MNP RESEARCH GROUP
Current Research Team
Mrs Michelle Isaacs (ADD Hub Bioassay Technician, Lab Manager)
Before working for Prof Dorrington, I ran the Bioassay platform for Prof Hoppe. Testing compounds for anti-malarial and anti - trypsanosomal activity. I like doing lab work as it is interesting and you really feel like you are accomplishing something important. I enjoy doing arts and craft projects in my spare time.
Ms Tarryn Potts (Financial Officer, Lan Manager, MSc Microbiology)
I completed my Honours degree at Rhodes University under the supervision of Dr Mashazi. I looked at enhancing the electrochemical signal using nanomaterials, for the detection of Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT). Currently, I am completing my masters in Marine Natural Products (Chemistry) with Prof Dorrington, I also work as the Admin Officer for Prof Dorrington’s Research group. I enjoy the positive impact science has on our communities, outside of the lab I enjoy reading and spending time with my family.
Ms Roxanne Higgitt (ADD Hub Project Manager)
I completed my MSc (Molecular Biology) at Stellenbosch University, with Prof Michele Miller and Dr Sven Parsons of the Animal TB Research Group. My thesis looked to establish the presence of Mycobaterium bovis in African wild dog populations in South Africa, and to develop a species-specific test for the detection of infection in these animals. Currently, I am working in the Marine Natural Products group led by Prof Dorrington as Project Manager of the SA/UK MRC Newton funded Antibiotic Accelerator Initiative, the Antimicrobial Drug Discovery Hub (ADD Hub). I love the logic and detective-type work Science Research offers; understanding the Why? and How? of the natural world is what drives me. Outside of the lab, I love spending time at home with my dogs, Sophie and Angus, and my cat, Sirius.
Dr Jarmo Kalinski (Postdoctoral Fellow)
I completed my undergrad studies in Chemistry at University of Kiel and recently received my PhD degree from Rhodes University through research on pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloids from South African marine sponges. Currently, I am applying my attained skills in a similar fashion on further South African sponges as well as stromatolites. Science is my passion and I enjoy the mix of physical and mental labor in natural products research. Outside the lab I enjoy spending time with my family, fishing and diving.
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Dr Alexandros Polyzois (Postdoctoral Fellow)
I come from Athens, Greece, where inspiring by the ancient medicine of Hipocrates, I received my degree in Pharmacy from the University of Athens. In 2020 I earned my Marie Curie PhD from the University of Paris, Faculty of Pharmacy, while my project focused on cyanobacterial toxins and their biotechnological applications. Continuing on the field of marine natural products, I conduct postdoctoral studies at Rhodes University, where we investigate the antimicrobial potential of isolates from sponges and stromatolites. That diverse South African marine ecosystem is always intriguing, as it can set the basis for the development of new pharmaceutical agents. Even after labwork, I enjoy spending my time on the seaside sailing or hiking on the sandhills.
Ms Luthando Madonsela (PhD Microbiology)
Prior studying at Rhodes University, I completed my MSc. (Genetics) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. My study focused on characterizing the antifreeze profile of selected icefishes (Family: Channichthyidae) of the Western Antarctic Peninsula of the Southern Ocean. My current Ph.D. research, under supervision by Prof. Dorrington, focuses on functional genomics studies on South African stromatolite microbial communities. The aim of the research is to characterize secondary metabolite production in stromatolite systems along the southeast coast of South Africa and elucidate their biosynthetic gene clusters using a metagenomic approach. This research forms part of an antibiotics discovery project (funded by the SA/UK MRC Antimicrobial Accelerator Initiative). Being a part of this research not only enables me to understand the complexity of microorganisms and the resources we may obtain from them, but it allows me to make a difference in the community and contribute to research. Outside the lab environment, I love watching crime series and spending time with friends and family.
Mr Idris Njanje (PhD Microbiology)
Am originally from Zambia and I completed my MSc in Biochemistry at the University of Limpopo, South Africa, under the tutelage of Professor M.P. Mokgotho and Dr V.P. Bagla. My masters work focused on the antidiabetic potential of selected medicinal plants on mammalian muscle and adipose cells. Currently, I am a DAAD-PhD fellow, in the antimicrobial drug discovery group led by Professor R.A. Dorrington and my work focuses on identifying and characterizing novel antibacterial drug leads from marine natural products (MNPs). What fascinates me a lot about research is the ability to contribute to the body of Scientific knowledge in attempt to provide solutions for the ongoing problems (antimicrobial resistance). Outside the lab, I like reading books.
Mrs Ross-Lynne Gibb (PhD Microbiology)
I completed my masters at Nelson Mandela University with Professor Perissinotto, Dr. Steyn and Dr. Rishworth. My dissertation looked at different stromatolite forms as micro-habitats for invertebrate and benthic microalgae. My PhD is through the Marine Natural products group led by Professor Dorrington. This research looks at the phytoplankton in Algoa Bay and the Agulhas Current as a tool to map responses to environmental change. Through eDNA and microscopy techniques, we are describing the community structure and identifying environmental drivers of phytoplankton distribution in these regions. I love the challenge of discovering something new. I often feel like a forensic analyst; putting the pieces of evidence together to figure out the story. My work is different every day and it is always new and exciting. When I am not in the lab, I like to be outside, either running, walking, going on hikes, picnics or camping.
Mr Dele Abdissa (PhD Chemistry)
I am a PhD Candidate from Ethiopia, currently working in the Marine Natural Products Chemistry research group with Prof Dorrington. I received my MSc in Organic Chemistry in 2015 from Jimma University, and my these was entitled Phytochemical investigation of Aloe pulcherrima roots and evaluation for its antibacterial and antiplasmodial activities (see PLoS One 12(3): e0173882; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173882 for associated peer-reviewed publication). I love reading the current publications on Natural Products research in the area of Marine Natural Product chemistry and organizing in line with my research area. Outside the lab, I spend time exploring Grahamstown, engaging over social media and relaxing at home.
Mr Wakisa Kipandula (PhD Microbiology)
I hold MSc (Biochemistry) from the University of Nairobi, Kenya and Master of Philosophy (Cell Molecular Biology) at the University of St- Andrews in Scotland (UK). I am a lecturer at the University of Malawi, the College of Medicine and currently a PhD student (Microbiology) under Prof Dorrington and Dr Gwynneth Matcher’s supervision. It is scary to notice that deaths attributed to antimicrobial resistance were 700,000 in 2014 but could grow to 10 million by 2050 should there be no new drugs on the market. To contribute to avoiding this apocalypse possibility, I am using metagenomics approaches to mine bacterial communities from the pristine Antarctic environments as a source of new antibiotics against ESKAPE pathogens. I spend most of my leisure time watching movies and sometimes playing table pool.
Ms Asisipho Dloboyi (MSc Microbiology)
I obtained my BSc (Biochemistry & Microbiology) degree in 2019 at University of Fort Hare. I obtained my BSc (Hon) Microbiology degree in 2020 at Rhodes University under Prof Dorrington’s supervision. I am currently an MSc candidate and working on the stromatolite project. I actually enjoy being in the laboratory very much; it brings some kind of order in my life as I like being hands on. I always look forward to using the lab equipment and gaining more skills along the way. When I’m not in the lab, I always reward myself with TV shows, and listening to podcasts, I’m such an indoor person.
Ms Tumi Tsele (MSc Microbiology)
I am from a small town in the North West called Klerksdorp and I completed my undergraduate as well as my honours degree at Rhodes University. Currently, I’m working on exploring the potential of actinobacteria as a source of antibiotics for my MSc. What I enjoy the most about working in science is knowing that my research could add to a body of knowledge and propel the medical specialty forward. When I’m not in the lab I enjoy going on hikes, practicing photography and spending time with my friends.
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Ms Gabriella Solomons (BSc Hons)
I am from Port Elizabeth and I recently completed my BSc in Biochemistry and Microbiology at Rhodes. I am currently completing my Honours degree in Marine sponge derived pyrroloiminoquinones within the Marine Natural Drugs research group under the supervision of Prof Dorrington and Dr. Samantha Waterworth. I hope to apply the knowledge and skills I learn over the course of my career to medical microbiology research. In my free time, I like to play hockey and spend time with my family.Ms Gabriella Solomons (BSc Honours).
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Last Modified: Thu, 19 Aug 2021 11:55:22 SAST