not require the highly environmentally burdensome cold chain. The next step was finding a PhD position, which happened to be at DTU and SSI (Statens Serum Institute) and that is how I ended up in Denmark. 

I have been part in various programmes for engaging academically with highschool students and I really enjoyed the work with younger people and aspiring scientist. 

I would like to make a blend of a pptx slides and chalk talk. My experience so far has shown me that for some key concepts it is actually beneficial to slow down and use a white/blackboard which allows for the students to follow the flow of thoughts better. Furthermore, I can incorporate exercise task of different complexity based on the 3 levels of knowledge examination (Reproduction of facts, Explanation of concepts and finally, Application of concepts on new questions).

I speak 5 languages (Bulgarian, German, Russian, Turkish, English) and my Danish is getting steadily better (B1-B2), so I am able to communicate on daily topics, yet I don't feel comfortable to compile a nice talk 100% in Danish. Though I have quite some vocabulary in the area as I discuss such topics with my colleagues in Danish.