Internships

Krupa Daya is the 1KSA Intern for the DIPLOMICS programme and is currently completing her MSc in Molecular Biology at the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS). She has an academic background in microbiology, botany, clinical microbiology, infectious diseases, and genomics, with training in both wet lab and dry lab techniques. As the 1KSA intern through the DIPLOMICS programme, she is gaining experience in sequencing technologies while strengthening her skills in bioinformatics, computational pipelines, and coding. Her work reflects a commitment to advancing genomic research through the integration of biology and data science.

Sabreen Parker-Mansoor is a Training and Marketing Intern at the Centre for Proteomic and Genomic Research (CPGR). She holds an MSc in Medical Bioscience, with a background in Human Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics from the University of Cape Town. Her experience includes public health research, data analysis, molecular techniques, and academic tutoring. At DIPLOMICS, she supports genomics training programmes, outreach initiatives, and science communication efforts. She is passionate about expanding access to genomics education and strengthening collaborative scientific networks across Africa.

Jaco is a Master’s candidate in Biochemistry at North West University and a DIPLOMICS intern based at the Centre for Human Metabolomics.

He has a strong background in molecular biology and advanced cell culture techniques, which he aims to apply in investigating disease mechanisms at the cellular level.

As an intern for the Nngwe Project, he contributes to multidisciplinary efforts aimed at improving patient diagnosis and exploring potential therapeutic strategies for rare and undiagnosed diseases in South Africa.

Kamogelo Mmotla is a DIPLOMICS intern based at the Centre for Human Metabolomics at North West University. He holds an MSc in Biochemistry, where his research focused on metabolomic profiling of microbial interactions using advanced analytical techniques. He has experience with mass spectrometry (LC-MS, GC MS),automated liquid handling systems, and bioinformatics tools for metabolomics data analysis. He has published several papers within the field of metabolomics and microbial biochemistry, contributing to the growing body of knowledge in this discipline. With a strong foundation in biochemistry and analytical sciences, he is passionate about contributing to health sciences and advancing human health, particularly in the area of rare diseases, through metabolomics-driven research, data analysis, and the application of innovative technologies to better understand complex biological systems.

Stacey Pamplin is a DIPLOMICS intern based at the Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics, University of the Western Cape. She holds a BSc. (Hons) in Biotechnology and recently completed her MSc., which focused on the heterologous expression of biosynthetic gene clusters in bacteria. Her current research continues to investigate bacterial biosynthesis pathways through metabolomic and proteomic approaches. Stacey is skilled in protein characterisation, mass spectrometry, and molecular biology workflows but is eager to expand her expertise in omics-based technologies. She is passionate about advancing research that explores how microbes can be harnessed to develop innovative solutions addressing health and environmental challenges.

Nomfundo Sikhakhane graduated with a BHSc degree in Biomedical Sciences at WITS in 2022. She then joined the COVID-19 Host Genetics group at Stellenbosch University to complete her BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology.

Her research investigated the role of genetic variants in the immune complement pathway in the susceptibility to severe COVID-19 and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). In 2024, she returned to Stellenbosch University to pursue an MSc in Human Genetics, expanding her Honours research by incorporating immunological investigations to better understand the complement system’s involvement in extreme SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes such as severe COVID-19, MIS-C, and Long COVID.

Mia van der Merwe is a DIPLOMICS intern working at the Genomics Platform at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). She holds a BSc in genetics and human anatomy and physiology from UCT as well as an Honours degree in Molecular Biology and Human Genetics from Stellenbosch University.

With a strong interest in genomics and next generation sequencing, Mia is gaining hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques and genomics workflows to strengthen her path toward a career in genomic research and diagnostics. Her background includes PCR, gel electrophoresis, protein purification, sterile culturing, sequencing preparation, and exposure to bioinformatics analysis.

Lesiba is a detail-oriented Clinical Research Scientist with a strong interest in genomics, bringing extensive experience in molecular biology, pharmacogenetics, and clinical research.

He has hands-on experience in genomic workflows, including DNA/RNA extraction, quality control procedures, qPCR, cDNA synthesis, and Next Generation Sequencing using both Oxford Nanopore and lllumina platforms, gained through academic training and genomics projects at CPGR.

He holds a BSc in Molecular and Life Sciences, BSc Honours in Biochemistry, a Master's in Clinical Pharmacology, and is currently completing a PhD in Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Cape Town.

Akanyang is a dedicated and meticulous professional with extensive laboratory experience and strong technical skills, gained through hands-on work in proteomics and genomics.

This includes sample preparation, DNA/RNA extraction, RT PCR, microarrays, and Next-Generation Sequencing, developed during his internship at CPGR and academic training at CPUT.

He has successfully completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology and holds an Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology, equipping him with a strong foundation in laboratory workflows, quality control, and research methodologies. Akanyang is eager to contribute to scientific research and laboratory operations while continuing to develop his technical and professional skills.

Chelsey holds a Master’s in Biotechnology from the University of the Western Cape, with a focus on biovalorisation and process engineering. As a DIPLOMICS intern, she’s expanding her skills in genomics, bioinformatics, and molecular biotechnology. She brings experience in microbial biobanking, quality control, and secondary metabolite investigation, with a strong foundation in lab work, data analysis, and administration. Chelsey is also a member of the Golden Key Honour Society and enjoys music, gardening, and hiking.

Guillame is a DIPLOMICS intern based at the Centre for Human Metabolomics at North-West University. He focuses on metabolic disorders and has hands-on experience with mass spectrometry (LC-MS, GC MS) and automated liquid handling systems. With a strong background in analytical chemistry and a passion for metabolomics, he’s also supported undergraduate labs in biochemistry and microbiology, helping train the next generation of scientists.

Leeré Scott is a DIPLOMICS intern based at the National Metabolomics Platform, Centre of Human Metabolomics at North-West University. She holds a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology and has a background in Biomedical Sciences, with research experience in tuberculosis and bacterial genomics. Her internship focuses on applying OMICS technologies, including metabolomics and bioinformatics, to support rare disease diagnosis. Leeré is passionate about contributing to health sciences and advancing human health through data-driven research.

Kayla is a DIPLOMICS intern working with the TB Host Genetics group at the Biomedical Research Institute, Stellenbosch University. She holds a BSc in Genetics and Human Anatomy & Physiology from UCT and an Honours in Genetics from Stellenbosch. Passionate about forensic science, Kayla is gaining hands-on experience in genomics and proteomics to strengthen her path toward a career in forensic genetics. Outside the lab, she enjoys reading classical literature and hiking with her dog.

Humaaira is a DIPLOMICS intern based in the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics at Stellenbosch University’s Biomedical Research Institute. She holds a BSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from Stellenbosch and an Honours in Human Genetics from UCT. With a strong interest in cancer research and pharmacogenomics, Humaaira brings expertise in molecular biology techniques and statistical analysis using R. She is eager to grow her skills in bioinformatics and contribute meaningfully to research that improves healthcare outcomes. Outside the lab, she enjoys expressing her creativity through art.

Kisharia Dharamdev holds a BSc in Biochemistry and Genetics and an MPhil in Biomedical Forensic Science from the University of Cape Town. As a DIPLOMICS intern at KRISP, she is building her skills in genomics and bioinformatics. With a passion for molecular science and a love for the outdoors, Kisharia brings curiosity and energy to both the lab and life.

Mulalo is a DIPLOMICS intern based at KRISP, with a Master of Science in Microbiology from the University of Venda. She brings experience in molecular techniques, bioinformatics tools, and next-generation sequencing technologies. Her past research focused on HIV-1 subtype C co receptor preferences and the molecular diversity of Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus. Passionate about education and leadership, Mulalo also served as a Feenix Ambassador in 2022. Her current focus is on pathogen evolution and drug discovery, with a strong interest in how genomics can advance infectious disease research.

Nkosinathi is a DIPLOMICS intern at CenGen, a plant research institute based in Worcester. He recently completed a BSc in Biotechnology at the University of the Western Cape and is passionate about exploring plant genomics and microbiology. With a growing interest in plant biotechnology, he aims to uncover the genetic potential of plants to contribute to sustainable, science-based solutions.

Lukhanyo is a DIPLOMICS intern with a background in plant pathology, genetics, and bioinformatics. He holds an MSc in Microbiology and a BSc in Agriculture (Plant Pathology). With experience working across fungal, bacterial, and viral plant pathogens, he brings strong expertise in molecular biology and bioinformatics. His research interests span genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics—particularly in using these tools to answer focused scientific questions. Passionate about learning and collaboration, Lukhanyo is driven by a desire to use his skills to support scientific progress and help others succeed.

Sibusiso is a DIPLOMICS intern at the South African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), where he is building expertise in whole genome sequencing and high-throughput molecular analysis. He holds an MSc in Zoology from the University of Johannesburg, with research focused on DNA barcoding and eDNA metabarcoding in KwaZulu-Natal estuaries. His experience includes internships with SANBI and the University of Oslo’s Natural History Museum, where he gained hands-on training in molecular ecology, ecological modelling, and biodiversity analysis. Sibusiso is passionate about combining bioinformatics, environmental science, and machine learning to develop tools that advance conservation and ecosystem monitoring.

Paul is a molecular biologist with a background in medical microbiology and genomics. He holds a degree in medical sciences and an MSc in molecular biology. As a DIPLOMICS intern working on the 1KSA project, Paul is passionate about bioinformatics and computational biology, with a focus on applying advanced sequencing technologies and data analysis to drive genomic research forward.

Mbali is an aspiring genomics researcher with an Honours degree in Human Genetics and a strong foundation in Molecular and Cell Biology. Passionate about bioinformatics and clinical genomics, she is focused on contributing to research that advances disease surveillance and diagnostics in Africa. Outside the lab, she enjoys diving into scientific literature and exploring the evolving world of genomics.

Sinethemba is a biotechnology professional with a BSc from the University of the Western Cape. Currently interning at the Genomics Platform at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), she is gaining hands-on experience in molecular biology and genomics. Through this role, she is building a solid foundation in lab-based techniques while developing her skills in one of South Africa’s leading research environments.

Surprise holds a BSc Honours in Microbiology from the University of Pretoria and recently completed her MSc in Medical Virology at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. Her research focused on Hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutations and their impact on the diagnosis of occult HBV, sparking a strong interest in next generation sequencing and bioinformatics. In 2025, she joined the DIPLOMICS/UFS-NGS unit as an intern, eager to deepen her skills and contribute to innovative infectious disease research.