Dr Kruger, Lean (PhD)

Dr Lean Kruger (PhD) is a dedicated academic and subject matter expert in animal health and behaviour, currently serving as a lecturer in the Department of Animal Science. He teaches Animal Ethology and Handling to first-year undergraduate students, providing them with a foundational understanding of animal behaviour, welfare, and safe handling practices. He also lectures Animal Health to third-year BSc Animal Science students as well as B.Agric. (Hons.) students. At the postgraduate level, Dr Kruger contributes to the Postgraduate Diploma and Master's Programme in Sustainable Agriculture, where he presents specialised modules on Animal Health. His teaching in this space supports the integration of animal health management into sustainable and ethical agricultural practices. Dr Kruger is actively involved in extension work and professional training, offering short courses focused on internal parasite diseases in small stock and small stock health management. Dr Kruger’s teaching, outreach, and academic leadership reflect his strong commitment to the advancement of animal science, sustainable agriculture, and the transfer of practical knowledge.

Dr Ayanda Maqhashu is a senior lecturer in animal physiology for the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of the Free State. She is a registered professional Animal Scientist with SACNASP and, South African Society for Animal Sciences. She obtained the degrees BSc Livestock and Pasture Sciences (Cum Laude) from the University of Fort Hare (2012), MSc Agric. Animal Sciences (2014) from the University of Fort Hare and PhD Animal Sciences (2019) from the University of the Free State. She worked as a lecturer at the University of Pretoria and at the Agricultural Research Council as a junior researcher in the section for Germplasm Conservation and Reproduction Biotechnologies 2014-2018. Her research is focused on reproduction physiology of both male and female livestock and wildlife (Giraffe) species also application of assisted reproductive biotechnologies such as artificial insemination, oestrous synchronization, semen & embryo cryopreservation, and in vitro embryo production. She has published 12 peer-reviewed scientific papers, presented 31 papers at conferences or symposia.

O’Neill, Adriana (PhD)

Dr Hester Adriana O’Neill earned her BSc Agric in Animal Science (1998), MSc Agric in Meat Science (2002), and PhD in Animal Science (2016) from the University of Pretoria. She has over 25 years’ teaching experience, covering subjects from first-year Animal Science to advanced postgraduate modules in Meat Science and Reproductive Physiology, and has successfully supervised numerous master’s and doctoral candidates to completion. Her research spans meat science, reproductive physiology, and animal welfare, with a focus on optimising livestock production and improving product quality. She has authored 18 peer-reviewed publications, accumulating over 690 citations and an h-index of 8. Her work has contributed to industry-focused studies on indigenous livestock, particularly in enhancing productivity and sustainability. In addition to her academic role, she is actively involved in professional networks and outreach initiatives that promote capacity building in animal science. Dr O’Neill is currently a Senior Lecturer in Animal Science at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein.