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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

Full week of graduation ceremonies at UFS in April

2015-04-10

Autumn always sees the UFS’s first graduation ceremony of the year on the Bloemfontein Campus.

From 14 – 17 April 2015, graduates will once again be rewarded for their hard work while top speakers will address them in the Callie Human Centre. There will be a ceremony at 09:00 and at 14:30 each day on all four days of the graduation.

The programme for the 2015 April Graduation is as follows:

Tuesday 14 April 2015:

Professor Himla Soodyall will be the speaker at both ceremonies on this day. Prof Soodyall is a Medical Scientist for the South African Institute for Medical Research. She is also a Principal Medical Scientist for the National Health Laboratory Service, and a Director for the Human Genome Diversity and Disease Research Unit at the University of Witwatersrand.

During the first ceremony of the day at 09:00, all diplomas/certificates and B degrees in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences will be awarded. Only Honours degrees in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences will be awarded at the 14:30 ceremony.

Wednesday 15 April 2015:

Wednesday will see Ndumiso Hadebe take the stage to address graduates at both ceremonies.

At the age of 23, Hadebe is the Founder and Managing Director of Master Frontiers Consulting, a firm that capacitates leaders and managers to achieve business goals through their people. He worked previously as a Researcher at Shanduka Black Umbrellas, a flagship enterprise and supplier development programme of the Shanduka Foundation.

He has been received numerous awards for excellence in leadership, such as the Sedibeng District Municipal Mayor’s Award for Service and Leadership. He is a Brand South Africa Ambassador and Read Educational Trust Ambassador.

All diplomas/certificates, B and Honours degrees in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, except B Com degrees, will be awarded during the morning ceremony at 09:00. Later, at the 14:30 ceremony, only B Com degrees in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences will be awarded.

Thursday 16 April 2015:

Multiple award winning South African TV presenter, Leanne Manas, will be the speaker at both Thursday ceremonies.

Manas has graced our screens for over a decade. Not many broadcasters can boast having had live TV experience, 5 days a week for 12 years. She is currently the anchor of SABC 2’s flagship breakfast programme, Morning Live. Leanne is a qualified Speech and Drama teacher. having studied at London Trinity College. She also has an Honours degree in English.
Diplomas/certificates up to and including Honours degrees in the Faculty of the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Communication Sciences will be awarded during the ceremony at 09:00. The 14:30 ceremony will have diplomas/certificates up to and including Honours degrees in the Faculty of the Humanities’ other qualifications except for Social Sciences and Communication Sciences.

Friday 17 April 2015:

Dr Maria Phalime will be the speaker at both ceremonies on Friday.

Phalime is a medical doctor and award-winning author. She practiced for a brief period as a general practitioner in South Africa and the United Kingdom, before leaving medical practice to pursue non-clinical interests. She has worked in trade and investment promotion, and has undertaken research and consulting in the areas of economic development and business facilitation.

Diplomas/certificates up to and including Honours degrees in the Faculty of Education (CE, NPDE and ACE excluded) will be awarded during the ceremony at 09:00. Diplomas/certificates up to and including Honours degrees in the Faculties of Health Sciences, Law, and Theology will be awarded at the 14:30 ceremony.

Click here for the simple layout of the 2015 April Graduation programme:
http://www.ufs.ac.za/adhoc-pages/2014-graduation-ceremony/graduation-ceremony

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