Ms. Hlengiwe holds an Honours degree in Microbiology from the University of Venda and a M.MedSc Virology (Cum Laude) from the University of the Free State.  Her Master’s project titled genomic analysis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) circulating in the Free State during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed significantly to scientific knowledge on the impact of pandemic such as COVID-19 on the transmission of respiratory viruses.  

Ms. Sondlane during her M.MedSc study supervised by Prof. Martin Nyaga acquired knowledge spanning across viral metagenomics, whole genome sequencing of respiratory pathogens as well as targeted sequencing such as 16S and ITS. She has considerable experience in genomic data analysis frow raw data processing to data interpretation. Her proficiency in the use of data analysis tools was honed through several specialised bioinformatics training workshops hosted by the UFS-NGS unit.

Ms. Sondlane is currently an intern within the respiratory niche under the mentorship of Prof. Martin Nyaga and Dr. Ayodeji Ogunbayo at the UFS-NGS Unit. She believes this position will further enhance her capacity to build on her existing genomic knowledge while gaining professional and work experience needed for the rapidly evolving genomic market.