American Society of Microbiology Microbe 2023

In June this year, the PGSA chairperson, Miss Dikeledi C. Sebola represented the Department of Paraclinical Sciences at the American Society of Microbiology Conference in Houston, Texas, USA. She presented a poster entitled: Occurrence and characterization of ESKAPE pathogens in the hands of healthcare workers in the intensive care unit at a veterinary academic hospital, South Africa.

The American Society for Microbiology is a professional life science organization composed of more than 30,000 scientists, educators and health professionals who are dedicated to promoting and advancing microbial sciences around the world.

The American Society of Microbiology conference (ASM Microbe 2023) was an inspiring event that provided a platform for diverse microbiology scientists to exchange knowledge as well as establishing valuable connections.

Miss Dikeledi C. Sebola said the following: I got a privilege to present some of my work in a poster format. The audience showed immense interest on the work, and I received thought provoking comments that can enhanced my work. Furthermore, I was honoured to be among the selected 2023/2024 ASM future leader fellows. As fellows, we were welcomed and acknowledged by the CEO of ASM, Dr Stefano Bertuzzi in his opening speech at the opening ceremony. The recognition was the validation into the ASM FLMF program. Being among the fellows from across the world, it was a great environment to establish valuable connections, foster collaborations, and share commitment to advance scientific knowledge. Furthermore, programs created for fellows were well curated to enhance scientific leadership in all facets.

Attendance at the conference was made possible by the ASM Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship (ASM FLMF) and the University of Pretoria.

23rd Congress of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa (ESSA)

In July, two PhD students from the Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases attended the 23rd Congress of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa in Stellenbosch. Both students are also members of the PGSA, Miss Andeliza Smit is our Financial Officer, while Miss Rebecca Ackermann is our Media Liaison Officer.

Miss Andeliza Smit gave an oral presentation entitled Intra- and inter-species variation of Amblyomma ticks from Southern Africa. The project was made possible through the funding of AgriSETA, the Meat Industry Trust and the Postgraduate Bursary University of Pretoria.

Link to abstract book: https://essa2023.carlamani.com/?page=3