Internships

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.