In the spirit of Women's Month, we spotlight the remarkable achievements of Dr Nombulelo Sepeng, a young scientist who is making significant strides in the field of health care research. As a senior lecturer at the Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria, Dr. Sepeng's dedication to advancing health care services and her contributions to academic excellence are nothing short of inspiring.

Dr. Sepeng's impact is felt deeply within her academic role at the University of Pretoria. She not only imparts knowledge to the next generation of health care professionals but also manages the postgraduate research programme, cultivating an environment that nurtures innovative thinking and research excellence.

Her influence extends to leadership roles, as she chairs the scientific committee organizing the upcoming 1st International Research Conference, slated to be hosted by the Department of Nursing Science in September 2023. This conference promises to foster a platform for ground breaking discussions and knowledge exchange in the realm of nursing and health care.

Having obtained her PhD in October 2019, Dr. Sepeng's research focus is as dynamic as it is impactful. Her multidisciplinary studies champion increased access to health care services among vulnerable populations. Her work particularly highlights the needs of sexual assault survivors, teenagers, and individuals living with HIV. Moreover, she delves into curriculum-related matters within the nursing field, addressing essential education aspects that shape the future of health care professionals.

Dr. Sepeng's research interests align seamlessly with the strategic goals of the University of Pretoria, specifically in the domain of food and wellness. Her work resonates within the knowledge fields of health and education, reflecting a commitment to shaping policies, strategies, and guidelines that enhance the quality of health care delivery.

Dr. Sepeng's scholarly accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable. Her research findings are published in reputable journals, with two articles in Q1 journals, one in a Q2 journal, and the remainder in Q3 journals. She has also contributed significantly with 5 book chapters and 5 reports in peer-reviewed journals, solidifying her as a respected voice in her field.

Dr. Sepeng's mentorship prowess is evident through her supervision of postgraduate students. Seven master's students have successfully completed their degrees under her guidance, with two achieving cum-laude honours. Additionally, two Ph.D. students have flourished under her supervision, one of whom received an honorary colour certificate from the University of Pretoria.

Dr. Sepeng's commitment to making a difference extends beyond academia. She secured an R300,000 NRF grant for adolescent pregnancy prevention for the academic year 2023-2024, reinforcing her dedication to addressing critical health care challenges.

Her contributions reverberate globally, as she serves as a reviewer for accredited journals like curationis, International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, Bio-Med Central (BMC), British Medical Journal (BMJ), and Public Library of Science One (PLOS ONE), among others.

Dr. Nombulelo Sepeng's journey as a young scientist exemplifies the transformative power of research and dedication. Her work, commitment to education, and leadership inspire a future where women continue to make meaningful strides in the world of science.