Dr Bukola Olutola did her undergraduate studies at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria and has been doing research at the University of Pretoria (UP) for the past 10 years. She says UP provides the ideal atmosphere for researchers. “We have access to journal articles through the library, and there are many research workshops to help both upcoming and established researchers to improve their research.”

Dr Olutola is a lecturer in public health at IIE MSA, formerly Monash South Africa, and an Extraordinary Lecturer at UP’s School of Health Systems and Public Health. Her research into air pollution contributes to the betterment of the world because, according to the World Health Organisation, pollution is the highest environmental cause of disease and premature death. Ambient (outdoor) and household air pollution causes seven million premature deaths annually, which amounts to 16% of global mortality. “Studies on pollution are relevant to find ways to prevent deaths arising from pollution,” says Dr Olutola.

A recent highlight for her was the publication of her findings of the modifying effect of temperature on the association between air pollution and hospital admission for respiratory disease in one of South Africa’s air pollution priority areas.

Her research matters, she says, because these findings are important in guiding policymakers to make appropriate decisions. Air pollution has always been a problem, especially in certain areas of South Africa. It affects the respiratory and cardiovascular systems of people who live in areas with high levels of air pollutants. Coupled with COVID-19, which also affects the respiratory system, this combination could place a great burden on already strained healthcare systems.

Dr Olutola is part of a research group that is conducting epidemiology studies on the interaction effects of air pollution and climate change indicators on mortality and morbidity in South Africa. She is also involved with another research group that is working on the health effects of metals in women and in utero babies.

From 2015 to 2017, the late Professor George Djolov of the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology in UP’s Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences worked with Dr Olutola to use the Air Dispersion Potential (ADP) index for her PhD Studies. “Unfortunately, we could not continue because he passed away,” she says.

Professor Djolov, who was born in Bulgaria, had an extraordinary academic career at various universities in southern Africa, among others. After his formal retirement, he joined UP as a meteorologist and Extraordinary Professor in 2007, and was highly active over the following decade. In his final three years, he managed the UP Laboratory for Atmospheric Studies.
Dr Olutola says that Prof Halina Rollin of the School of Health Systems and Public Health inspired her research efforts. “She is never tired and is always full of ideas for research.” Dr Olutola has many academic role models, and particularly admires Prof Janine Wichmann’s work ethic. “Prof Wichmann is always there to support students, not necessarily only ‘her’ students. During my PhD studies, I could ask for her professional advice whenever I was stuck.”

Dr Olutola’s dream is to be able to continue doing research, especially in the field of epidemiology. She encourages school learners and undergraduates interested in her field to continue to learn and to never give up.
For recreation, she watches documentaries.