Italy honours city scientist
NERISSA Naidoo is making her mark in the science world. She was recently awarded the “Science, She Says!” award by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The award recognises outstanding female scientists. They must be younger than 40 years old, and have contributed to the advancement of science, technology and bilateral scientific cooperation.
The candidates must also perform their research in one of five regions: Africa and the Middle East; Asia and the Pacific; Europe; Central and South America, and the Caribbean; and North America.
Following the shortlisting, one female candidate from each region was selected as the winner of the award.
The award ceremony was held at the University of Padua, in Padua, Italy, on March 6.
The 32-year-old, originally from Arena Park, Chatsworth, relocated to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in 2017 with her husband Prenlin Pillay, who is a businessman in Dubai.
She was appointed assistant professor of anatomy in the College of Medicine at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences in 2017.
“In February this year, I was promoted to associate professor of anatomy. I conduct research on the clinico-anatomical features of degenerative articular complexes, particularly those of the shoulder joint and lumbar vertebral column/spine.
“Through these studies, I have been able to establish population-specific datasets for normal and degenerative groups, and have proposed proof-of-concepts in diagnostic medical imaging approaches, with the aim of contributing to the improvement of pre-operative strategies and post-operative patient outcomes,” said Naidoo.
She said her academic career began at the Discipline of Clinical Anatomy at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
“During this time, I held various roles and was employed as a demonstrator, curator, module coordinator, research assistant and replacement/ junior lecturer. I was responsible for the instructional delivery of content specific to regional anatomy, and general and special embryology to the allied health science and medical science student cohorts.”
Naidoo completed her undergraduate and postgraduate medical science degrees at UKZN, and her doctoral degree was completed under the co-mentorship of Ghent University, Belgium.
“My postgraduate supervisors deemed my initial Master’s study to be of meritorious level, so my degree was converted to a PhD degree.”
Naidoo said she wanted to get into the medical field from an early age.
“My maternal grandmother frequently recounts a relevant incident when I was around 5 years old. Upon returning home after accompanying her to the outpatient clinic for a routine check, I proceeded to mimic the nurse and attempted to perform an intravenous injection on my grandmother while she was asleep. Of course, she immediately woke up in shock.
“I guess from then on, I always wanted to pursue a career in a field that posed challenges and opportunities to learn on a daily basis, particularly in the field of medical and allied health sciences.”
She said after completing her Bachelor of Medical Sciences degree, her plan was to pursue a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree.
“However, after being appointed as a demonstrator in the Discipline of Clinical Anatomy during the final year of my undergraduate degree, my career interests transitioned to that of academia. I declined the offer to study medicine at UKZN. I then went on to pursue an Honours degree in anatomy,” said Naidoo.
She said being a woman in science was not easy.
“I think it is a well-known fact that women are under-represented in Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
“However, as we endeavour to bridge the divide, there are many obstacles to overcome.”
She said these obstacles included the limited availability of funding opportunities for women; defining an “acceptable” boundary between home and work life; and the inferiority and gender bias that often ensued in the peer-review process.
“I feel blessed and fortunate to be in a field in which I have a daily opportunity to explore and learn, and to translate these findings into clinical practice to improve health and quality of life.
“Most importantly, this role means that I have an intangible responsibility, to share my story to fuel the growth of budding scientists in our communities.
“It is no secret that women have an innate ability to nurture. To promote and flourish in Stem-related careers, I think it is particularly important to use this ability to empower the younger generation of scientists so that they can confidently approach pivotal junctures in their careers.
“At the same time, this ability should be reciprocated by identifying a mentor who will positively influence your professional development and help you to rise above barriers in the workplace,” said Naidoo.