Mrs. Tshegofatso Mogase | Child Health | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Tshegofatso Mogase (née Rampudu) is a committed and passionate academic and researcher in the field of physiology and health sciences, with a focus on paediatrics, severe acute malnutrition, and refeeding syndrome. She is a cotutelle Ph.D. candidate in the UK-SA DHET Doctoral Training Program, supported by a SAMRC grant, allowing her to engage in extensive collaborative research opportunities. Her research explores the application of Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis to assess refeeding syndrome in severely malnourished children, contributing to improved diagnostics and clinical management. Tshegofatso holds an M.Sc. in Medicine (Physiology) from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, where her research investigated metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress, earning recognition for her academic excellence, and a B.Sc. Honours in Medical Science (Physiology) from the University of Limpopo. Professionally, she serves as Principal Technical Officer at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, coordinating postgraduate physiology programs, lecturing undergraduate and honours students, supervising research projects, and mentoring students in research methodology, experimental design, and presentation skills. She has extensive experience in physiology practicals, including cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, neurophysiology, and special senses systems. Her previous roles include a research fellowship where she supported undergraduate learning through practical applications. She has supervised and co-supervised multiple honours and MSc projects addressing nutrition, obesity, diabetes, and experimental physiology, demonstrating her mentorship capabilities and commitment to student development. Tshegofatso has actively disseminated her research through publications, including a systematic review and meta-analysis on refeeding syndrome in sub-Saharan Africa, and presented at national and international conferences, earning awards for her contributions in maternal and child health and nutrition research. She possesses strong research, technical, and professional skills, including project management, grant writing, data analysis, laboratory techniques, and digital teaching methods. Beyond academia, she is engaged in community health initiatives, promoting awareness of lifestyle diseases and nutrition in local communities, reflecting her dedication to translating research into societal impact.