A short summary of Kiara's research:

As a postdoctoral researcher at Tygerberg campus, I specialize in macrophage-based cell therapy for the treatment of non-healing diabetic wounds. Fascinated by both stem cell and cellular based therapies, I focus on their potential in wound healing, particularly in diabetic wounds. Motivated by the urgent clinical need and societal impact, I aim to innovate solutions that alleviate suffering and reduce healthcare burdens. My work embodies a fusion of scientific curiosity and clinical exigency, striving to develop treatments that restore health and hope to those afflicted.

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 potential impact of this research is multifaceted. Firstly, successful development of an efficient cell based therapy for non-healing diabetic wounds could significantly improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from these debilitating conditions, reducing pain and disability. Additionally, it has the potential to alleviate the economic burden on healthcare systems by reducing the need for prolonged hospital stays and costly treatments associated with chronic wounds. Furthermore, advancements in this field could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies in wound care, potentially benefiting a broader spectrum of patients with various types of chronic wounds beyond diabetes. Ultimately, this research holds the promise of transforming the standard of care for wound management and enhancing overall patient outcomes.

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

Lack funding opportunities due to the competitive nature of grant applications.
Limited mentorship programs in terms of career development and navigating the academic landscape.
Efforts to promote work-life balance and mental health support for postdocs due to the demanding nature of research which can make it challenging for postdocs to maintain a healthy work-life balance, leading to burnout and mental health issues.

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

Providing postdocs with access to experienced mentors who can offer guidance and support in navigating their academic and career paths. Mentorship should include assistance with setting goals, developing research projects, networking, and preparing for future career opportunities.

Opportunities to expand knowledge and improve networking skills through workshops, seminars, conferences, and collaboration opportunities. Which could improve career prospects.

Promoting a culture that values work-life balance and supports the well-being of postdocs is crucial for preventing burnout and maintaining productivity. This can involve offering flexible work arrangements, mental health resources, and access to wellness programs.

What excites you about your work?

What excites me about my work is that we were able to develop a potential new therapy for the treatment of diabetic wounds and the fact that I’m actually seeing my experiments yield meaningful results. It's exhilarating when the results shed light on a problem or provide answers to pressing research questions. This therapy could potentially be used to treat other hard to heal wounds too such as Venous leg ulcers and Pressure Ulcers and is therefore translation.

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

I enjoy unwinding with friends, whether it's lounging at the beach with a good book and a warm drink or exploring markets and hiking trails.

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

The postdoctoral research programme provided me with various opportunities to show case my research work through avenues such as FameLab and Talk like TED-X course. These programmes helped me hone my science and engagement skills with not just the university community but the greater community outside of academia.

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

Pursing a postdoc is advantageous to those who wish to advance their research career. It is important to network and build strong connections/ collaborations within and outside your research community. Being able to communicate your research both within academia and to broader audiences is crucial for impact and dissemination.
Postdoc research can be very demanding therefore maintaining a healthy work life balance is important. Lastly, enjoy the journey.

Connect with Kiara and her work:

LinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/in/kiara-boodhoo
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kiara-Boodhoo-3
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=7qlTHeAAAAAJ