Martin Lubowa was a high school student at the prestigious African Leadership Academy (ALA) when he got an opportunity–the chance to be part of the first cohort of ALA students to join MIT undergraduates on the annual “Evolution of an Epidemic” course.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to go and learn about the HIV epidemic up close,” Lubowa said. “I was really happy to be nominated for the program.”
Daniel Zhang was a sophomore biology student at MIT when he signed up for the class.
“I was interested in the policy side, the research side, and the medicine side of the HIV epidemic,” Zhang said. “But ultimately also the chance to speak to the people there who are at the forefront of dealing with this incredible challenge.”
Despite being from opposite ends of the world–Lubowa from Uganda and Zhang from California–the two would become roommates. Then friends. Then partners on a global project to mentor the next generation of African scientists.
