Young researcher scoops another science accolade
The 24 year old is pursuing a Masters in Science degree at Wits University with a focus on Molecular Medicine and Haematology and the award recognises and supports the upliftment of women in science
FORMER Empangeni High School learner Simone Smith received the South African Women in Science Award (SAWiSA) for the DST-Albertina Sisulu Masters Fellowship this month.
The 24 year old is pursuing a Masters in Science degree at Wits University with a focus on Molecular Medicine and Haematology and the award recognises and supports the upliftment of women in science.
SAWiSA recognise and reward excellence by women scientists and researchers and profile them as role models for younger women.
Matriculating in 2013, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences, majoring in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, and Microbiology and Biotechnology in 2016 and hopes to complete her Masters degree by this year.
‘With my current Masters research we are testing whether potential vaccine candidates are able to produce neutralising antibodies to target HIV-1.
‘This award motivated me to keep pushing and work hard at what I do, knowing that women do have a place in the field of science.
‘Some of my previous accolades include the Wits CC Immelman award in 2016, and in 2018 and 2019 I was awarded the Wits Postgraduate Merit Award, which is given to students who excel in their postgraduate studies.
‘I am a National Research Foundation (NRF) and German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and Poliomyelitis Research Foundation scholarships holder for the past two years.
‘During this year I have been awarded several grants and funding to help support my research project.
‘I presented my research at the 9th SA AIDS conference and will present my research at Wits Cross Faculty Symposium on 3 September,’ she said
After completing her Masters she would like to pursue her PhD and her long-term goals include becoming an established researcher and working for a research institute either in South Africa or abroad.
Since volunteering for an NPO, Nka’thuto EduPropeller, since 2017, she hopes to work more with NPOs and NGOs to help impact the youth of South Africa and produce more professionals in iSTEM (Invigorating Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics).
As studies take up most of her time, her favourite pastime is just catching up with family and friends.
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