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20 June 2023 | Story Melissa Kilian | Photo Supplied
Melissa Kilian
Melissa Kilian is a Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Therapy.

The University of the Free State (UFS) is celebrating Youth Month by showcasing the positive influence of the institution on career development. As part of this initiative, we are sharing the stories of UFS alumni who are now working at the university.

Melissa Kilian, Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Therapy, shares her UFS journey:

Q: Year of graduation from the UFS:

A: 2011 and 2021.

Q: Qualification obtained from the UFS:

A: Baccalaureus and Master of Occupational Therapy.

Q: Date of joining the UFS as a staff member:

A: 1 June 2022 (employed for one year this month).

Q: Initial job title and current job title:

A: Lecturer in Occupational Therapy.

Q: How did the UFS prepare you for the professional world?

A: The UFS provided me with excellent clinical exposure to the diverse profession of occupational therapy. Additionally, the occupational therapy undergraduate course provided many opportunities for promoting self-awareness and self-development and entering the workforce as a graduate willing to explore the dimensions of the profession and what my unique contribution can be.

Q: What are your thoughts on transitioning from a UFS alumnus to a staff member?

A: Since being employed with the UFS, I have a deeper acknowledgement and appreciation for lecturers, as well as a multi-layered understanding of the importance of curriculum development and how this translates into students becoming competent graduates.

Q: Any additional comments about your experience?

A: It’s been quite an experience ...!

News Archive

Postdoc student broadens the interpretation of being productive
2013-09-16

 

Abdon Atangana
13 September 2013

Postdoc student Abdon Atangana (27) in the Institute for Groundwater Studies (IGS) brings a new dimension to the word ‘productive’. Since the beginning of this year he has published 23 articles in accredited journals. He is also guest editor in two reputed scientific journals.

Atangana – originally from Cameroon – enrolled at the UFS in 2009, finishing his BSc Honours in Applied Mathematics in one year. By the end of 2010 he could add MSc in Applied Mathematics to his CV. If this was not an accomplishment enough in itself, he passed both degrees cum laude. In 2011 he tackled his PhD in Geohydrology and submitted his final thesis in January 2013 – being the youngest PhD graduate at the Winter Graduation.

Besides his impressive publishing success, an additional 28 of his papers are currently under review by international journals in Applied Mathematics.

Atangana’s accomplishments in the publishing arena are phenomenal. He is lead guest editor for the special issue on Theory, Methods, and Applications of Fractional Calculus in The Scientific World Journal. He is also guest editor for the special issue on Analytical and Numerical Approaches for Complicated Nonlinear Equations in Abstract and Applied Analysis.Furthermore, he has been appointed on the editorial board of New Trends in Mathematical Sciences and is a reviewer for nine international accredited journals in Applied Mathematics.

This extraordinary academic has already presented papers on international conferences in America, Turkey and Thailand as well.

Atangana is truly the embodiment of the UFS’ core value of inspiring excellence.

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