Three promising female researchers at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU) have been recognised with the prestigious L'Oréal-UNESCO For Woman in Science awards, highlighting their exceptional contribution to scientific research and innovation.
Mrs Kimberley Coetzer, Dr Lesha Pretorius, and Dr Nonsikelelo Hlongwa have been selected for the 2024 L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South Africa Young Talent programme. This global initiative aims to recognise and support women in scientific research by providing grants and fellowships to young female scientist, helping them advance their work and overcome gender barriers in STEM fields.
Pioneering bioinformatics research
Kimberley Coetzer, a PhD candidate in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology within the Division of Immunology at SU's Faculty of Medicine and Health Science (FMHS), expressed her gratitude for the award. "This award is evidence that hard work pays off," Coetzer said. "You have to believe in yourself and don't let anyone tell you that you can't achieve great things."
Coetzer's work focuses on developing innovative multi-omics pipelines using cutting-edge tools like Nextflow. As an aspiring bioinformatician, she is dedicated to using computational tools to uncover new insights into complex biological systems. Her research integrates bioinformatics and human genetics to explore novel approaches in analysing biological data.
During her master's degree with the Rare Diseases Genomics in South Africa research group at SU, Coetzer made significant contributions to rare disease genomics in the region. She developed and optimized a bioinformatics pipeline to aid in the diagnosis of South African patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder characterized by fragile bones. This work has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment for patients with rare genetic conditions in South Africa and beyond.
Unravelling the gut-brain connection
Dr Lesha Pretorius, a postdoctoral researcher with the Experimental Medicine Research Group in the FMHS' Department of Medicine, shared her enthusiasm for the recognition. "It is an honour to be recognised in my field," Pretorius stated. "I am more inspired than ever to do impactful research."
Pretorius's research explores the intricate interactions between the gut and the brain, focusing on how disruptions in gut microbiota and communication along the gut-brain axis contribute to comorbid conditions in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
By investigating these critical pathways, Pretorius aims to advance the understanding of ASD-related health challenges. Her research examines how imbalances in gut bacteria or disruptions in gut-brain communication might contribute to the development of comorbid conditions in individuals with ADS.
Pretorius's research contributes to a growing field that bridges neuroscience, microbiology, and physiology, with the potential to improve the quality of life for individuals with ASD and their families.
Investigating post-pandemic health challenges
Dr Nonsikelelo Hlongwa, a health science researcher at SU's Faculty of Science, expressed her gratitude for the award's impact. "Receiving the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science award is a humbling recognition of dedication, hard work, and potential as an emerging researcher in science," Hlongwa said. "It not only inspires confidence to pursue groundbreaking research but also serves as encouragement to younger generations of girls to believe in their ability to make a difference in the world of science."
Hlongwa's research investigates the effects of COVID-19 on the gut bacteriome and virome in patients with long COVID. Her work contributes to a global effort to better understand the long-term impacts of COVID-19 and could lead to targeted therapies and improved patient outcomes.
Specifically, Hlongwa is examining how the composition and function of gut bacteria and viruses may be altered in individuals experiencing prolonged symptoms after COVID-19 infection. By analysing the gut microbiome and virome, she aims to uncover potential links between microbial imbalances and the persistence of symptoms in long COVID patients.
This research could pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches that target the gut microbiome to alleviate long COVID symptoms, potentially offering new hope for those affected by this complex condition.
The recognition of these three researchers underscores SU's commitment to fostering excellence in scientific research and promoting gender equality in STEM fields. Their groundbreaking work in bioinformatics, neuroscience, and post-pandemic health challenges demonstrates the vital role of women in advancing scientific knowledge and addressing pressing global issues.
Caption: Dr Lesha Pretorius, Dr Nonsikelelo Hlongwa, and Kimberley Coetzer.?
