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#UFSWomen: Prof Carlien Pohl-Albertyn encourages women to reach their full potential

06 August 2021 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Supplied

Prof Carlien_web read more — Prof Carlien Pohl-Albertyn, a successful scientist, is living her dream job, as she gets to pursue her passion for microbiology; a career she wanted to pursue ever since Grade 10.

Prof Carlien Pohl-Albertyn, a professor of Microbiology in the Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, is the holder of the SARChI Chair in Pathogenic Yeasts at the University of the Free State (UFS). She is leading the Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, studying pathogenic yeast infections and necessary treatment options and bringing hope to many immunosuppressed patients battling HIV/Aids, cancer, diabetics, and other diseases. She also recently co-authored an article on the incidence of fungal infections in COVID-19 patients.

“This is my dream job, as I get to pursue my passion for microbiology,” says Prof Pohl-Albertyn, who already knew as early as Grade 10 that she wanted to become a microbiologist. “I have always been fascinated by the natural world and have known since childhood that I would become a scientist,” she says.

An interview with Prof Pohl-Albertyn reveals more about the persons who inspired her, her view on the development of women, and how she approaches her work.

Is there a woman who inspires you and who you would like to celebrate this Women’s Month, and why?

“The first woman who instilled a love for the biological sciences in me was Miss Steyn, my high school Biology teacher. She had a passion for teaching that inspired me to become a microbiologist.”

Prof Pohl-Albertyn, however, states that there were many other women who constantly inspired her to be a better person.

“My mother inspires me to take responsibility for my choices; my mother-in-law inspires me to be kinder to others; and my best friends’ mothers inspire me to persevere, even when things are difficult.”

“I am also inspired by my female friends, Ezelle van den Heever, who has shown me that there is always a plan to be made to solve a problem; Trudi O’Neill, who manages to balance high-level research, teaching, and administration with her home life; Alicia Sherriff, from whom I am learning to be more emotionally intelligent; and Janine Allen, who has expanded my horizons and regularly shows me how to look at the world in a completely different way.”

What is your response to current challenges faced by women and available platforms for women development?

“Coming from a fairly male-dominated cultural background, I realise that I have been very privileged to not experience challenges just because I am a woman. I have been able to study and work in a field that values women and men equally and have chosen a very capable and extremely supportive husband, who sees me as an equal.”

She, however, realises that this is not the case for many women, and understands that there are women who were not able to follow their dreams and make their own life choices.

Prof Pohl-Albertyn believes that any opportunity for women to overcome challenges should be encouraged, as a society will ultimately be better if everyone is able to fulfil their greatest potential.

What advice would you give to the 15-year-old you?

This successful scientist, spouse, mother of two sons, daughter, friend, and mentor to many, says that she will advise her 15-year-old self to do everything the way that she has been doing it. “I do not regret anything and would not change my life in any way,” she says.

What would you say makes you a woman of quality, impact, and care?

“I am a person of quality because of my integrity, work ethic, and commitment to my responsibilities – something that is easy if you enjoy what you do every day.”

“I am a person of impact because of the influence I have on my colleagues, who I always treat with respect, and my students, who I teach to the best of my abilities, and which I hope will serve them well in their careers.”

“I am a person of care because I value the contributions of my colleagues and students to my own growth and development,” remarks Prof Pohl-Albertyn.

News Archive

“Breakthroughs depend on people believing in their own ideas”

2015-07-23

TED is a renowned international non-profit organisation dedicated to disseminating “ideas worth spreading” in the form compelling talks lasting up to 18 minutes.

Lerothodi Molete’s vision is to witness the youth of Bloemfontein emerge at the forefront of technological, scientific, and entrepreneurial innovations in both South Africa and the global arena.

Molete and Bonginkosi Leeuw are the organisers of TEDxUFS. Their duty is centered on inspiring people to believe in, and express, their ideas. These University of the Free State students have taken it upon themselves to inspire the youth to “push the boundaries of society.”

The second TEDxUFS event to be hosted by the university presents a unique opportunity for students, staff members, and the general public to mingle with influential speakers from across various disciplines.

Details of the event:

Date: Saturday 1 August 2015

Time: 08:00- 18:00

Venue: Albert Wessels Auditorium, Bloemfontein Campus

The keynote speakers include: Mmusi Maimane (Federal Leader: Democratic Alliance), Gareth Cliff (Radio personality: Cliff Central), Pieter Geldenhuys (Futurist), Brian Kally (Director: Arrow Logistics), Jonathan Jansen (Vice-Chancellor and Rector: UFS), Ricardo Peach (Director: Vrystaat Arts Festival, Pamela Nomvete (Former actor and writer), Gil Oved (Founder: Creative Counsel), Pepe Marais (CEO: Joe Public), Angelo Mockie (Senior Officer: Student Affairs and musician), Philippa Tumubweinee (Senior Lecturer in Architecture: UFS), and Melody Mentz (Psychology Senior Professor: UFS).

The reason behind the #AskWhy theme

"Why is a small word but it’s a quick, broad, sharp and abrupt one,” explains Leeuw. “It is the chosen word of the non-conformist, the defiant, and the visionary. It is a confrontational word. It challenges what is thought to be impossible.”

The ability to interrogate reality is what society and economies are built on. The absence of the fear to question encourages the capacity to progress.

Motivating young people to follow their dreams is the reason why the TEDxUFS team is persistent in their endeavours. Molete believes that, in order to change anything, people need to ask why.

Background of the innovation powerhouse called TED(x)

TED is a renowned international non-profit organisation dedicated to disseminating “ideas worth spreading” in the form compelling talks lasting up to 18 minutes.

In 1984, it was introduced as a conference exploring Technology, Entertainment, and Design. Three decades later, TED covers a wide variety of topics of global significance, reflecting the contemporary era in more than 100 languages.

TEDx events are under the TED umbrella. These events are organised independently, and create a platform for deliberating on local matters. The programme assists communities, organisations, and individuals to stimulate critical dialogue.

On 25 July 2014, the UFS hosted its inaugural TEDxUFS conference at the Odeion theatre on the Bloemfontein Campus, where eleven speakers addressed an audience of 150 people on interdisciplinary topics ranging from economics to entrepreneurship, technology, art, design, and theology.

This year, 200 seats will be available for innovative revolutionary individuals in search of inspiration.

Tickets are available at 0619284253 / 079 381 4126. Prices: R80 (Student/scholars) and R350 (Public/staff)

LINKS:

Lerothodi Molete- http://whoswho.co.za/lerothodi-molete-742022

Bonginkosi Leeuw- https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/10499

TEDxUFS- http://kovsielife.ufs.ac.za/templates/archive.aspx?news=276

Mmusi Maimane- http://whoswho.co.za/mmusi-maimane-44612

Garett Cliff- http://www.garethcliff.com/

Pieter Geldenhuys- http://pietergeldenhuys.com/

Brian Kally- https://za.linkedin.com/pub/brian-kally/4b/888/959

Jonathan Jansen- http://www.ufs.ac.za/adhoc-pages/rectorate/prof-(jd)-jonathan-jansen

Ricardo Peach- http://ricardopeach.com/

Pamela Nomvete- http://whoswho.co.za/pamela-nomvete-4789

Gil Ovid- https://za.linkedin.com/pub/gil-oved/3/910/892

Pepe Marais- http://joepublic.co.za/people

Angelo Mockie- https://za.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-mockie/27/56/302

PhilippaTumubweinee- http://natagri.ufs.ac.za/templates/staffmember.aspx?DCode=101&pid=zyNJm7KI%2b1k%3d

Melody Mentz- https://za.linkedin.com/in/melodymentz

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