Analike Blom van Staden, currently a masters student in the department of Medicinal Plant Sciences at UP, presented her MSc. research study at the 15th International Conference on Science and Innovative Engineering (ICSIE) –  hosted in Rome, Italy by the International Society for Engineering Research and Development (ISERD) – on the 1^st of November 2015.  She was awarded the ISERD excellent paper award for her paper entitled “Potential plants for progressive macular hypomelanosis” in the category best presentation / best content.

The drive behind the conference is to create an opportunity for scholars, scientists, students and engineers from around the world to present their current research and to motivate research relationships between these individuals and their respective institutions or industries. The conference aims to promote personal communication between delegates about new research ideas and applications.  The ICSIE conference also bolsters business relationships between global partners to encourage future collaboration.

Analike’s research focusses on finding an alternative treatment for progressive macular hypomelanosis – a hypopigmentary disease, caused by the same bacteria that causes acne (Propionibacterium acnes). Her research investigates plants that might inhibit the bacteria’s growth and induce the production of melanin by melanocytes in the areas with diminished pigmentation. As a devout Christian, she accredits her achievement to Christ and says she owes the opportunity and any awards resulting from it to Him – he deserves the glory.