Dr. Birbeck’s research focuses on improving our understanding of common neurological disorders in Africa to inform local prevention and treatment, as well as to elucidate the pathophysiological processes of these disorders. Specifically, she will focus on cerebral malaria and neurological manifestations of HIV. She will examine the role of neuroinflammation in structural injury and neurologic morbidity in children with CNS malaria. She will also study HIV-associated accelerated aging of the nervous system. Additionally, she will examine the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on both disorders. This research will take place in Zambia and Malawi, where Dr. Birbeck has extensive experience and will provide support and mentorship for young clinician-scientists.