University of Limpopo, South Africa
Dr. Lilian Makgoo is a passionate biochemist and dedicated academic from South Africa, currently serving as an nGAP Lecturer at the University of Limpopo. With a robust background in molecular and life sciences, her journey in academia showcases a commitment to both scientific research and student development. She is actively involved in teaching undergraduate biochemistry and contributes to curriculum development, laboratory supervision, and mentoring. Dr. Makgoo’s research expertise lies in cancer biology, specifically studying molecular mechanisms of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and the effects of HIV protease inhibitors on HPV-related cervical cancer. She has presented her findings at national and international conferences and published widely in peer-reviewed journals. Outside the lab, she supports her community as a change agent with the Mohlotlo Thuto Foundation. Her scientific passion is matched by technical proficiency in advanced molecular biology techniques, making her an emerging leader in biochemistry and biomedical sciences.
Profile
Orcid
Scopus
🎓 Education
Dr. Lilian Makgoo’s academic journey began at the University of Limpopo, where she earned her BSc in Molecular and Life Sciences (2013–2015) , followed by a BSc Honours in Biochemistry in 2016 . She then pursued and completed her Master’s degree in Biochemistry from 2017–2018 , focusing on apoptosis and cell signaling. Currently, she awaits final results for her Ph.D. in Biochemistry 🧬, also from the University of Limpopo. Her doctoral research investigates the cytotoxic effects of HIV protease inhibitors on HPV-induced cervical cancer, highlighting her commitment to translational cancer research. Throughout her studies, Dr. Makgoo has displayed an exceptional aptitude for scientific inquiry and lab-based experimentation. Her education has been marked by strong mentorship, multidisciplinary exploration, and a seamless transition from student to academic staff. This solid foundation equips her to tackle complex biochemical problems while educating the next generation of life science professionals.
💼Experience
Dr. Makgoo began her professional journey as a Laboratory Assistant (2016–2018) at the University of Limpopo , where she supported undergraduate practicals, handled lab operations, and aided in experimental troubleshooting. Since then, she has taken on a full-time Lecturer role , teaching biochemistry to 2nd and 3rd-year students, preparing lectures, marking assessments, and guiding students through consultations. Her dual experience in lab management and classroom instruction uniquely positions her to offer a holistic learning environment. Her mentorship roles and committee involvement in academic affairs underline her leadership capabilities. She is proficient in executing molecular biology techniques and leading research projects involving cytotoxic assays, gene expression analysis, and therapeutic investigations. Her hands-on experience spans flow cytometry, PCR, fluorescence microscopy, and cell culture. As an academic and researcher, Dr. Makgoo combines theoretical knowledge with practical excellence, inspiring students and contributing significantly to the scientific community.
🏅 Awards & Honors
Dr. Lilian Makgoo’s academic excellence has earned her multiple recognitions within the scientific community . She has presented her groundbreaking cancer biology research at prestigious conferences such as the South African Society for Microbiology and the Biomedical Research & Innovation Symposium 🧬. Notably, she was selected to speak at the Ellisras Longitudinal Study International Conference and the Faculty of Science and Agriculture Research Day, where her insights on arsenic trioxide and curcumin in breast cancer treatment received significant attention. Her impactful poster presentations on the anticancer potential of HIV protease inhibitors also highlight her contributions to global health research. In addition to her academic achievements, she plays a community role through the Mohlotlo Thuto Foundation, reflecting her dedication to science-led societal transformation. These accomplishments signify not just scientific brilliance but also leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to improving public health through biochemical research and education.
🔬 Research Focus
William Niemiec’s research focuses on the inzersection of Software Engineering and Healthcare Informatics, particularly the development of no-code platforms for mHealth based on structured care plans . His work explores component-based software engineering (CBSE) and model-driven development (MDD) to streamline healthcare app development for non-technical users, empowering clinicians to create custom digital tools . His contributions address the challenge of translating medical protocols into functional mobile applications, ensuring better patient engagement and follow-up . He is also exploring how artificial intelligence can aid in healthcare decision-making while mitigating algorithmic bias . Past research includes the viability of functionality generalization in health apps and leveraging data mining to evaluate test coverage. His cross-platform development and AI-centered investigations aim to boost accessibility and efficiency in digital health services, contributing to a smarter, more inclusive healthcare ecosystem .
Conclusion
Dr. Lilian Makgoo’s research focuses on cancer cell biology, with special emphasis on drug-induced apoptosis and tumor suppression mechanisms in breast and cervical cancers . Her work investigates the molecular mechanisms by which compounds like arsenic trioxide, curcumin, and HIV protease inhibitors induce cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest, and TP53 activity restoration in cancer cells. She is deeply engaged in understanding how RBBP6 and DAPK-1 contribute to tumor progression and therapeutic response, combining in silico analysis, cell culture, RT-PCR, flow cytometry, and microscopy techniques . Her multidisciplinary approach bridges biochemistry, molecular biology, and pharmacology, with the goal of developing targeted and low-toxicity anticancer therapies. She has published extensively in high-impact journals such as Viruses, Genes, and Current Issues in Molecular Biology. Through both experimental and translational frameworks, Dr. Makgoo seeks to advance therapeutic strategies against HPV-associated and drug-resistant cancers, making meaningful contributions to biomedical science and personalized medicine.
Publication
Title: In Silico Analysis of s-DAPK-1: From Structure to Function and Regulation
Year: 2025
Authors: Lilian Makgoo, Salerwe Mosebi, Zukile Mbita
Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47060416
Title: Susceptibility of HPV-18 Cancer Cells to HIV Protease Inhibitors
Year: 2024
Authors: Lilian Makgoo, Salerwe Mosebi, Zukile Mbita
Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/v16101622
Title: The Role of Death-Associated Protein Kinase-1 in Cell Homeostasis-Related Processes
Year: 2023
Authors: Lilian Makgoo, Salerwe Mosebi, Zukile Mbita
Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14061274
Title: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in HIV-mediated carcinogenesis: Role in cell homeostasis, cell survival processes and drug resistance
Year: 2022
Authors: Lilian Makgoo, Salerwe Mosebi, Zukile Mbita
Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ncrna.2022.07.003