Q and A

Research for Impact is one of the core strategic themes in SU`s Vision 2020. How does your research relate to that?

I do research on blood clotting and inflammatory molecules that may cause abnormal blood clotting in various inflammatory diseases. Together with Prof Anna-Mart Engelbrecht (Physiological Sciences, SU) and Prof Willie Perold (Electrical and Electronic Engineering, SU), I have founded our start-up company, BioCODE Technologies. We use, amongst others, our knowledge of inflammatory molecules to develop point-of-care sensors for the early detection of inflammatory disease risk. Recently, I also turned my attention to acute COVID-19 and Long COVID. During acute COVID-19, blood clotting and endothelial pathologies play significant roles in poor prognosis. I have also filed a patent for the early detection of microclots in blood samples of patients with Long COVID.I have also launched the South African Long COVID registry, to try to determine the reasons for persisting symptoms in patients who suffer from Long COVID (link to registry: https://airtable.com/shrtucasatrINAL7K). Furthermore, I am also a WHO panel member: “Expanding our understanding of post COVID-19 condition”. I strongly believe that research must lead to a positive impact on our communities.

Please give us your impression of the role that research and innovation can play in the betterment of society?

Our and other universities are extremely well-placed to drive biotech and innovation. We have a cohort of brilliant minds, not only our academic staff, but also our students. Stellenbosch University is one of the leading universities that promotes innovation via our fantastic Technology Transfer office, Innovus and also the incubation hub, the Launch Lab. Stellenbosch University and our innovations have already played a significant role in our economy and with the brilliant Innovus team, we are making a significant difference to better our society.

What would you regard as the most important aspects to consider to effectively support researchers?

A strong research support team, who can assist with identifying grants, bursaries and other opportunities; an excellent technology transfer office; and a deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation with a sympathetic ear and an open door policy. Here at Stellenbosch, we have all three!

What do you enjoy most about your job and what are the aspects that you find challenging?

I never have a dull moment and the opportunities to do research are always supported by Stellenbosch University. The past years, funding have been a major challenge, but luckily this significant hurdle did not deter me too much.

What is the biggest piece of advice that you would give early-career researchers?

Never give up, look for opportunities in everything you do.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the way we work. What, from your point of view, is the most pertinent change and how will this affect your work in the future?

Working from home was never an option, however this pandemic has forced me to move my office to my home and plan my lab research time thoroughly. I think I have been more productive due to this change. I quite enjoy this new normal, and I will definitely prefer to continue to work from home for at least 1 day a week!

What do you do for fun (apart from research!)?

I exercise and walk our Schnauzer dogs and like to spend quality time with my family.