Nontlantla Mdletshe
About me
I’m Dr. Nontlantla Mdletshe, a postdoctoral researcher in mucosal immunology and viral pathogenesis from South Africa. For over a decade, my work has focused on understanding immune regulation in the female genital tract, particularly in the context of HIV and HPV. I’m also a certified Professional Director and an active mentor, passionate about advancing women in science and translating research into real-world public health impact.
I am a postdoctoral researcher specializing in mucosal immunology and viral pathogenesis, with a particular focus on HPV infection, cervical tissue immunology, and immune aging. My work investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive antiviral protection and tissue-resident immune regulation in the female genital tract. Over the past decade, I have developed advanced technical expertise, including flow cytometry, multiplex ELISAs, RNA expression analysis, organoid models, and tissue processing, and led studies integrating high-dimensional immunological data with clinical specimens to generate actionable insights for viral infection control and cancer prevention.
In addition to my scientific contributions, I bring robust leadership and governance experience. I am a certified Professional Director (SA) and currently serve as an Advisory Board Member at Fairness Pty Ltd, where I provide strategic oversight and stimulate innovative, high-quality discussions to address organizational challenges. My leadership extends to mentoring students and technicians, coordinating international collaborations, and promoting equity and inclusion within scientific communities.
I hold a PhD in Virology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and am pursuing an MBA in Health Leadership at the University of the Witwatersrand to strengthen my ability to drive strategic change in science and healthcare. As an OWSD member, I am passionate about leveraging my skills and experience to advance the organization’s mission, empowering women scientists, amplifying their contributions to development, and shaping inclusive, collaborative research environments.
Through a combination of scientific expertise, governance acumen, and commitment to mentoring, I am eager to contribute meaningfully to the OWSD Executive Board and support its vision of a more equitable and impactful global scientific community.
Degrees:
Ochieng, F., Wambua, P., Kimani, J., Okall, D., Wanjiru, M., Agingu, W., Kabuti, R., Mdletshe, N., McKinnon, L., Otieno, F., & Mehta, S.D. (Manuscript in progress; submitted). Factors associated with urethral and rectal STIs among men who have sex with men in Kisumu and Nairobi.
Affiliations:
Nyanza Reproductive Health Society, Kisumu, Kenya
Partners for Health and Development in Africa (PHDA), Nairobi, Kenya
Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical College, Chicago, USA
Additional work: Other manuscripts from ongoing immunology and HPV studies are currently underway and in preparation for submission to peer-reviewed journals.