Liberty Mthunzi

• Lead target mechanism-of-action investigations in the neuro-immune space. Develop robust translational data packages that inform biomarker selection and early clinical development strategies. • Shape the strategic direction of discovery and translational research projects, ensuring their alignment with overall corporate objectives. • Serve as an immunology expert, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of disease pathogenesis, current standard of care, and unmet medical needs in relevant conditions. • Independently propose, design, and execute complex in vitro and in vivo experiments. Provide hands-on leadership in the lab, overseeing experimental design, data generation, data analysis and troubleshooting by junior scientists ensuring scientific rigor. • Critically analyze experimental data to extract actionable insights that drive decision-making. Prepare clear technical reports and presentations to communicate results to cross-functional teams and senior leadership. • Build and manage strong external collaborations (academic partners, CROs, and KOLs) to extend the team’s capabilities and influence. • Oversee the operational aspects of research projects with focus on efficiency, quality, documentation and safety while exercising fiscal and resource responsibility. • Recruit, mentor, and develop scientific staff to build a high-performing team. Manage a group of scientists and foster a collaborative and innovative team culture.

• Design, conduct and lead projects aimed at identifying and evaluating target biology and mechanism of action • Lead projects identifying and evaluating mechanism of action of novel neuro-immune circuits to identify novel biological, competitive and valuable scientific opportunities • Develop autoimmune and inflammatory disease models to assess the therapeutic potential of platform and validate targets and novel compounds • Design and lead projects aimed at identifying and evaluating target biology and mechanism of action • Contribute to critical program milestones by delivering high-quality experimental data and innovative solutions. Play a key role in advancing pipeline projects • Collaborate cross-functionally with experts in Neuroscience, Bioinformatics, Pharmacology and CROs to advance target identification and validation • Independently address challenging scientific questions and technical issues. Provide resourceful solutions that align with organizational priorities • Independently prepare data and present internally and externally • Stay up to date with emerging scientific literature and contribute to the strategic vision of the company • Work to improve existing protocols and implement solutions / troubleshoot as needed • Supervise direct reports and mentor scientists and research associates while providing feedback to support individual development. Provide guidance on project priorities and approaches

Junior faculty at Columbia. Perform independent research in the area of my training. Have independence in carrying out research programs, and lead in the development of proposals and the associated research. Achievements so far: Awarded ATS UTD Scholarship May 2024 Awarded ATS Abstract RCMB Assembly Abstract Award May 2024 (not taken up) Awarded AHA Career Development Award April 2024 Invited Co-Chair of symposium on Alveolar Epithelial and Alveolar Macrophage Crosstalk at American Thoracic Society May 2024 Selected for oral presentation at American Thoracic Society May 2024

> Start and successfully finish research projects via hypothesis formation, funding procurement, experimental design, statistical modeling, effective execution, collection, and interpretation of resulting data. > Propose, articulate, evaluate, and defend scientific ideas and data at various national and international meetings. > Critically analyze research findings, identify issues with methodology, data analysis, develop novel methods and analysis techniques to produce more accurate and reliable data. > Prepare and submit novel and high impact factor research manuscripts and grant proposals for peer review. > Communicate research findings regularly to stakeholders and funding bodies to maintain financial support. > Collaborate with third-party stakeholders and funding bodies to accelerate strategic and project decision-making. > Oversee the laboratory’s finances by establishing and developing relationships with a network of vendors to negotiate the best prices, track invoicing, and monthly budget reconciliation. Achievements: Promoted to Associate Research Scientist after successful completion of postdoctoral training Awarded Department of Defense Discovery Award 2022 Awarded ATS Unrestricted Research Grant 2023 Awarded Keystone Future of Science Fund Scholarship 2023 Invited study section peer reviewer of AHA Pre and Postdoctoral Fellowships - Pulmonary Section 2023 Co-Chair of Lung Innate Immunity Symposium at Keystone Symposium 2023 Awarded trainee development scholarship by ATS 2022 Awarded Abstract scholarship by ATS Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology Assembly 2023 Oral research presentation at Experimental Biology Meeting 2022 and American Thoracic Society Meetings, 2022 & 2023 Publications in AJP Lung, AJRCCM, FASEB Journal and Nature Communications.

> Principal investigator on two research projects whilst collaborating with other team members to meet laboratory objectives within specified timeframe and budget constraints. > Critically analyzed past publications and research strategies then proposed, articulated, and defended original scientific hypotheses and data at meetings and conferences through oral and poster presentations. > Successfully prepared and disseminated research through publications and communicated research findings to third-party stakeholders and funding bodies to maintain relationships and financial support. Achievements: Awarded Postdoctoral Fellowship by AHA. Research presentation at Aspen Lung Conference, 2021. Promoted to Postdoctoral Research Fellow.

> Principal scientist on a project that determined the role of a bone morphogenetic protein (gremlin 1) in macrophage functions. > Collaborator on a project that determined a novel role for gremlin 1 in bone marrow function. > Collaborating with other scientists and team members to meet laboratory objectives within deadlines and budget. > Instructed and supervised team members on laboratory procedures. Assured consistent protocol reproducibility without exceeding the predefined laboratory budget. > Coordinated the logistic and administrative tasks of the lab, kept and maintained the laboratories repository of various biomedical samples. > Writing and submission of competitive grants. > Grant and manuscript reviewing. > Dissemination of research at national and international conferences. Achievements: Awarded UCD Seed Funding Awarded a travel grant by the Physiological Society (2x) Awarded Physiological Society travel grants (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Awarded INSPIRE Mobility award (2015). One publication in The American Journal of Pathology One publication in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Recruited to Columbia University Irving Medical Center

> Lecturer for a 3rd year, honours, Respiratory Physiology module. > Prepared lectures and communicated complex information and knowledge in a wide range of formats to suit all learning styles in accordance with Gardner's "Theory of Multiple Intelligences". > Evaluated and responded effectively to stakeholder queries.

Chronic lung diseases are the third most common cause of death worldwide. They are frequently complicated by pulmonary hypertension (PH), which significantly increases morbidity and mortality in these diseases. The accumulation of macrophages is important in the development of PH however, the mechanism by which macrophages contribute to the development of PH remains to be elucidated. Previously we demonstrated how increased expression of gremlin 1, a bone morphogenetic protein antagonist promotes the development of PH. My PhD research examined the hypothesis that macrophages are an important source of gremlin 1 in the diseased lung and thus play an important role in PH development.

• Studied life, from the fundamental building blocks of genes to the largest animals that inhabit the planet; how living things work – how they interact with one another and their surroundings, and how they change and evolve; and the application of biomedical science to medical/clinical use. • Learnt how to use analytical, technical and statistical procedures to monitor and improve human health and to investigate disease. • Learnt how to ask questions, make observations, and analyse evidence – in theory work and through practical laboratory sessions – and to present and communicate findings clearly all while developing computer literacy and research skills.