A short summary of Donatient's research:

I am doing research on Post Tuberculosis lung diseases. My focus is on the development of an integrated multi-disciplinary research platform to unravel the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients (from across the lifespan) presenting with post TB lung disease in low resourced setting. Tuberculosis is a public health problem. The prevalence is very high here in South Africa. Interventions are needed to address the problem and prevent post tuberculosis lungs sequelae.

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

The research findings will assist the policy makers to design interventions that will address post tuberculosis lungs sequelae.

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

Familiarization with Stellenbosch University systems.

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

To improve on the orientation of postdoctoral researchers.

What excites you about your work? 

Interaction with new researchers, peers, hosts

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

I organize the data, read research articles, familiarize with Stellenbosch University Campus, Tygerberg Hospital, Cape town and the suburb.

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

I am still at the beginning, but my observation is that the standards at SU are very high. There are resources (human, infrastructure, technology). I will take advantage of the resources to improve my research skills.

What advice, if any, would you look to impart to future postdoctoral researchers?

One year for Postdoc is not enough. The minimum should be two years. Note that it's not always possible to publish the research article (s) in one year.

Connect with Donatient and his work: 

dr.donatientwizelimana@yahoo.com
donatientwizelimana@gmail.com