NEW BEGINNINGS

Dr Samkelo Malgas started his career at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences on 1 December 2020. 

Read more about him:

What do you do at NAS?
I am a lecturer in the division of Biochemistry at the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology. As a lecturer, I am responsible for teaching and assessment of both undergraduate and graduate students undertaking courses. I am also in the process of procuring funding to set up a research group where I will train postgraduate students and postdoctoral research fellows, and also contribute to the scientific body of knowledge through research outputs such as manuscripts.

As a new staff member at UP, what stands out for you from UP and NAS?
What stands out about UP is how the institution has managed to produce the most research outputs in the country for over 20 years. Particularly about NAS is that the faculty hosts half of the NRF rated researchers in the institution. These speak volumes of how the institution will offer me great opportunities for growth and establishment as an academic.

What qualities do you think a good employee should have to be successful?
Three qualities are key for me; ambition, problem-solving skills: believing every problem has a solution and integrity/honesty/being genuine/being true to oneself.

What is your life philosophy? What do you believe in?
I believe each of us has a contribution to make the world a better place, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to the next person or to yourself.

Where were you previously employed?
For the past three years, I was a postdoctoral research fellow and temporary lecturer at the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Makhanda.