Highlights
GALA DINNER - RED CARPET
Expressions
PREFACE BY THE ORGANIZERS
This conference is intended to educate young researchers, especially postgraduate students, on the latest developments and techniques available in genomics, proteomics and metabolomics as part of bioinformatics including biochemistry, microbiology and biotechnology. The main purpose of this conference is to give young researchers a chance to share their work, develop presentation skills and network with other researchers. Thus, at this conference young researchers (honors, masters, doctoral and postdoctoral students) will be given a chance to act as speakers, apart from selected plenary speakers. The plenary speakers and a panel of judges will interact with students to make suggestions on improving their skills. All the presentations and talk videos will be uploaded on the conference website and certificates will be issued to the speakers and plenary speakers to enable them to incorporate this attribute in their curricula vitae. We are very grateful to the National Research Foundation (NRF), South Africa and the University of Zululand for supporting this initiative as part of the 4th Industrial Revolution and skills development in young researchers. We believe “Today’s Students are Tomorrow’s Scientists”. |
Prof K Syed
Mr M L Ngwenya
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PLENARY SPEAKERS/SPEAKERS/PARTICIPANTS
dr hab. Dominik Gront
University of Warsaw
Warsaw
Poland
University of Warsaw
Warsaw
Poland
Dr Dominik Gront gained his M.Sc degree in Chemistry in 2001 and PhD diploma in 2006, both theses defended with honours at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Poland. In 2007 he won the Award of Polish Prime Minister for the Outstanding Ph.D. Thesis. After his doctoral studies he worked as postdoctoral researcher at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville (2007-2008) and University of Washington, Seattle (2008-2010). In 2010 he returned to the University of Warsaw as an assistant professor. He defended his habilitation thesis in 2016.
Dr Gront, the head of Biomacromolecule Modelling group, advances methods for multiscale simulations of biomacromolecular structure and dynamics. He develops novel theoretical approaches and scientific software packages for biomodeling: BioShell and Rosetta. Since 2012 he is a member of Rosetta Commons - an organisation of more than 60 laboratories working on protein modelling and design.
Dr Gront, the head of Biomacromolecule Modelling group, advances methods for multiscale simulations of biomacromolecular structure and dynamics. He develops novel theoretical approaches and scientific software packages for biomodeling: BioShell and Rosetta. Since 2012 he is a member of Rosetta Commons - an organisation of more than 60 laboratories working on protein modelling and design.
Prof José Martínez Oyanedel
Universidad de Concepción
Chile
Universidad de Concepción
Chile
Jose Martinez-Oyanedel, Biochemist, PhD in chemistry, post doctoral in structural biochemistry, has been involved in structural analysis of proteins to establish the structure-function relationship. Has been involved in the development of protein crystallography in Chile, is author of several crystal structure deposited in the Protein Data Bank and publications on structural biology. Since 1991 is associate professor in the Departamento de Bioquimica y Biologia Molecular from Universidad de Concepción. In the last time the research has been direct to build a molecular model of the phycobilisome from Gracilaria chilensis, using molecular biology, crystallographic, bioinformatics, spectroscopic and proteomic approaches, solving the structure of the principal proteins that are presents in this macromolecular structure to understand the light transfer process in the light harvesting for photosynthesis, essential for algae and cyanobacteria.
Also the deep knowledge of this systems has allowed to applied the use of this proteins in the antibody labelling and the design of solar cells.
Also the deep knowledge of this systems has allowed to applied the use of this proteins in the antibody labelling and the design of solar cells.
Prof Wanping Chen
Huazhong Agricultural University
Wuhan
China
Huazhong Agricultural University
Wuhan
China
Dr Chen completed his B.Eng. in Food Science and Technology, and Ph.D. at Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China. He was a visiting scholar at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA (2012-2013). After his doctoral studies he worked as a Lecturer and then Associate Professor of food microbiology at Huazhong Agricultural University (since 2014-). Currently he is a Humboldt fellow at the University of Göttingen, Germany.
His interests focus on fungal development and secondary metabolism by means of bioinformatics, genomics and molecular biology: 1) Regulation, and mechanism of development processes and secondary metabolites synthesis in industrial fungi, especially for Aspergillus spp. and Monascus spp., promoting their applications in industrial fermentation. 2) Phylogeny, structure analysis, evolution, and functional study of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase superfamily in fungi and beyond, to understand and explore its important and diverse roles in development processes and secondary metabolites regulation and synthesis. Moreover, he has participated in many international research collaborations and his research work have been published in many high reputed journals such as Natural Product Reports, Studies in Mycology, Genome Biology, Chemical Science, and Biotechnology Advances.
His interests focus on fungal development and secondary metabolism by means of bioinformatics, genomics and molecular biology: 1) Regulation, and mechanism of development processes and secondary metabolites synthesis in industrial fungi, especially for Aspergillus spp. and Monascus spp., promoting their applications in industrial fermentation. 2) Phylogeny, structure analysis, evolution, and functional study of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase superfamily in fungi and beyond, to understand and explore its important and diverse roles in development processes and secondary metabolites regulation and synthesis. Moreover, he has participated in many international research collaborations and his research work have been published in many high reputed journals such as Natural Product Reports, Studies in Mycology, Genome Biology, Chemical Science, and Biotechnology Advances.
Dr Nontuthuko Rosemary Ntuli
University of Zululand
KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
University of Zululand
KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
Nontuthuko Ntuli obtained her PhD degree at the University of Zululand in 2014. Her research interest is on agro-morphological, nutritional and genetic variation among indigenous and traditional leafy vegetables as well as fruit trees. She has ongoing collaborations with various departments within the university as well as other academic and research institutions. She has graduated four MSc students. Nontu has presented and published several papers both locally and internationally. She is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Botany, University of Zululand.
Prof Khaya Ntushelo
UNISA, Gauteng
South Africa
UNISA, Gauteng
South Africa
Khaya Ntushelo obtained a BSc degree at the University of the Western Cape and an MSc at the University of Stellenbosch. Khaya further completed a PhD degree at the University of Florida in the United States in 2010. His research interests lie in the area of molecular biology, specifically the molecular basis of plant-microbe interactions. Khaya is an active researcher with over 20 publications in local and international journals and he has collaborations with various universities and research institutions. He has trained nine MSc and two PhD students. Furthermore, he has supervised three postdoctoral researchers. Presently his research focusses on genetic and biochemical responses of tomato plants infected with soft rot bacteria and he continues to study the biology of plant pathogens. Khaya is an Associate Professor in the Department of Agriculture and Animal Health at Unisa. He has been a Unisa staff member since January 2012.
Dr Tavonga Danai Zhou
University of Zimbabwe
Harare, Zimbabwe
University of Zimbabwe
Harare, Zimbabwe
Danai Zhou is a senior lecturer of Clinical Biochemistry and Genetics at University of Zimbabwe (UZ) and is registered as a Clinical Scientist by the Medical Laboratory and Clinical Scientists’ Council of Zimbabwe. She studied in Zimbabwe, for a BSc Hons in Applied Biology and Biochemistry and an MSc in Clinical Chemistry. During her PhD study, at University of Oslo, Norway, she published papers describing human variants (CYP2B6/CYP1A2 and APOB) and HIV drug resistance mutations. She is currently a recipient of a two-year competitive NIH Fogarty International Centre, HIV Research Training Program (HRTP) Postdoctoral fellowship. Her postdoctoral research focuses on Pharmacogenomics of antiretroviral drugs and comprises training visits to the University at Buffalo, State University of New York (UB), USA. While at the UB, she has shadowed senior academics and researchers involved in Pharmacogenomics and Bioinformatics research at the New York State Centre of Excellence, Bioinformatics and Life Sciences; Roswell Park Cancer Center and UB, Jacobs Medicine School. Back home in Zimbabwe, she continues to coalesce a group of collaborators at the UZ, UB and other institutions to collaborate towards the development of a curriculum and Genomics and Bioinformatics Centre of Excellence, targeting health professionals and biomedical scientists from LMICs.
Dr Henry Ademola Adeola
University of Cape Town
Western Cape
South Africa
University of Cape Town
Western Cape
South Africa
Dr Henry Ademola Adeola is a Senior Lecturer/Senior Research Officer in molecular oral biology and pathology with teaching and Research experience in Japan, South Africa and Nigeria; both at the undergraduate and postgraduate level. He is also an associate fellow in oral pathology and biology of several postgraduate medical boards. He has been a visiting academic research scholar to several world class Universities. His areas of research interest include, molecular pathoepidemiology of cancers and fibrotic diseases, clinical cancer proteomics, omics-based approaches to diagnosis and dental/medical education. Dr Henry Adeola holds a PhD in Cancer Genomics and Proteomics and has won several prestigious awards. He worked as the Project Manager of the Cancer Research Initiative (CRI) of the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa providing leadership for the cancer PhD programs at UCT. He is currently a Senior Lecturer and Senior Research Officer at the Hair and skin Research (HSR) laboratory of the Division of Dermatology at UCT. He is also a Principal Investigator (PI), Managing scientist and Group Leader for the Proteomics, Pathology and Molecular Imaging (PPMI)/Analytical Group at the HSR. He has several publications in high impact peer-reviewed journal and books.
Dr Nathlee Abbai
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
Dr. Nathlee Abbai completed her Masters in Medical Microbiology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and then went on to complete a Ph.D in Microbial Biotechnology at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein. Thereafter she had worked as a Postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Microbiology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban. After completion of the Postdoctoral fellowship, Dr Abbai joined the HIV Prevention Research Unit of the South African Medical Research Council as a Senior Scientist. At the SAMRC, Dr Abbai was involved in the conduct of large scale clinical trials that investigated products to prevent HIV acquisition in high risk women.
In November 2015, Dr Abbai joined UKZN in Durban as a senior lecturer in the School of Clinical Medicine (SCM) and the Academic Head of the SCM Laboratory. Dr Abbai is a NRF-Rated scientist with a research interest in infectious diseases. Her ongoing research studies are directed towards reproductive tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases including HIV in women. More recently her research focus has been on such infections in pregnant women. She has ongoing studies that will provide data on the prevalence of viral and bacterial STIs in women attending antenatal care in Durban. Abbai is also involved in studies that will investigate potential drug resistance in some of STI pathogens. The mechanisms involved in drug resistance will also be identified by using sophisticated sequencing approaches.
Dr Abbai is a member of the South African Society for Microbiology and a member of the Biomedical Ethics Research Committee at UKZN. She also serves as reviewer for a number of local international journals such as the South African Medical Journal, Aids and Behaviour, PlosOne and the International Journal of STD and AIDS. As Academic Head of her laboratory, Dr Abbai has been the recipient of research equipment grants to develop her laboratory to a state-of-the-art facility to capacitate more young scientists.
In November 2015, Dr Abbai joined UKZN in Durban as a senior lecturer in the School of Clinical Medicine (SCM) and the Academic Head of the SCM Laboratory. Dr Abbai is a NRF-Rated scientist with a research interest in infectious diseases. Her ongoing research studies are directed towards reproductive tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases including HIV in women. More recently her research focus has been on such infections in pregnant women. She has ongoing studies that will provide data on the prevalence of viral and bacterial STIs in women attending antenatal care in Durban. Abbai is also involved in studies that will investigate potential drug resistance in some of STI pathogens. The mechanisms involved in drug resistance will also be identified by using sophisticated sequencing approaches.
Dr Abbai is a member of the South African Society for Microbiology and a member of the Biomedical Ethics Research Committee at UKZN. She also serves as reviewer for a number of local international journals such as the South African Medical Journal, Aids and Behaviour, PlosOne and the International Journal of STD and AIDS. As Academic Head of her laboratory, Dr Abbai has been the recipient of research equipment grants to develop her laboratory to a state-of-the-art facility to capacitate more young scientists.
Prof VSR Rajasekhar Pullabhotla
University of Zululand
KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
University of Zululand
KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
VSR Rajasekhar Pullabhotla received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physics and mathematics from Andhra University, India in 1995. Then he received his master’s degree, MSc (Eng) in petrochemicals at the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, India. Then he started his research on the heterogeneous oxidation catalysis of aliphatic hydrocarbons at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa and received his PhD in 2008. He continued the study of heterogeneous catalysis as a postdoctoral fellow at the same place. He continued his research on nanomaterials synthesis as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Zululand. In 2011, he joined the same University as a Lecturer. Since 2016 he has been an Associate Professor. Prof Pullabhotla has co-authored 44 publications and 1 monograph in peer reviewed journals. Through his research activities he has supervised 3 PhD, 4 MSc, 12 Hons and currently supervising 4 PhD, 5 MSc, 1 Hons projects. He has examined several PhD and MSc thesis from UKZN, DUT and other overseas universities. Through his research he has established the collaborations not only in South Africa, also in Singapore, India and USA. He is a reviewer for various journal (Catalysis Today, Journal of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Journal of Materials Sciences and Applications, American Journal of Materials Research and AASCIT Materials). He is a rated researcher by National Research Foundation (NRF), South Africa. His research interests are mainly directed towards heterogeneous catalysis, oxidation reactions, wastewater research and nanomaterials.
Prof Pullabhotla is the principal investigators of the Catalysis Research Group at University of Zululand. He is a talented materials researcher with strong heterogeneous catalysis and nanomaterials research background. As catalysis plays an important role globally, Prof Pullabhotla’s research has been carried out in heterogeneous catalysis, a multidisciplinary science that involves analytical, inorganic, organic, surface chemistry and chemical engineering. From the different areas of research (Oxidation reactions, catalysis and nanomaterials) Prof Pullabhotla have worked on, he still feels that there is a lot of scope to study on the catalytic oxidation reactions using molecular ozone, oxidative degradation of toxic compounds and the transformations of various organic compounds into value added products. His research interests foster on studying the use of the nanomaterials as catalysts in these organic transformation reactions.
Prof Pullabhotla is the principal investigators of the Catalysis Research Group at University of Zululand. He is a talented materials researcher with strong heterogeneous catalysis and nanomaterials research background. As catalysis plays an important role globally, Prof Pullabhotla’s research has been carried out in heterogeneous catalysis, a multidisciplinary science that involves analytical, inorganic, organic, surface chemistry and chemical engineering. From the different areas of research (Oxidation reactions, catalysis and nanomaterials) Prof Pullabhotla have worked on, he still feels that there is a lot of scope to study on the catalytic oxidation reactions using molecular ozone, oxidative degradation of toxic compounds and the transformations of various organic compounds into value added products. His research interests foster on studying the use of the nanomaterials as catalysts in these organic transformation reactions.
Dr Ndumiso N. Mhlongo
Durban, University of KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
Durban, University of KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
I obtained a BSc Medical Science (2008) and Biochemistry Honours (2010) degrees from the University of Zululand. A Master of Medical Science (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) (2014) and PhD (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) (2016) were obtained from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. After my PhD, I took a Postdoctoral Researcher position (2016) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Currently, I am a Senior Lecturer and Researcher (since 2017) in the School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, Medical Biochemistry Department, University of KwaZulu-Natal. My research group focuses on the molecular modelling of Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug targets, design and development of inhibitors against tuberculosis.
Dr Thandeka Khoza
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
Dr Tandeka Khoza is Biochemistry lecture at School of Life Science at University of KwaZulu Natal. Her research group is focused on caseinolytic protease (Clp) which are important in the pathogenesis and virulence of various bacterial pathogens including mycobacterium and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Her research is aimed at resulting in novel scientific approaches that can be used to diagnose and manage disease mechanisms at cellular and molecular level. She obtained her Msc in Biochemistry at the University of Witwatersrand studying proteins associated with Diabetes. This was followed by a PhD in Structural biology, which was aimed at understanding the folding mechanism and three-dimensional structure of GSTs. This enzyme is implicated in the cancer development and chemotherapeutic resistance. Prior to joining UKZN, she was at the National Health Laboratory, Centre for HIV and STIs as a SPARC Post-Doctoral Fellowship where she was part of a research team that focuses on HIV broadly neutralising antibodies and their interplay with the evolving virus. She is currently completing a Master in Vaccinology with University of Lausanne which has broaden her knowledge into how vaccines are designed, developed, manufactured and implemented through public health programs. She also serves as a Chairperson for National Research Foundation: funding review panels as well as a member of GMO Advisory Committee Membership for Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Dr Sabiu Saheed
Durban University of Technology
South Africa
Durban University of Technology
South Africa
Dr. Sabiu Saheed is a South African National Research Foundation (NRF) Y-rated researcher and a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Durban University of Technology (DUT). In addition to his interests in Human Genetics, Phytopharmacology and Molecular Biotechnology, Dr. Sabiu is a faculty representative on HIV/AIDS committee at DUT and also an Affiliate Researcher with the Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Unit of the University of the Free State (UFS), where the focus of his research is on enteric viruses using whole genome sequencing and metagenomic approaches.
As his postdoctoral fellowship, Dr. Sabiu spent valuable time at both the Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory and NGS Unit of the UFS, where he had respective exposure on Molecular Biotechnology and Viral Metagenomics. During this time, he was a member of the UFS committee that hosted Senior delegates on viral metagenomics of enteric viruses from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA, and also the secretary of the organizing committee of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Data and Bioinformatics Workshop hosted by UFS-NGS Unit. He enjoys teaching Biochemistry modules and has supervised postgraduate students. Dr. Sabiu has significant publications to his credit and also reviewing for more than ten good impact factor journals. He is a registered Professional Natural Scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions, and a member of several national and international scientific organizations.
His interests in Community Development engagements in training the locals on the importance of standardized herbal preparations coupled with expertise in Phytopharmacology with keen focus on plant-derived secondary metabolites/antioxidants had earned him the Action Research Grant Award. He has also had Travel Grant Awards to attend and present papers in international and national conferences. Most recent is the 2018 Knowledge, Interchange and Collaboration Travel Grant Award by the NRF.
As his postdoctoral fellowship, Dr. Sabiu spent valuable time at both the Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory and NGS Unit of the UFS, where he had respective exposure on Molecular Biotechnology and Viral Metagenomics. During this time, he was a member of the UFS committee that hosted Senior delegates on viral metagenomics of enteric viruses from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA, and also the secretary of the organizing committee of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Data and Bioinformatics Workshop hosted by UFS-NGS Unit. He enjoys teaching Biochemistry modules and has supervised postgraduate students. Dr. Sabiu has significant publications to his credit and also reviewing for more than ten good impact factor journals. He is a registered Professional Natural Scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions, and a member of several national and international scientific organizations.
His interests in Community Development engagements in training the locals on the importance of standardized herbal preparations coupled with expertise in Phytopharmacology with keen focus on plant-derived secondary metabolites/antioxidants had earned him the Action Research Grant Award. He has also had Travel Grant Awards to attend and present papers in international and national conferences. Most recent is the 2018 Knowledge, Interchange and Collaboration Travel Grant Award by the NRF.
Dr Meleshni Naicker
University of KwaZulu-Natal Durban, South Africa |
Dr Naicker has completed her M.Sc. in Medical Sciences (Medical Microbiology) and a Ph.D. in Health Sciences from the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Currently, she is a postdoctoral fellow at the School of Clinical Medicine Research Laboratory at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. In addition, she is a co-supervisor/mentor for postgraduate research students at the same institute. Dr Naicker is also a tutor to undergraduate medical students at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal.
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Dr Madira Coutlyne Manganyi
North-West University
North west, South Africa
North-West University
North west, South Africa
Dr Madira Manganyi obtained her M. Tech degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa) in 2013 with her undergraduate in molecular microbiology. She completed her PhD degree in 2018, at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, North-West University in South Africa. She is currently the youngest researcher in the NWU, Department of Microbiology. She joined the School of Biological Sciences at NWU, Mafikeng in 2015 as a Senior Laboratory Technician and immediately registered for her PhD studies. Before joining NWU, she worked at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Mycology and specializing in fungal taxonomy of infectious diseases affecting agricultural commodities. Currently, she is a lecturer at NWU, Department of Microbiology. Her research focuses is on diversity of endophytic fungi possessing bioactive compounds isolated from medicinal plants. She presented her research data in various platforms including world renowned FEMS conference at the 7th Congress of European Microbiologists (FEMS 2017) in Valencia, Spain. Dr Madira Manganyi was the first to report these finding in the world. Her work promotes the use of novel fungi isolated from indigenous plants of South Africa as a tool for novel, new, affordable, efficacious, effective bioactive compounds with antimicrobial activities.
Dr Tshegofatso Dikobe
North-West University
North west, South Africa
North-West University
North west, South Africa
Dr Dikobe obtained her M.Sc. (2014) and PhD (2017) in Plant biotechnology from the North West University, South Africa. Currently she is a lecturer in the department of Botany at North West University. In addition, she supervises and co-supervises a number of postgraduate students at the same institution. Her research interests focuses on the investigation of plant stress research systems and molecular mechanisms that are applied by plants when exposed to various stresses. These include pathways that are involved in stress and pathogen related responses and broadly categorized under the following points: a) Deciphering and understanding of the molecular mechanisms of signal transduction at both the cell membranes and intracellular matrix, b) Characterization of the biochemical and biological roles of protein/gene and exploring the analogy between other systems. She specializes in plant proteomics and bioinformatics research through the application of molecular biology, biotechnology and biochemistry. In addition she participates in the field of science as a reviewer of journal articles, published her work in highly reputable journals such as biomolecules, methods in molecular biology etc. She has affiliated as a member with various professional bodies.
Matsobane, Godfrey Tlou
North-West University
North west, South Africa
North-West University
North west, South Africa
I am a Ph.D (Biotechnology) graduate from the University of the Free State, currently employed as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry, North West University, Mafikeng Campus. Areas of interest: Enzymology, microbial physiology and environmental transcriptomics/metatranscriptomics.
Sandile Fuku
North-West University
North west, South Africa
North-West University
North west, South Africa
Sandile Fuku completed his Doctoral studies in Biomedical Technology from the Central University of Technology and is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry, at North-West University. Currently, his research is on epigenetic regulation in metabolic syndromes, particularly focusing on diabetics and cancer. He has published work in cancer treatment, diabates and phytochemistry.
Senate Moshoeshoe
Botho University
Lesotho
Botho University
Lesotho
Senate Moshoeshoe first obtained a Diploma in Biomedical Science at National Health Training College, followed by B-Tech degree in Biomedical technology (Cum Laude) at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth. Thereafter she acquired her Bsc Honours Medical microbiology at University of Free State (UOFS), and M-Tech in Biomedical technology at Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein. She is currently completing her Doctor of health sciences degree at Central University of Technology.
Working as Quality Manager (2014 - 2018) at Ministry of Health she became a certified Laboratory Auditor (ISO 15189:2012) and a SADCAS Technical Assessor and thus conducted several Laboratory Audits in the SACD Region.
Senate lectured at UOFS (2007) then she moved to National Health Training College as a Senior lecturer (2010 - 2014), she is currently a Senior lecturer at Botho University. She has also worked in several Laboratories as a Technologist.
Previous research work done was on incidence of aerobic spoilage in milk (2011) and Listeria monocytogenes (2009) at Central University of Technology, Klebsiella pneumonia (2007) at UOFS and antimicrobial properties of plant Aloe ciliaris (2005) at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
Working as Quality Manager (2014 - 2018) at Ministry of Health she became a certified Laboratory Auditor (ISO 15189:2012) and a SADCAS Technical Assessor and thus conducted several Laboratory Audits in the SACD Region.
Senate lectured at UOFS (2007) then she moved to National Health Training College as a Senior lecturer (2010 - 2014), she is currently a Senior lecturer at Botho University. She has also worked in several Laboratories as a Technologist.
Previous research work done was on incidence of aerobic spoilage in milk (2011) and Listeria monocytogenes (2009) at Central University of Technology, Klebsiella pneumonia (2007) at UOFS and antimicrobial properties of plant Aloe ciliaris (2005) at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
Fazana Dessai
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
Fazana Dessai is a qualified Biomedical Technologist registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. She has obtained a BTech degree in Biomedical Technology (cum laude) and is currently completing a Masters in Medical Science degree at UKZN. She is currently the Laboratory Manager of the School of Clinical Medicine Laboratory in College of Health Sciences at UKZN. She has previously been employed as a Laboratory Manager in the following laboratories at UKZN: K-RITH(2012-2014); the Department of Medical Microbiology (2007-2012); the Hasso Plattner Research Laboratory (2006-2007) and was the Head of Diagnostics at the CAPRISA Laboratory (2006-2007). She has a Medical Microbiology background and a special interest in Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
Mutshiene Deogratias Ekwanzala
Tshwane University of Technology
Gauteng, South Africa
Tshwane University of Technology
Gauteng, South Africa
MD Ekwanzala is PhD candidate in the Water Research Unit of Tshwane University of Technology (Pretoria, South Africa). He holds a Baccalaureus of Technology in Biotechnology (Vaal University of Technology) and a Master of Technology in Water Science and Technology (TUT). He worked as a Microbiologist at MicroChem Lab Services. His doctoral research uses genomics and metagenomics approaches to track and characterize environmental resistome in a bid to develop a genomic webtool to geospatially link environmental and clinical isolates at genomic level. In this project, they made use of whole genome and shotgun metagenomics sequencing to track and characterize South African hospital wastewater, municipal wastewater (in-fluent and effluent), activated sludge, surface water and benthic sediment. Concurrently, they are using an Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography System hyphenated with a Waters Synapt G2 instrument combined with a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) to quantify most prescribed antibiotics in aquatic environment. He has authored five research articles in peer-reviewed journals.
Akapo Olufunmilayo Olukemi
University of Zululand
KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
University of Zululand
KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
Mrs Olufunmilayo Olukemi Akapo graduated from Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria where she obtained a BSc degree with a second class upper division. She obtained her MSc degree in Biochemistry from University of Zululand. She is presently a PhD candidate at University of Zululand (Biochemistry & Microbiology Department) under the Supervision of Prof Khajamohiddin Syed, a C1 rated NRF researcher who is well known across the world with P450s enzyme researches. Her research is focused on the role of P450s in relation to Cryptococcal disease, a disease which affects majorly immunocompromised patients. She has been able to present her different researches in conference and symposium.
Ayodeji Emmanuel Ogunbayo
University of the Free State
Free State
South Africa
University of the Free State
Free State
South Africa
Mr. Ogunbayo Ayodeji Emmanuel graduated from the University of South Africa where he obtained a BSc Degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology. He obtained his BMedSci Honours degree with specialization in Medical Microbiology and Virology at the University of the Free State. He pursued his MMedSci Degree in Medical Microbiology at the same University where he worked on novel method of detecting tuberculosis in children. During his MMedSci, he won the best poster presentation at the 7th Annual Free State Research Health day and the Master’s people’s choice award at the 2017, Three Minutes Thesis Competition. He was also sponsored by the National Research Foundation (NRF) for specialized equipment related training at the National Institute for Communicable Disease (NICD) in Johannesburg. He is currently a PhD fellow at the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Unit, Division of Virology at the University of the Free State under the mentorship of Dr Martin Nyaga. His current research which is the first of its kind in Africa focuses on deciphering the composition and diversity of respiratory virome of children using NGS via metagenomics.
Teboho Mooko
University of the Free State
Free State
South Africa
University of the Free State
Free State
South Africa
Mr. T. Mooko is currently an NRF intern in the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Unit, Department of Virology, University of the Free State, under the mentorship of Dr Martin Nyaga. He holds a BSc. Degree in Human Molecular Biology, Bachelor of Medical Science Honours (Pharmacology) and a Master of Medical Science in Pharmacology (Cum Laude) at the University of the Free State. He obtained the Dean’s medal for being the best student in the Faculty of Health Sciences for his MSc.
His Master’s research was on Alzheimer’s Disease and cannabinoids (THC and CBD) isolated from local Cannabis Sativa L. plant, as a potential for a better treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Mr. T. Mooko was privileged to visit the School of Natural Product Studies at Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India, where he obtained experience in biofilm studies, heavy metal analysis of drug formulations, and animal method development for studying neurodegenerative diseases such as, Alzheimer’s disease. He was also honored to present his research findings at local and international conferences such as, the 18th International Congress of International Society for Ethnopharmacology, Bangladeshi, Dhaka, and obtained the best presenter award. For his PhD studies, He has interest in exploring the Pharmacogenetics (using NGS), and Pharmacokinetics profiles of Tricyclic antidepressants in patients with Major Depressive Disorder.
His Master’s research was on Alzheimer’s Disease and cannabinoids (THC and CBD) isolated from local Cannabis Sativa L. plant, as a potential for a better treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Mr. T. Mooko was privileged to visit the School of Natural Product Studies at Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India, where he obtained experience in biofilm studies, heavy metal analysis of drug formulations, and animal method development for studying neurodegenerative diseases such as, Alzheimer’s disease. He was also honored to present his research findings at local and international conferences such as, the 18th International Congress of International Society for Ethnopharmacology, Bangladeshi, Dhaka, and obtained the best presenter award. For his PhD studies, He has interest in exploring the Pharmacogenetics (using NGS), and Pharmacokinetics profiles of Tricyclic antidepressants in patients with Major Depressive Disorder.
Gilmore Taenzaniswa Pambuka
University of the Free State
Free State
South Africa
University of the Free State
Free State
South Africa
Gilmore Pambuka is a PhD candidate in the Department of Genetics at the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Agronomy from Midlands State University, Zimbabwe (2011) and an MSc in Plant Pathology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (2015). His research for his Masters focused on isolation of biological control microorganisms for control of plant pathogens, plant-parasitic nematodes and, for plant health and growth promotion in various field crops. After completing his masters, he then went on to work in the private sector in Zimbabwe as a Research Agronomist/Plant pathologist and also as a trained Precision farming specialist, specializing in GPS nutrient mapping. He left Zimbabwe in 2017 to further pursue his studies at the UFS under the mentorship of Dr M. Gryzenhout and Dr M. Nyaga. His PhD research looks into the plant microbiome, its interaction with its host and the environment in various indigenous and field crops in South Africa. Next Generation Sequencing Technologies (Next Generation Sequencing Unit, UFS) were employed using targeted sequencing and several bioinformatics tools to study and analyse microbial diversity and dynamics in different niches or habitats, with the aim of improving plant health and productivity.
Ndumiso Mpilo Buthelezi
Durban, University of KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Durban, University of KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Ndumiso Buthelezi is a PhD candidate with keen interest in biological advancements through computer-aided drug design. He is currently at the UKZN Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences department at the Howard College Campus (Durban, South Africa) under the leadership of Dr. Kumalo and Dr. Mhlongo. He holds the qualifications: BSc Chemistry, BSc. Hons Advanced Chemistry and MMed Medical Biochemistry (Suma Cum Laude). His primary interests involve structure-based drug disease for infectious diseases and mutational effects on molecular systems. My research group interests on the molecular modelling of Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug targets, design and development of inhibitors against tuberculosis.
Silondiwe Philiswa Nzimande
University of KwaZulu Natal
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
University of KwaZulu Natal
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Silondiwe Philiswa Nzimande completed her grade 12 at Gcwalulwazi High School, Eshowe, KwaZulu Natal. She went on to do her BSc in Industrial and Applied Biotechnology at the University of KwaZulu Natal (2013-2016). After that she did BSc Honors in Medical Microbiology that she obtained cum laude at the University of KwaZulu Natal (2017). In her Honors project she investigated the diversity of HIV-1 LTR in acutely infected patient cohort. Currently, she is doing her master’s in Clinical Medicine working on bacterial genetics. Her Masters project is novel since it is the first to explore the genetic diversity of positive and intermediate Gardnerella vaginalis strains in South African pregnant women.
Puleng Rosinah Syed
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban, South Africa
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban, South Africa
Mrs Syed matriculated from Reatlehile secondary school in Virginia, Free State in 1998. After matric (Grade 12) she went to Hillside View Collage (currently Motheo Collage) where she received her N6 National Certificate in Electrical Engineering (2004). Later in 2010 she joined University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, where she did Respiratory Care course (2010-2013). She continues with her studies at Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, Free State where she received a B. Tech degree (2017) in Clinical Technology as a Pulmonologist.
Mrs Syed has done her training at the Universitas Academic Hospital, Bloemfontein, Free State, working at the Lung Function Unit (2016-2017). Her responsibilities were including routine in lung function procedures in adults and children, e.g., Flow Volume Loops, Plethysmography (body-box), Exercise Test (6 Minutes’ Walk Test) and Methacholine Challenge Test. She is currently student at University of KwaZulu-Natal, currently busy with her Master degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
Mrs Syed has done her training at the Universitas Academic Hospital, Bloemfontein, Free State, working at the Lung Function Unit (2016-2017). Her responsibilities were including routine in lung function procedures in adults and children, e.g., Flow Volume Loops, Plethysmography (body-box), Exercise Test (6 Minutes’ Walk Test) and Methacholine Challenge Test. She is currently student at University of KwaZulu-Natal, currently busy with her Master degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
Nomfundo Ntombela
University of KwaZulu-Natal PMB Campus,
KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
University of KwaZulu-Natal PMB Campus,
KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
Nomfundo Ntombela is a PhD candidate with research interests in early drug discovery and vaccine development. Her Masters project focused on promiscuous compounds that lead to false positives in early drug discovery, where she set out to develop purpose-specific assays for the identification of such compounds.
Nsikelelo Allison Malinga
University of Zululand KwaZulu-Natal South Africa |
Nsikelelo A Malinga is an honours (BSc. Biochemistry) graduate from the University of Zululand and is currently pursuing his masters in Bioinformatics at the University of Zululand. He is currently a permanent staff member of the University of Zululand serving as Projects Officer and he has also previously served in a temporal contract position as Operations Manager at the UniZulu Science Centre. He has received training on Project Management under the MAPPP9 programme. He has also been previously appointed to serve as a volunteer at the UniZulu Science Centre under the Department of Science and Technology's National Youth Service Programme (NRF/SAASTA)
Malinga also completed an internship programme with the National Research Foundation (NRF/RISA) being based at Durban University of Technology under the department of Biotechnology. He has also been highly active in an international student organisation known as ENACTUS which aims at using the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world for all through the initiation of projects for the neighboring communities to their institutions. For this organization, he has served as a Head of External Affairs where his main responsibilities where to ensure publicity and communications of the organisation within the institution. |
Ntokozo Minenhle Zondo
University of Zululand KwaZulu-Natal South Africa |
Miss Ntokozo Minenhle Zondo completed her high school grade in rural area KwaZulu Natal at Mjindi Secondary school 2013, and attend her tertiary school at University of Zululand in 2014 to do Bsc in Biochemistry and Microbiology completed in 2017. Then she pursues her study to do honors in the same institution in Biochemistry in 2018. On her honors she was dealing with identification of P450s in sixty mycobacterial species. She is currently doing her M.Sc. in Biochemistry now trying to understand the role of P450s using an in silico approach in mycobacterial species at University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, KwaZulu-Natal.
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Miss Zinhle Edith Chiliza
University of Zululand KwaZulu-Natal South Africa |
Miss Chiliza went to Umlazi Commercial High School in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (2008-2012). She registered at the University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, for a bridging program (Science Foundation) in 2013, her BSc. degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology (2014-2016), enrolled for Honours degree in Microbiology in 2017, and she is currently doing her MSc in Microbiology.
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Fanele Mnguni
University of Zululand KwaZulu-Natal South Africa |
Fanele mnguni did her high school in Masakhane high school (2009-2013), in Empangeni and further her studies at the University of Zululand where she did her BSc degree finished in 2016, and further enrolled for Honours degree in 2017 at the same institution, currently she is doing her MSc degree in Microbiology, under the supervision of Prof Syed. Her Masters work is titled Comprehensive comparative analysis of P450s in the genus Streptomyces, where she hope to finish this year.
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Nomthandazo Mkhize
University of Zululand
KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
University of Zululand
KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Nomthandazo Mkhize completed her grade 12 at Drakensberg Comprehensive High School, Estcourt, KwaZulu Natal. She then enrolled at the University of Zululand to do her Bsc degree in Chemistry and Hydrology (2015-2017). After completing her Bsc degree in Chemistry and Hydrology, she did Bsc Honours in Chemistry at the University of Zululand in year 2018. She is currently doing her Masters of Science degree at the University of Zululand, her research project entails to investigate a more active and selective metal doped metal oxide catalyst towards the degradation of 1,2-dichlorobenzene into a value added products.
Siphumelele Thandokwazi Mkhondwane
University of Zululand
KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
University of Zululand
KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
Siphumelele Thandokwazi Mkhondwane matriculated from Siyaphambili high school, Harding, KwaZulu Natal. He then enrolled toward BSc Biochemistry and Chemistry at University of Zululand, which he obtained in 2016. Thereafter, He completed his BSc honours in Chemistry at University of Zululand in 2017. In 2018, He started persuading toward Master of Science degree in chemistry (heterogeneous catalysis) at University of Zululand under the supervision of Professor V.S.R. Pullabhotla. In the current year, he was granted an opportunity to present his MSc research project at a symposium, Science Centre, University of Zululand, which was organised by Faculty of Science and Agriculture, where he obtained award for best oral presentation. Currently, He is persuading toward his MSc degree in Chemistry, which entails to establish an environmentally and economically benign contemporary approach for liquid phase oxidation of cyclohexane to KA oil over heterogeneous catalysts.
Tiara Padayachee
University of Zululand KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
Miss Padayachee completed matric in 2014 as a prefect, with one distinction in life science and received her academic colours at Empangeni High School, Empangeni, South Africa. During her high school career she was academically chosen to travel to London, United Kingdom, England for two weeks. In 2015, she studied BVet at the University of Pretoria for one year before registering to study Biochemistry and Zoology at the University of Zululand in 2016. She completed her BSc Degree (Biochemistry and Zoology) in 2018 and obtained her degree with a distinction. She is currently an honours student at the University of Zululand, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, KwaZulu-Natal.
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Nomfundo Nzuza
University of Zululand KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
Miss Nzuza started High school at Ubambiswano High in 2011. In 2013 she was part of Childcare South Africa Organisation, in 2015 she became the Head girl of the school and completed her Matric. After completing her Matric she enrolled at the University of Zululand in eMpangeni (KwaDlangezwa) main campus in the faculty of Science and Agriculture for the BSc degree and became the Deputy Secretary of the Botany Society for the period (2016/2017). In 2018 she became the peer helper and assisted students during registration and she was also the peer leader facilitating the First Time Entering Students (FTENS) group and this was also the year she completed her BSc Biochemistry and Microbiology degree. She is currently registered for BSc Honours in Biochemistry in the same institution.
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Makhosazana Jabulile Khumalo
University of Zululand KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
Miss Khumalo completed her matric at wetsie Secondary School (2013), KwaZuluNatal. After her matric she studies Augmented Programme in Physics and Life Sciences (2014-2015) at the University of Zululand, KZN, South Africa; she obtained her Degree in BSc Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of science and Agriculture at University of Zululand (2018) and Currently she is an Honors student in Biochemistry on the topic entitled "In silico analysis of P450s natural product synthesis in the phylum cyanobacteria".
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Felecity kgotlelelo Mashile
University of Zululand KwaZulu –Natal, South Africa |
Miss Mashile completed her matric at Orhovelani High school (2013). Thereafter, she went to the University of Zululand and did Bsc foundation science (2014). She completed her Bsc Biochemistry and Microbiology degree 2018.After her degree, she is doing her honors degree in Biochemistry at the University of Zululand (2019).
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Lungile Zethembiso Vuyiswa Dube
University of Zululand KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
Miss Dube completed her matric on 2013 at Velangaye Comprehensive High School located at Nkandla rural area. After her matric she went to the University of Zululand on 2014 and started doing Bachelor of science in foundation and then on 2015 she did her degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology still at University of Zululand and completed her degree in 2018. Now she’s doing her honors in Bichemistry in the same institute.
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Martin Naicker
University of Zululand KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
Martin completed his matric at Stanger Manor Secondary School (2013). He then went on to complete a bsc degree in biochemistry and microbiology at the University of Zululand (2018). He is currently doing his honors in biochemistry at the University of Zululand (2019).
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Busisiwe Minenhle Xaba
University of Zululand KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
Miss Busisiwe Minenhle Xaba completed her matric in 2015, and then she started studying at University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, KwaZulu-Natal in 2016 and she completed her BSc Degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology in 2018, and she is currently doing BSc Honors in Biochemistry at the University of Zululand, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, KwaDlangezwa, KwaZulu-Natal.
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Keamogetswe Nicole Riet
University of the Free State Free State South Africa |
Keamogetswe Nicole Riet Matriculated from St Boniface High School in 2014 and started university in the year 2015. She holds a BSc Majoring in Genetics and Physiology (2017) and an Honors degree in Behavioral Genetics (2018) from the University of the Free State (UFS). Her honors project was based on studying genes that are associated with anxiety. She is currently doing her first year of a master’s program in biomedical sciences at Central university of Technology (CUT). Her research project is supervised by Dr M. Sechoacha from pharmacology UFS and co supervised by Dr M. Nyaga from Next generation Sequencing (NGS) UFS. The focus of the project is on targeted treatment for prostate cancer with the use of pharmacogenomics, using Next Generation Sequencing Technologies for gene targeting.
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Paballo Motloung
University of the Free State Free State South Africa |
Paballo Motloung, matriculated high school in 2013 from Ntsu Secondary School (Bethlehem), Free State. She holds a BSc in Biochemistry & Genetics (2016) and BSc Honours in Genetics (2018), at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein. Her honours project focused on Genetic diversity and differentiation on game ranch farms focusing mainly on giraffes. Of current, she is registered for a Master of Health Sciences (Biomedical technology) degree at the Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein under the supervision of Dr Mamello (Pharmacology), Dr Nyaga (Virology & NGS) and Mr Abrahams (Medical Sciences). Her research project focuses on the applications of Pharmacogenomics and Next Generation Sequencing to reduce drug resistance in Prostate Cancer treatment by targeting genes responsible for cancer proliferation as well as genes responsible for resistance.
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Nokwanda Samantha Ngcobo
University of Zululand KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
Nokwanda Samantha Ngcobo was born and raised in Durban KwaZulu-Natal and matriculated from Ridge Park College in 2014. She graduated at the University of Zululand with a dual degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology. She remained at the aforementioned intuition to complete her Honours degree in Microbiology in 2018. Nokwanda is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Microbiology focusing on bioinformatics related research at the university.
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Fikile Thubelihle Mthiyane
University of Zululand KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
Miss F.T Mthiyane was born in KwaZulu-Natal in a small rural town Mtubatuba and went to Nkodibe Secondary School in Mtubatuba (2009-2013). She then enrolled at the University of Zululand in 2014 where she did a bridging course(Science Foundation) and in 2015 she did her drgree in Biochemistry and Microbiology(2015-2017), in 2018 she enrolled for her BSc Honour’s degree in Microbiology and in 2019 she is enrolled for her BSc Master’s in Microbiology.
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Ntombizethu Nokuphiwa Msomi
University of Zululand KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
Msomi Nokuphiwa Ntombizethu completed high school education at Mqhawe secondary school in the year 2011. I started tertiary education at the university of Zululand in 2014 doing a science excess programme known as science foundation which I completed on that year and started my degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology in 2015 and completed it on 2017 and I went on to do honours in microbiology in 2018 where I was testing the antimicrobial ability of the Amaranthus spinosus plant against pathogenic bacteria. I am currently registered for Masters in Microbiology.
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Amanda Valentin Shangase
University of Zululand KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
Miss Amanda Valentine Shangase completed matric at Savannah Park secondary school completed matric in 2010, thereafter went to university of Zululand and did Bsc Augumented (2012). Due to financial challenges gaped in 2015 and 2016 and completed Bsc in Biochemistry and Microbiology. I am currently doing honors degree in Biochemistry at University of Zululand.
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Mbalenhle Sizamile Mfeka
University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa |
Mbalenhle is an MSc candidate finishing the last year of her Biochemistry degree. She is a recipient of the National research foundation Sarchi Chair awarded student support and the NRF Freestanding Innovation and Scarce Skills Masters Scholarship. She has put an enormous amount of effort to obtaining a decent academic record alongside being steered to be highly skilled in planning and conducting complex projects while developing critical rationales and analytical skills through a significant amount of independent research granted throughout her degree. Being a content creator saw her being drawn to the therapeutic target discovery and drug design side of biochemistry. The fulfilment and self-satisfaction of contributing to the well-being of thousands of lives seem the like the best motive to dedicating a lifetime to the world of science. This has led her down a rabbit hole of Cryptosporidium studies to try an alleviate cryptosporidiosis through as Glutathione-S-transferase approach.
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Vuyokazi Nongogo
Armscor-Protechnik Laboratories
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Armscor-Protechnik Laboratories
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Ms Vuyokazi Nongogo obtained her Master’s degree in Microbiology at the University of Fort Hare in 2015. Her research experience includes medicinal plants (2011) which was for her honours degree and water quality monitoring which was funded by Water Research Commission for her MSc. From her MSc work, she was able to publish 2 papers which described Vibrio species isolated from final effluents. After completion of her MSc, she was employed by SAPS as a Forensic Analyst. Currently she is employed as a Scientist at Protechnik Laboratories, a division of ARMSCOR. Her research group focuses on biowarfare, bioterrorism and biodefense research in which she works closely with the Department of Defence.
Cynthia Mukhanu
Armscor-Protechnik Laboratories Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa |
Miss Mukhanu Cynthia completed matric in 2014 at LigegeSecondary school. Started her degree in 2015 at the University of Venda doing Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Biochemistry. She completed her degree in 2017. Miss Mukhanu then joined Armscor in 2018, working under the division of research and development known as Protechnik Laboratories. On her journey of being trained as Scientist she is well experience in Next Generation Sequencing, Real-time PCR and other molecular biology techniques. She has worked with cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins and detection of drug resistance using bioautography technique. Now she currently continuing with her honors degree at University of South Africa focusing on the antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants against gastrointestinal diseases.
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Nasiphi Siyanda Mtyelwa
Armscor-Protechnik Laboratories Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa |
Mtyelwa is a junior scientist who holds a B Sc honours degree in microbiology obtained from University of Fort Hare Alice campus in 2016. From 2015 to 2016 She worked as a intern for South African Agency for Science Advancement (SAASTA) at FOSST Discovery Center where she developed communications skills through working with learners on science projects. She later started working at Protechnik Laboratories,late 2016 . After participating in different project work at Protechnik Laboratories whilst showing interest and devotion, Nasiphi has advanced her research skills by knowing which information is valuable in solving a problem. Nasiphi has has experience in molecular techniques such as real-time PCR , Next generation Sequencing and conducting bioautography using Thin layer chromatography.
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Note: Academic/administrative staff members participated in the conference is not listed.
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©2019 TSEBO PUBLISHERS (Pty) Ltd. TSEBO PUBLISHERS (Pty) Ltd is a registered company in 2018 with Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, P.O. Box 429, Pretoria, 0001, Republic of South Africa. The trademark logo "CGPMB: Today's Students are Tomorrow's Scientists" is prohibited for use by other parties.