A short summary of Lobke's Research:

My research is focused on the nutrition of Dairy cows. Milk plays a key role in food security globally and especially in Africa, where food security is a greater challenge. Research in the field of dairy nutrition is focused on improving the output from animals in the form of milk and meat, while also lowering the input required. This involves precision nutrition and excellent management of production animals. The underlying goal is to meet the increased requirement for food as the human population continues to grow. This is a multifaceted area of research, we consider changes in the rumen environment, manipulation of the rumen microbiome, rearing of dairy calves and long-term implications, costs involved in various feeding strategies as well as factors such as anti-microbial resistance, milk quality effects and the mitigation of greenhouse gasses.

Research for Impact is one of the core strategic themes in SU`s Vision 2040. Can you describe the (potential) impact of your research?

To ensure research with impact I have worked towards developing research areas that meet societal needs and considers the sustainability of dairy systems. Underpinning this is the improved efficiency of dairy cattle through precision nutrition and the study of specific feed additives. Research is also being undertaken to determine the impact of feeding strategies on greenhouse gas emissions. Much of the research carried out is in collaboration with national and international industry partners, departments within the Faculty of AgriSciences and other universities. The training of young animal scientists who are highly capable and knowledgeable remains imperative to the research that is planned and carried out.

In the ever-changing environment of academia, what are some of the obstacles early career researchers are faced with?

One of the largest hurdles I have had to face is trying to balance undergraduate teaching with research. The challenge is that you are employed to teach (job title = lecturer) but you can only grow as an academic by doing impactful research, and as a young academic we are often overloaded with teaching, severely limiting our capacity for research.

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

I have had a great experience with the ECAD program within the University. However, I do feel that on the University level, support is provided, and these aspects are discussed, but on the Departmental level we cannot do much to address these issues. There is a limited number of staff, and we have a certain number of courses and students to teach in the undergraduate modules. If you do not teach, or teach less to allow more focus on research, who will teach?

What excites you about your work? 

I enjoy working with students and seeing them develop as people and researchers. I enjoy gaining deeper insights into certain aspects of research and learning something new every day!

When you're not in the lab, library or in the field conducting research, what do you do to unwind?

I foster older dogs, so I am usually at a park somewhere taking them for walks.

How has the ECAD programme of SU contributed to your research career? 

It has been very encouraging to know that I am not the only one facing certain challenges and struggles. It feels like a support group, where we can share our problems and get advice.

What advice, if any, would you look to impart to future early career academics?

Do not become involved in too many activities. The University offers such a diverse program, with so many training courses and cool opportunities, but it can steal your time! And do not get discouraged by the bigger picture, just take it project by project and student by student.

Connect with Lobke and her work!

Research group: https://www.steynresearchgroup.com/

GoogleScholar: https://scholar.google.com/citationsuser=UJOja7oAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lobke-steyn-2b16751aa/