Master’s student wins best oral presentation at prestigious conference
WINNER: Koketso Mogashoa won the best oral presentation at the SMLTSA Congress recently held in Stellenbosch.
Wednesday, 12 November 2025
A Master’s student and clinical instructor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences recently scooped the award for best oral presentation at the Society of Medical Laboratory Technology of South Africa (SMLTSA) Congress.
Koketso Mogashoa said she felt extremely proud to have won the award.
“It was a great honour to have been voted the best presenter at the SMLTSA Congress, among a panel of exceptional presenters on the day. This made me reflect on all the hard work, sacrifice and dedication I put into this research, and it has motivated me to persevere to complete my research study with great excellence.”
Her presentation was titled: Elevated levels of TNF-α associated with endothelial dysfunction.
“My research investigates the possible use of a panel of biomarkers for early detection of endothelial dysfunction to enable timely intervention and reduce long-term complications. Endothelial dysfunction and inflammation are regarded as early events of cardiovascular disease, a common complication and leading cause of death among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Identifying non- or minimally invasive methods for early detection of endothelial dysfunction can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment while opening the possibility of preventing endothelial dysfunction.”
Koketso was born in the Limpopo province “and grew up in humble beginnings as a child playing in the dusty streets of Mankweng, a township commonly known as Turfloop”.
“I grew up with a quiet determination to make a success out of my life and make my family and community proud.”
Asked why she decided to follow a career in biomedical sciences, she said: “It all started with a desire to help others, and with my growing interest in investigative science, biology and human health. I knew this would be the ideal career for me. As a scientist, I am always motivated by these four questions: What how, when, and why.”
She expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed towards making her presentation a success.
“I am grateful and indebted to everyone who contributed toward this success story namely, both my supervisors (Prof Glenda Davison and Dr Don Matshazi) for their unwavering support and dedication to my journey, not forgetting the Ultrasound team of collaborators in the Department of Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences, and the Cardiometabolic Health Research Unit team for their collective input and support in the preparation of my presentation for the SMLTSA Congress.”
Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: Frederickskennediji@cput.ac.za
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