Member spotlight: Victor Nweze

Victor Nweze is a research assistant at the University of Nigeria.

What is your research focus?

“My research focuses on the structural biology of host–pathogen interactions to elucidate potential target proteins for designing drugs, vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.”

What is the broader impact of your work?

“The work aims to provide new understanding of antigenic proteins for the design of drugs, vaccines and monoclonal antibodies for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases.”

How has being a member of ASBMB helped you along the way?

“Being a member of ASBMB has helped me develop quality leadership potentials that enabled me to complete funded projects successfully. Also, ASBMB has improved my interpersonal relationships through teamwork.”

What are you watching/reading outside the lab/work?

“I love watching special talk shows by The Nobel Prize, such as 'Nobel Minds.' I also love watching biographical movies of revered scientists like Marie Curie, Albert Einstein and many more. Watching these shows and films motivates my curiosity and perseverance as a young scientist.”

What music or podcasts have you been enjoying lately?

“Lately, I enjoy listening to 'Ode To Joy' by André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra.”

What have you learned from your work that applies to the rest of your life?

“My scientific experiences have taught me to keep an open mind and to take life one step at a time. These have enabled me to learn, unlearn and relearn.”

Who are your heroes/heroines?

1. “Richard Henderson for developing the cryo-electron microscopy that motivated my interest for structural biology.”
2. “Vivien Thomas for his courage and resoluteness to develop the cardiac surgical technique to treat 'blue baby syndrome'.”
3. “Katalin Karikó for going above and beyond to design and prove the potentials of the mRNA vaccine.”
4. “Marie Skłodowska–Curie for her curiosity and resilience in the discovery of radioactive elements and contribution to radiotherapy.”