Ms Yastika Mahabeer

Yastika is a molecular biologist, who’s previous research focused on the host-protective immunology of the tuberculosis disease. She obtained her Master of Science (MSc) degree in Molecular Biology at Stellenbosch University under the supervision of A/Prof Nelita du Plessis.

Yastika’s novel research experience includes the establishment of a syngeneic granuloma model in vivo, which involved three-dimensional cell culturing of tuberculosis granulomas using nanoparticles, with its subsequent surgical transplantation into the C57/Bl6 mouse model. Her research assessed the immunological progression of TB granulomas in an in vivo environment. In addition to her work with tuberculosis, she possesses experience in isolating and characterising murine stem cells derived from bone marrow. 

Her experience also includes working in an ISO 15189 medical accredited laboratory where she processed infectious biological samples and performed flow cytometry for ongoing Phase II tuberculosis vaccine trials.

As a Senior Research Scientist in the TB Biology group, she will be focusing on early phase tuberculosis drug discovery and compound testing in the murine model.