NAS Featured scientist:
Prof Thulani Makhalanyane - Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology and Deputy Director: Centre for Microbial Ecology and Genomics
 

Q: Why did you choose to study microbial ecology?
A: Microorganisms are the most numerically abundant entities on earth. However, we don’t know much about the majority of microorganisms in nature. I am interested in understanding the interactions in the environment.

Q: Why is Science, (including microbiology) important? 
A: Apart from being interesting and exciting, science provides us with a framework for understanding the natural world. Training as a scientist allows us to gain the vocabulary and skills to test hypothesis and solve complex problems. These skills are useful for critically thinking about global issues outside of research.

Q: Why is World Ocean Day (celebrated on 8 June)? 
A: The day was designated at the Earth Summit - the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Brazil.

Q: Highlights of your career so far? 
A: My entire career has been a highlight. I have been able to do a job I love that has fantastic perks. I have had the opportunity to travel all continents and this would not have happened without my job.

Q: Please give us a glimpse of your most recent research:
A: Our most recent research has focused on understanding microbial community diversity in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean. The Southern Ocean is probably the most important ocean in terms of its role in climate regulation and carbon sequestration. Climate change is likely to impact the cycling of nutrients in the oceans. We are trying to understanding how microbial communities, which carry out the bulk of nutrient recycling, are likely to adapt to climate change and, in turn, influence the world's climate.

Q: Describe a day in the life of Prof Makhalanyane? 
A: At the moment I am currently teaching, so most of my day involves responding to student queries. Online learning means the bulk of communication is through email and this is, as you can imagine, an administrative burden. I also meet daily with my postgraduate team of students discussing their research progress.

Q: What qualities does a good scientist need?
A: The key trait is being curious. Curiosity drives most of our scientific questions and makes it rewarding to work on questions most people would not be interested in. A scientist must be willing to work hard. Although people think scientist are clever, the bulk of their success is from patiently and carefully working on one question with meticulous dedication. Scientists also need to be able to clearly communicate their work to a specialist and also members of the public.

Q: What words/beliefs do you live by?
A: I believe that hard work will always be rewarded.

Q: Do you have any advice for prospective microbiologists?
A: I always tell prospective microbiologists that the exit degree is a PhD. Unless you are interested in other career paths (technical jobs, teaching in schools etc.) it is important to work towards a PhD.

Q: Who is your role model/mentor?
A: Prof Colin Murrel is one of my role models. He is an excellent and meticulous researcher who is very generous as a mentor.