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Work Background
University of the Western CapeChief Scientific Officer - Biotechnology
Feb. 2023City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South AfricaProcurement and financial management in the Biotechnology department, balanced with research and hands on laboratory work in the NMR unit.
University of the Western CapeChief Scientific Officer
Jan. 2019 - Feb. 2023Cape Town Area, South Africa
SiyavulaTechnical Translator and Proofreader
Aug. 2012 - Sep. 2014South AfricaFollowing the introduction of the CAPS curriculum in South African schools, Siyavula Education had textbooks written to be distributed free of cost to learners across the country. These text books were translated to Afrikaans. I proofread the English versions of the text, translated the English text to Afrikaans and proofread other translators' Afrikaans text. My contributions were in the Life Science and Physical Science textbooks, teachers' guides, concept maps and posters for Grade 7-12. The work was done both in hardcopy and online, using a variety of software packages.
University of the Western CapeSenior Scientific Officer
May. 2012 - Dec. 2018I manage, supervise and coordinate all activities associated with the delivery of first year Chemistry practical sessions This includes preparation of reagents, setting up and servicing of equipment and instruments and the overall smooth and safe running of the sessions for a total of ~1000 students per year. I manage 60 senior students who act as demonstrators during the practicals and I am responsible for training them, supervising their work and arranging for their payment by the relevant UWC department(s). The overall improvement of the delivery of practicals is of vital importance and I am constantly striving to improve the academic and technical value that the students gain from doing the practical work. Towards this goal I review the relevant student manuals as needed, and experiment with ways in which to optimise the transfer of knowledge from demonstrator to student, as well as from student to student.
FreelanceData Capturer
Jan. 2011 - Apr. 2012While taking time off formal employment to deal with my son's rehabilitation after cancer treatment, I did freelance data capturing at an accountancy firm. Most of the work was done on Pastel Accounting software.
My Child Has Cancer TrustTrustee
Jan. 2010 - Dec. 2020My Child Has Cancer Trust attempts to help families who are faced with childhood cancer by providing emotional, financial, social and other essential support services. We do fundraising, event management, host smaller get-togethers for caregivers and act as liaisons between medical personnel and caregivers, if required.
I am a trustee and founding member of the MCHCT. As a parent with paediatric oncology experience I am able to share my experiences and lessons learnt with other families. The skills I acquired "interpreting" between academics and students became very handy when I had to start "interpreting" between doctors and parents.
Self-employedBlogger
Jan. 2009At first we were normal. Or we thought we were. Well, WE knew we weren't, but we tried to let other people think that we were. Then we met Childhood Cancer. But as soon as the cancer left, it invited its friends over. Attention Deficit Disorder Following Treatment came first. Then Agraphia. And then Chemotherapy Induced Cardiomyopathy joined the party. Currently we are a family of 5, still dealing with the fall-out of our son's diagnosis with rhabdomyosarcoma in 2008. It doesn't end when treatment ends. Then the rest of your life starts.
University of Cape TownScientific Officer
Feb. 2003 - Dec. 2008My main focus areas were laboratory management and the practical training of both undergraduate and post-graduate students in biochemistry, microbiological, genetic and general laboratory techniques. I took care of everything leading up to the successful completion of modules – compiling and updating laboratory manuals, managing stock, budgeting, preparing equipment and solutions as needed, managing laboratory assistants and giving additional training to the students as needed.
Additional duties involved maintenance of departmental equipment and providing help with research when required.
I had to resign from this position when my son was diagnosed with cancer and needed full-time care until the end of his treatment protocol.
Stellenbosch University, Faculty of ScienceClinical Trial Laboratory Manager and Scientist
Jan. 2002 - Jan. 2002I participated in an international clinical trial for FDA approval of a vaccine, in a ISO 15189 accredited laboratory. My duties included specimen reception, specimen management, specimen preparation, cryogenic storage of specimens, cryogenic shipment of specimens to the overseas analysing laboratory and interacting with clinical investigators and site monitors of Quintiles Clindepharm (now IQVIA). As the laboratory co-ordinator for the trial, my duties included acquisition of consumables, training a team of scientists to receive and process specimens, planning of shifts, monitoring results, ensuring that all paperwork was completed, preparation of accreditation quality checklists and reports, management of data and submitting progress reports to the head of department and the clinical trial management company. Following completion of the study documentation was checked in preparation for audit by the contracting company.
Stellenbosch UniversityResearch positions
Jan. 2001 - Dec. 2002I held three research contracts during my time at the University of Stellenbosch. HIV vaccine research as part of SAAVI vaccine development project. Both scientific and laboratory management responsibilities as part of SAAVI vaccine development project in the Department of Medical Virology.
The Department achieved SANAS accreditation (ISO 15189 Medical laboratories — Requirements for quality and competence). I developed SOPs applicable to cell culture, equipment use and general laboratory operation as part of accreditation process. TB vaccine research: Sample administration and preparation as part of a community based clinical study. Most of the work was done in Bio Safety Level 3 conditions. Sugarcane bio-engineering: Extension of work done for my MSc project. All these positions included general laboratory management tasks.
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