Research offers you the ability to make a difference in the world

Posted on May 04, 2021

Scarce skills in Natural and Agricultural Sciences
A researcher who focuses
 on facial morphology and developing non-invasive diagnostic tools for a variety of conditions: Prof Vinet Coetzee (Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology)

Q: What should you study at UP to do what you do?
A:
My research is very interdisciplinary, so you could approach this type of research from various different angles. Personally, I studied genetics at UP until master’s level and then did my PhD in research psychology at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. That said, I’ve worked with researchers doing similar types of studies that have medical, biochemistry, chemistry, physics and veterinary backgrounds, to name a few.

Q: Why is this type of work important?
A:
My research is focused on developing novel diagnostic tools, primarily for Africa but also for the rest of the world. For instance, we are currently busy developing a rapid, affordable and non-invasive method to screen for a variety of diseases at border posts. If the COVID-19 pandemic told us anything, it is that we need more vigilant for the spread of infectious diseases.

Q: What does your job entail?
A:
I’m employed as an academic member of staff, so my job entails teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level; supervising postgraduate students; conducting research, and engaging the public in science. In order to conduct research, you need to secure funding, collaborate with other researchers, collect and analyse data, and publish your results or go into product development.

Q: Describe a typical day in your life?
A:
What I do really varies during the year. I typically spend time preparing for and giving lectures, working with my postgraduate students and overseeing research.  

Q: What skills/qualities do you need for your type of work?
A:
There are different combinations of skills/ qualities that would allow someone to do this type of work. Personally, I think my creativity, critical thinking, perseverance, love of learning, organisational and communication skills really helped me, but there are other people with different skill sets that do equally well. Make the best of your particular skill set.

Q: Why did you decide to become an academic/researcher?
A:
I always found research really interesting and I didn’t want to do the same thing every day. Once I started with my postgraduate studies I was also drawn more and more into teaching because I found it really satisfying to help students understand the work.

Q: Who employs academics/researchers? What career opportunities are there?
A:
Traditionally academics are mostly employed by universities, but more and more opportunities are opening up. Some academics move into industry, become advisors, science communicators or go into business for themselves. The massive boom in online courses is also drawing some academics in that direction.

Q: Do you have any advice for prospective academics?
A:
You will need the persistence to get to PhD level, but if your heart is in it, it can be done. Research offers you the ability to make a difference in the world.

Q: Are you currently involved in any interesting research?
A:
We are currently busy developing two exciting new diagnostic tools. One will use facial photos to detect inborn conditions; while the other is a completely new way of screening people for infectious diseases, such as malaria, COVID-19, tuberculosis and pneumonia. This technology is rapid, affordable and non-invasive so if we manage to get it to market, it could completely change the way we screen people for infectious diseases.

- Author Martie Meyer

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