?????????????
? ??? | ???The Stellenbosch Biofoundry is part of a global movement transforming biotechnology and synthetic biology. Our mission is to drive sustainable development by tackling critical challenges like climate change, resilient food systems, and public health, while delivering advanced services to local users and startups. ??? |
Meet our team
Get to know the dedicated team of scientists, engineers, and innovators? behind the Stellenbosch B?iofoundry and how its facilities have transformed their lab.?
?? | ??? ?? Kim Trollope?"I like to get things done. The beauty of the biofoundry lies in the removal of barriers to access world-?class equipment and skills, enabling you to conduct discovery and innovation research the way you’ve always wanted to.?" ?? |
?? | ?? ?Odwa Jacob"I specialise in strain engineering, modifying yeast for sustainable biofuel production, focusing on genetic manipulation and scaling up fermentation processes. A key advantage of our biofoundry is the Tecan Fluent robot, which has transformed our research by automating high-throughput experiments, significantly accelerating progress in strain construction.?"? |
? | ?? Dugald Rowland"I’m a fast learner with skills in root cause analysis, problem-solving, and developing SOPs for ISO and GMP compliance. My expertise includes process improvement, lab automation, and CAD design. The biofoundry has given me the opportunity to apply these skills, driving innovation in South Africa and positioning it as a biotech leader in Africa.?"?? |
? | ??? Monique Barnard?"My research focuses on enzyme kinetics, mainly using mass spectrometry, with experience culturing mammalian cells and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. I also specialise in fluorescence microscopy. The biofoundry offers an exciting platform to accelerate research in Africa, enabling high-throughput, low-cost workflows that can elevate the continent's global scientific presence." ? |
? | ? Stefan Kühn ?"I'm currently focused on optimising enzyme function and assay design in the mRNA value chain. The biofoundry enables me to scale experiments with precision and replicability, allowing for larger, more complex studies in less time. This frees me from bench work, giving more time to design experiments and analyse data." |
?? | ? Gerhardt Coetzee??"I specialise in precision fermentations, producing proteins and converting waste into valuable products. With expertise in bioreactor operation and scale-up, the biofoundry will streamline micro-scale construction and optimisation, saving time and resources. It’s a vital asset for advancing biotechnology research in Africa.?" |
? | ???? David Morrison?"I specialise in enzyme synergy and recombinant protein production, focusing on biosimilar peptides and vaccine enhancement. With advances in DNA synthesis, the Stellenbosch Biofoundry provides a world-class platform for automating and accelerating research and development in South Africa, reducing costs and time for businesses and start-ups." |
???
??
