Julius J Mwanandota

Background: I was born and raised in Katavi Region-Mpanda DC, Tanzania, the first of eight children. My Grand Mother induces me accountability spirits which become foundation of my Success. After primary school, I joined Mwangaza Secondary and Mazengo High School where I studied biology, chemistry and Physics, completing high school in 1997. Reasons for choice of science: My choice to pursue science career during childhood was initiated by curiosity to determine causes of ill health in both animals and human beings. During outbreak of animal diseases most families were forced to become broke. I chose to study science for supporting economic development of poor society through improvement of animal production. Previously held positions: I started my working career as veterinary surgeon at a veterinary clinic (OLEM Veterinary Centre) and Letter I join a research institute (Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency) as veterinary Research officer. In the institute I serve as a head of section in Protozoology section and Serology section, at some points I hold a position of training Manager at LITI Temeke. Influential individual: I admire the current President of Tanzania, Dr. John P.J. Magufuli because of his achievements in a short presidential term of five years as a leader. Scientific achievements: I have published four papers in peer reviewed papers. “I admire all guys with hard working spirit and believe on endless unsuccessful attempts toward successful achievement in any life career”. RSIF host institution: Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Biotechnology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania (Research being conducted at SACIDS-Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals in southern and eastern Africa (SACIDS-ACE)). PhD research topic: Genomic Surveillance of important sheep and goats respiratory diseases for improved productivity through strategic diseases control in Tanzania. Expected outcomes: The study is expected to provide improved insight into the diversity and maintenance of viral respiratory diseases of SHOAT in Tanzania. This information is necessary for integrated approach toward respiratory diseases control and eradication. The approach will help in establishing a framework for successful animal production models for control and eradication of SHOAT respiratory diseases in Tanzania and other parts of the world. Currently held degrees: MSc in Applied Microbiology (Virology option) obtained in 2013 from Sokoine university of Agriculture, through a scholarship offered by the government of Tanzania. And Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine obtained in 2003 from the same university.