Special greetings everyone!
As 2024 draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect on an incredible year filled with groundbreaking research, exceptional achievements, and meaningful societal contributions. The Tugizimana Lab continues to push the boundaries of science and innovation, and this year was no exception.
This year, we celebrated several milestones, starting with the launch of our dynamic new website in July—a platform to share our research and connect with a global community. We proudly witnessed two PhD graduations: Dr. Lerato Nephali and Dr. Motseoa Lephatsi; successful doctoral defences: Mr Morena Tinte and Mrs Anza Ramabulana; the completion of MSc in Biochemistry: Ms Innocentia Selepe, and submission of MSc dissertation: Mr Samuel Mulaudzi; all making substantial contributions to metabolomics research. We welcomed a new member, Dr. Mariam Oyedeji Amusa, a postdoctoral fellow, with expertise in medicinal plant research. Additionally, our lab expanded its international footprint through collaborations in the Czech Republic and Bulgaria under the CropPrime project. Miss Kgalaletso Othibeng and Dr. Lephatsi, while they were abroad as part of the CropPrime project, had the opportunity to visit our collaborators in the Netherlands and Rome respectively. Miss Othibeng got the chance to visit Justin van der Hooft’s Computational metabolomics group at Wageningen University where she got to engage and share some of her work.
Our societal impact extended beyond academia. At the IAM Girls and Boys STEM Day, we inspired young minds by introducing them to molecular biology. We also engaged with learners at the UJ Metropolitan Academy during National Science Week, fostering curiosity about science and technology.
Recognition came in abundance. Miss Othibeng was honoured with the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science award, and our PI, Fidele Tugizimana, earned a place among the world’s top 2% of scientists and has been appointed a Visiting Professor at the University of Messina in Italy.
We are immensely grateful to our supporters, collaborators, and funding partners for empowering us to achieve our mission. To the dedicated members of The Tugizimana Lab, your hard work and unwavering commitment inspire excellence every day. Thank you for making this year unforgettable.
In the spirit of celebrating unforgettable moments in 2024, we would like to congratulate the newly wed Dr. Nephali, may your union be filled with love and joy. We would also like to congratulate Dr. Lephatsi on her engagement, may it be the perfect start to a wonderful journey.
As we prepare for 2025, we envision new frontiers in metabolomics research and impactful collaborations. Stay tuned as we continue to innovate, inspire, and contribute to a sustainable future.
Here’s to another year of discovery and transformation! Thank you for being part of our journey. Best wishes for 2025!
Written by: Akhona Myoli and Fidele Tugizimana