It was a love of cartoons like Dexter’s Laboratory, Pinky and the Brain and Spider-Man that sparked Dr Samkelo Malgas’s interest in genetic engineering.

“I excelled in primary and high school, often winning science prizes,” he recalls. “In fact, my Grade 11 biology test papers were frequently used as test memoranda for the class, which confirmed that I had a knack for science; this reinforced my decision to pursue a career in this field.”

Now a senior lecturer in biochemistry at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Dr Malgas has received another confirmation that he’s on the right track in his chosen field – a National Research Foundation (NRF) rating[MMS1] .

“This achievement reflects the recognition and appreciation of my hard work, extensive research and commitment within my field by my peers and the scientific community,” he says. “I speak in the present tense because I believe it’s important to acknowledge that I haven’t reached my peak yet; I'm still evolving, and I have the potential to make significant contributions to my field. I hope that this recognition will open up more opportunities for collaboration, funding and career advancement.”

Dr Malgas obtained a PhD in Biochemistry at Rhodes University in 2018 and his scholarly work includes more than 30 research papers in peer-reviewed journals, three book chapters and a patent. His commitment to the scholarship of teaching and learning led him to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education in 2022.

“My responsibilities include teaching at undergraduate and honours levels, and coordinating the biochemistry honours programme. I’m actively involved in various teaching and learning-related committees, and represent the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences on the Curriculum Transformation Task Team.”

Apart from teaching, he is also the principal investigator of the Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing Laboratory, which focuses on advancing bio-refinery for the bio-economy through bio-technology.

“The laboratory’s work centres on using enzymes and micro-organisms in the food and feed sector, as well as producing fine chemicals and nutraceuticals from agricultural-derived plant waste.”

Dr Malgas says biochemistry is important because it helps us understand life processes, develop new treatments and diagnostic tools, enhances our understanding of nutrition and health, and has numerous career opportunities.

“In medicine, it helps us develop new treatments, diagnostic tools and therapies for various diseases. For example, COVID-19 vaccines are designed and developed by collaborative teams that include biochemists and virologists. Biochemistry is essential for understanding how the body processes nutrients, and this knowledge helps us develop healthy diets and prevent nutritional deficiencies. Biochemistry is also used to understand the chemical processes involved in environmental and agricultural systems, which helps us develop sustainable practices and mitigate environmental impacts.”

He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and area of expertise with students and is “particularly interested in sparking the interest of under-represented groups, such as women and black students, who have low participation rates in the field”.

“I find it extremely fulfilling to guide students in their academic and personal development, witnessing their growing love for the subject and assisting them in choosing their future career paths,” Dr Malgas says.

For young people interested in biochemistry, his advice is to build relationships with professors and mentors as they can offer valuable insights into various career paths and help them navigate the field.

“Secondly, develop a strong foundation in science by staying curious and asking questions to deepen your understanding of the discipline; finally, participate in internships and volunteer work to gain practical experience and enhance your skills – this is crucial for the job market.”