On Thursday, 04 May 2017, Anine Crous, a doctoral fellow within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) graduated Cum-Laude in M.Tech Biomedical Technology at the UJ’s Sanlam Auditorium, Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) Campus.

Anine explained her delight in receiving her qualification: “With the completion of my degree I have a sense of achievement – as most postgraduates would know that research not only shapes the world but shapes you as a person as well.”

Anine is currently registered for her doctorate degree under the supervision of Prof Heidi Abrahamse, from the Laser Research Centre in UJ. Anine’s research interests are Photodynamic Therapy, Low Intensity Laser Irradiation, Stem Cells and Cancer Stem Cells. She has successfully applied for bursaries from the National Research Foundation (NRF), Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI). She has published in local and international journals and has presented her work at conferences.

Anine’s achievement came with a lot of determination and perseverance, she says that nothing but introspection, courage and determination would have enabled her to reap the successes of her project.

“Throughout my journey I came across obstacles and down-falls which I have learned can be overcome with the help of a support system of friends, family and colleagues, as well as personal driving force. Taking advice from leaders in your field is also key, as they have experience and knowledge which is fundamental in achieving success,” she concluded.

Her society memberships include: Health Professions Counsel of South Africa (HPSCA – MTS 0142468), World Association for Laser Therapy and the Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists of South Africa (SMLTSA – e’GOLI/3249). Her teaching experience include part-time lecturing at UJ in Haematology, as well as department of Biomedical Technology.