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UFS doctoral candidate triumphs in National 3 Minute Thesis Competition with revolutionary Infant Virome Research

04 December 2023 | Story LUNGA LUTHULI | Photo SUPPLIED

Milton Mogotsi, a PhD student at the University of the Free State (UFS), has secured a remarkable victory in the esteemed National 3 Minute Thesis competition (3MT), rising above formidable competition nationwide. This achievement follows Mogotsi’s earlier successes at faculty and institutional levels, where his presentations on the enteric virome of infants in the Free State stood out for their brilliance and significance.

The annual competition serves as a platform for postgraduate students to enhance their academic, presentation, and research communication skills by succinctly explaining their research to an intelligent but non-specialist audience within a concise 3-minute timeframe.

Reflecting on his initial reaction to the news, Mogotsi expressed a mix of shock and excitement. “I was genuinely shocked and excited when declared the winner,” he shared. This victory marked a significant milestone for Mogotsi, as a first-time participant, showcasing the excellence of both the UFS and the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Exploring uncharted territories

Mogotsi’s groundbreaking research delves into the unexplored domain of the enteric virome in infants, a subject inspired by his earlier master’s study in microbiology. “I was first introduced to this research during my master’s degree, and compelling findings motivated me to pursue further studies,” explained Mogotsi. Guided by his mentor, Prof Martin Nyaga, Mogotsi's doctoral journey unfolded into a profound exploration of the complexities of viruses colonising infants' guts and their implications on infant health.

Sharing key findings, Mogotsi highlighted that, despite detecting several disease-causing viruses in infants’ guts, none exhibited clinical symptoms. This emphasises the role of immunity and protective measures like breastfeeding. He also identified plant viruses, potentially transmitted through the environment or food sources, raising intriguing questions about infants’ exposure.

His pioneering use of viral metagenomics in unravelling the enteric virome’s complexity underscored its potential in understanding human health and disease. “Viral metagenomics has become a fundamental tool, shedding light on the composition of the infant’s enteric virome,” explained Mogotsi.

Navigating challenges

Despite challenges, including disruptions due to COVID-19 and participant withdrawals, Mogotsi persevered, underscoring the importance of a longitudinal approach in comprehending the infant virome’s development over time. His success in the competition not only boosted his confidence but also expanded his networks, providing invaluable opportunities to present his findings internationally.

Mogotsi's advice to aspiring researchers mirrors his own journey: clarity of purpose, resilience in the face of challenges, fostering mentor relationships, and making the most of available resources. His groundbreaking work is poised to influence policy, guide vaccine strategies, and reshape our understanding of infant health.

As Mogotsi approaches the completion of his PhD, the future holds promising horizons for this trailblazing researcher, poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of virology and infant health.

News Archive

UFS Physics Research Chair receives more funding

2017-11-20

Prof Hendrik Swart, Senior Researcher Professor in the
Department of Physics at UFS.
Photo: Charl Devenish

A research project into low-energy lighting using phosphor materials for light emitting diodes (LEDs) at the Department of Physics at the University of the Free State (UFS) has received further recognition.

The South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChi) has awarded further funding for the Research Chair in Solid State Luminescent and Advanced Materials situated in the department. Prof Hendrik Swart, a Senior Research Professor in the Department of Physics, says this means that the Chair will carry on receiving funds from SARChi for another five years. The Initiative also awarded Prof Swart in 2012 for the research, which resulted in funding for equipment and among others, bursaries.

Better light emission in LED’s
The research focuses on better light emission of phosphor powers in LEDs. It is also looking into improving LED displays in flat screens. The research into solar cells has shown that phosphors can also increase their efficiency by increasing the range of light frequencies, which convert into electricity. It also entails that glow-in-the-dark coatings absorb light during the day and emit it at night.

Prof Swart says over the next five years the research will focus on developing and producing devices that emit better light using the substances already developed. “We need to make small devices to see if they are better than those we already have.” In practical terms, it means they want a farmer’s water pump that works with solar energy to work better with less energy input.”

Device that simulates sunlight
Prof Swart says the renewal of the Chair’s funding means the department can now get equipment to enhance its research such as a solar simulator. The solar simulator uses white LEDs whose intensity output and wavelengths can be tuned. The output is measured in number of suns. It enables researchers to work in a laboratory with a device that simulates sunlight.

According to Prof Swart the long-term benefit of the research will result in more environmentally friendly devices which use less energy, are brighter and give a wider viewing field.

About 10 postdoctoral researchers are working on the studies done by the Chair in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

The Research Chair Initiative aims to improve the research capacity at public universities to produce high-quality postgraduate students, research and innovative outputs. The criterion for evaluating the department’s Chair includes aspects such as how much development has occurred over the past five years. The assessors look at features such as the number of students the research entity has trained and how many publications the research team has produced.

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