Prof Salomé Geertsema has been appointed as a full professor at UP. From classical singer to a leading voice in speech-language pathology, she's transforming our understanding of speech disorders and dyslexia in multilingual contexts.

The University of Pretoria (UP) has appointed Professor Salomé Geertsema as a full professor, marking a significant milestone in her 16-year journey at the institution. The promotion recognises her outstanding contributions to UP’s Department of Speech-Language Pathology, and her dedication to advancing understanding of speech sound disorders and dyslexia in multilingual contexts.

Prof Geertsema's journey into speech-language therapy began in 1996, and was sparked by her passion for classical singing and fascination with the human voice. After graduating, she gained experience in private practice and at schools for learners with special education needs before returning to her alma mater as a lecturer in 2009.

Her academic portfolio includes noteworthy achievements such as completing her PhD in Motor Learning Principles in Speech Sound Disorders in 2016 and obtaining qualification as a dyslexia diagnostician. Her research focuses on speech sound disorders and specific learning disorders, particularly dyslexia, within South Africa's rich multilingual landscape.

“Lifelong learning is not only a responsibility but an absolute joy,” says Prof Geertsema, who’s been the recipient of several accolades, including an Academic Achievers’ Award from UP, a Teaching Excellence Award and a National Research Foundation rating for her research.

Her work carries particular significance in the South African context, where the intersection of communication disorders and multilingualism presents unique challenges and opportunities. Her research contributes to the development of diagnostic and intervention approaches that consider the country’s many official languages, while also offering valuable insights for similar multilingual contexts globally.

Despite her academic accomplishments, Prof Geertsema maintains her connection to her musical roots, participating in church worship and soirées. She emphasises that passion and dedication are crucial for success in the field.

“Although our programmes are selection-based and high academic marks are a necessity, you should never give up on your dream,” she says.

Prof Geertsema’s appointment as full professor not only recognises her past achievements but also positions her to further advance research and teaching in speech-language pathology at UP, contributing to the institution's reputation for cutting-edge quality both locally and globally.