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: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Academics from the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences bagged two prizes – including best overall presentation – at the recent Society of Medical Laboratory Technology of South Africa (SMLTSA) Congress.

Nkosikho Sogwagwa, lecturer in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and the Faculty’s Extended Curriculum Programme co-ordinator, won the prize for the best overall presentation while senior lecturer, Dr Yvonne Prince, won the prize for the best presentation in Microbiology.

Sogwagwa said it was “truly an honour to have our work recognised by our professional peers”.

“Winning the best overall presentation at such a prestigious congress is a testament to the importance of understanding and adapting to the evolving landscape of education. It's a shared success, reflecting the dedication and collaboration of our team.”

The title of the presentation was 'Student perceptions of online assessments: An interdisciplinary study in undergraduate medical laboratory sciences and food science and technology.'

“It was a collaborative effort between myself from the Biomedical Sciences department in the Health and Wellness Faculty and Dr Vusi Mshayisa from the Food Science and Technology department of the Applied Sciences Faculty. We aimed to explore students' views on online assessment in both departments, shedding light on the intersection of technology and education.”

Prince said winning the Best Microbiology Presentation prize had been “an exceptional and humbling experience”.

Her presentation was titled: The link between the oral microbiota and metabolic syndrome.

“This achievement not only acknowledges my hard work and dedication but also reinforces my passion for microbiology and underscores the importance of effective scientific communication.

“This recognition significantly influences my future pursuits in the field of microbiology. It provides a surge of confidence and serves as a tangible testament to my success, undoubtedly opening doors to new opportunities. It bolsters my determination to make meaningful contributions to the field, knowing that my efforts are valued and acknowledged.

She said she would hold this accolade dearly throughout her career.

“I am brimming with gratitude for this acknowledgment and remain eager to continue pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the directors and staff at the SAMRC/CPUT Cardiometabolic Health Research Unit for their unwavering support in shaping me into the best scientist I can be. Additionally, I express my gratitude to the SMLTSA for their sponsorship of this prestigious award.”

The theme of the congress was: Next generation laboratory, a partnership in health.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.