Our team just got more exciting!
The UFS-NGS Unit is excited to welcome new members into the team, all joining Prof. Martin Nyaga’s
newly established Research Chair on Genomic Surveillance of Respiratory and Enteric Pathogens
from Children in South Africa.
Dr. Adedayo Ayodeji Lanrewaju joins as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. He completed his PhD in Biotechnology at the Durban University of Technology and holds an MSc in Industrial Microbiology from the University of Ibadan, with doctoral research investigating waterborneenteric viruses in wastewater using metagenomic next-generation sequencing. His research interests spans pathogen genomics and bioinformatics, with a focus on viral metagenomics, wastewater-based infectious disease surveillance, and drug discovery. With around 20 publications in Q1 and Q2 peer reviewed journals, a strong record of bioinformatics, molecular docking, teaching, mentorship, and several conference awards, he brings deep expertise in applying genomic and computational approaches to understand viral diversity, transmission, and public health risks.
Ms. Whitney Mothosola joins as our newly appointed Research Nurse under the Research Chair. She brings a clinical nursing background, a Master of Health Sciences in Environmental Health from the University of Johannesburg, and a recently completed MSc in Epidemiology (Field Epidemiology) from the University of the Witwatersrand. This multidisciplinary foundation across nursing, environmental health, and epidemiology gives her a broad perspective on infectious diseases and population health. In her role, she will support clinical research activities, participant engagement, and the collection and management of clinical specimens and data, contributing to a better understanding of respiratory and enteric pathogens among children in South Africa.
Ms. Rihangwele Muluvhu joins as a Ph.D. candidate in the Division of Virology. She completed her Master of Molecular and Cell Biology (Vaccinology) at the University of Cape Town, where she worked on a universal vaccine candidate against respiratory diseases. Her doctoral research investigates the molecular epidemiology and evolutionary dynamics of respiratory viruses among children under five in the Free State Province, using whole-genome sequencing, phylogenetics, and bioinformatics to characterise viral diversity and transmission patterns, ultimately supporting vaccine development and evidence-based public health interventions.
Mr. Bongani Nkosi joins as a Ph.D. candidate at the UFS-NGS Unit. Bongani holds an MSc, BSc Hons, and BSc in Forensic Science from the University of the Free State, where his master’s research focused on developing and validating a multi-analyte GC-MS/MS method for the detection of steroids and stimulants in human urine. He brings a strong foundation in bioanalytical testing, gained through extensive in-house training in an ISO 17025:2017 and WADA-accredited laboratory, complemented by prior experience as an academic demonstrator facilitating forensic science and genetics modules. This combination of molecular, bioanalytical, and investigative expertise positions him well to apply NGS technologies towards advancing infection control and public health research.
Ms. Felicia Ncamisile Mabaso joins as a Master’s student in Human Molecular Biology. With a Bachelor of Medical Science in Physiology and an Honours in Medical Microbiology from UKZN, where she studied the genetic variation of Trichomonas vaginalis, Felicia brings hands-on skills in DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and MLST. Felicia is committed to advancing her knowledge in human molecular biology and genomics through postgraduate research and professional development at the UFS-NGS Unit.
Ms. Portia Raphalalani joins as an MSc candidate in Human Molecular Biology. A UFS graduate in Genetics and Physiology, her honours work on wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 RNA sparked a passion for using genomics to track and respond to infectious diseases. Ms. Raphalalani is passionate about pursuing postgraduate study in Pathogen Genomics and Genomic Surveillance because of her strong commitment to advancing public health through molecular research. As an MSc candidate, she is eager to expand her expertise in genomic surveillance and NGS to contribute meaningfully to disease monitoring, outbreak response, and healthcare innovation in South Africa.
We can’t wait to see where their research journeys take them. Welcome to the team!
