Martin Kangwa
Biochemist
Driven by curiosity, knowledge and compassion, I have always tried to understand how the universe stays in harmony with itself. My name is Martin Kangwa. I was born and raised in Chawama in Lusaka, Zambia. Life has been a journey and I have learnt to appreciate every moment of it. For my primary school, I attended Chimwemwe Primary School in Chawama compound before moving to Munali in 1993, for both my Junior and Senior secondary classes, respectively.
As a kid, I often asked the ‘But why?’ question. The question most kids always ask. The why behind my questions, increased my curiosity in science and how things works, and this led me to Kazan in Russia, to study Biochemistry, with specialization in Molecular Pharmacology. In 2007, I moved to Germany to specialize in Biological Recognition and Protein Engineering, at Jacobs University in Bremen and University of Stuttgart, and concluded my studies with a PhD in Biochemistry.
You have to be twice as good to get half as much
" At times we may stumble upon some who may have the luxury of being mediocre, unqualified, unprepared, or even toxic and predatory, who think they are better than you and still stumble into success because the system is in their favor. Let them not demotivate you because the only person you should try to be better than is who you were yesterday. "
Living in alien lands is quite an experience and it has opened my eyes and taught me to always appreciate the Motherland. My research interests range from Biochemical and Bioprocess Engineering, to Protein/Enzyme Engineering and immobilization as well as Biocatalysis. I like my work as one can easily share findings and see how research can help change things around us. It gives me great satisfaction when I see the students and colleaguesI worked/ did research with go out and achieve great goals in their lives and careers. During my time here I have been involved in scientific writings and student supervisions, be it through laboratory courses, laboratory rotations and theses. We have done collaboration works with various countries around the globe and hope to extend it to mother Zambia soon.
When I am not working in the laboratory, I like fixing things around the house. Baking and culinary activities spice up my time. For me, working in the laboratory and in the kitchen is one and the same. It is all about being creative in mixing stuff. Sport has always been part of me and most of the time you will find me jogging along the Weser. Currently, I live in Bremen, with my family who have been my pillar and motivation, always there to lighten up life. In my spare time, I also like traveling and visiting different places, as well as learning other cultures. I have to say that after staying outside Zambia for some time now, I am thrilled at how most of our Zambian people have managed to humbly represent our Motherland, as they continue chasing their goals. It gives me happiness to see that the humbleness and the respect is easily noticed by our friends from other countries. Mwebanthu, stay focused, chase you dreams, keep moving towards yourtarget. At times we may stumble upon some who may have the luxury of being mediocre, unqualified, unprepared, or even toxic and predatory, who think they are better than you and still stumble into success because the system is in their favor. Let them not demotivate you because the only person you should try to be better than is who you were yesterday. Always aim higher, as this part of the world has shown us that we have to be twice as good to get half as much. Though the field looks flat it is not usually levelled. At time we may encounter obstacles and may fail. When that time comes, we have to learn to fail boldly and make peace with failing in front of each other. Then get up and continue working towards your target. When you reach the glass ceiling be content and stay focused. On a personal level I am a laid-back person who likes to dive into diversity. Professionally, we can contact each other on linkedin or socially via facebook and whatsapp.