Carolyn Nadasen, a Master’s student from the Department of Anatomy, University of Pretoria, won first place in the South African National Visualize Your Thesis (VYT) competition, hosted at the University of Johannesburg! This victory follows her initial success at the University of Pretoria's Postgraduate Research Day Conference, where she triumphed over peers in a competition inspired by the University of Melbourne's renowned VYT competition.

Nadasen's journey began with the unique challenge of creating a 60-second video to articulate her research, titled "The in vitro effects of MAZ-51 and epigallocatechin gallate on cellular morphology in B16F10 melanoma cells." The competition emphasised the ability to communicate complex ideas to a non-specialist audience effectively. Her video can be watched here.

After winning first place at the University of Pretoria, Nadasen advanced to the national and international stages of the VYT competition. Although she did not secure the top spot in the international arena, Nadasen expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase her work on a global platform, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in academia.

Carolyn Nadasen Excels in the Visualize Your Thesis Competition

Undeterred, Nadasen continued her journey by participating in the inaugural South African National VYT competition, where she faced off against winners from other esteemed universities, including North West University and the University of Johannesburg. Impressively, she emerged victorious, claiming the top spot and further solidifying her position as a rising star in the field.

Reflecting on her success, Nadasen emphasized the crucial role of effective communication in academic pursuits and underscored the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in research. She credited her supervisors, Prof June Serem, Dr Yvette Hlophe, and Mr Keith Ncube, for their unwavering support and guidance throughout her research journey. Their expertise and mentorship played a pivotal role in propelling Nadasen forward, instilling confidence in her ability to convey the essence of her research.

As Nadasen continues to make strides in her academic journey, her success serves as a testament to the University of Pretoria's commitment to fostering excellence in research and communication among its postgraduate community.