Team

	Dr Adetomiwa Adeniji My research goal is to apply system biology analytical approaches to understand host-microbe interactions, identify ways to better combat emerging infectious diseases, and promote effective disease treatment strategies.
	Dr Cheryl Baxter Head of Scientific Support at CERI.My main research focus is HIV prevention, specifically strategies to reduce HIV acquisition among young women and issues related to sexual and reproductive health. More recently, I have been contributing to Covid-19 research, particularly the monitoring of the epidemic trends. In addition to my research experience, I have a passion for capacity development.
	Prof. Tulio de Oliveira My research interests concentrate on viral evolution under selection pressure created in the transmission, acquisition, and drug escape processes. A particular point of interest is on the study of viruses's origins and the effect of the network of transmissions in the spread of epidemics in Africa and other continents. I also enjoy developing bioinformatics software applications and running a next-generation sequencing (NGS) and innovation research centre.
	Mr Stepfan De Villiers My passion is identifying, understanding, and analyzing microorganisms responsible for infectious diseases and I hold a deep interest in advancing my studies and a career in Molecular Biology and Epidemiology.
	Zuretha Els My research focused on packaging logistics and operating conditions. I have a great love for traveling, but when I am at home my two huskies, Hunter and Baloo, keeps me entertained. We like to take long strolls on the beach and to swim in the ocean!
	Dr Vagner Fonseca Post-Doctoral Fellow at CERI. My research interests concentrate on viral evolution under selection pressure created in the transmission, NGS of 2nd and 3rd generation sequencing. A particular point of interest is the study of viruses' origins and the effect of the network of transmissions in the spread of epidemics in Brazil and other continents. I also enjoy developing bioinformatics software to make users' lives more conformable with a more user-friendly interface application.
	Suzette Grobler Senior Grants and Contract Manager at CERI.
	Zama Khathi-Majyambere I am passionate about supporting teams, streamlining operations, and contributing to a dynamic and efficient work environment.
	Maambele Khosa I recently joined CERI to spearhead Marketing, Media, and Communication. Currently completing a master's degree in science and technology, I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing and a Bachelor of Science in Geoinformatics and Information Systems Management from the University of Stellenbosch.
	Prof Lenine Liebenberg Prof Lenine Liebenberg's work in mucosal immunology is predominantly focused on understanding and mitigating the impact of sexually transmitted infections on public health.
	Gwynneth Louw She started her career in research and the medical field 7 years ago as a data capture for TB Research and has since landed her current post as a research administrator at CERI Labs in which she enjoys the work, the people and the CERI culture.
	Zethu Luthuli I am the Project Coordinator at CERI. I joined CERI in 2021 and I am response for the administrative projects’ coordination, communicating with and assisting postgrad students and post-doctoral fellows, procurement (procuring of goods and services), Grants Management & Finance admin support.
	Dr Moise Majyambere Dr Moise Majyambere is currently a Senior Research Support Officer at CERI: Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (Stellenbosch University).
	Prof Thulani Makhalanyane Prof Thulani Makhalanyane's research focuses on understanding the ecology of microbial communities in extreme environments.
	Dr Monika Moir Post-Doctoral Fellow at CERI - I was awarded a PhD in 2020 which focused on the ecology and conservation of bats in forests in South Africa with specialisation in the fields of bioacoustics, population genetics, phylogeography and landscape ecology.
	Dr Yeshnee Naidoo Laboratory Manager at CERI. My main interest is HIV Drug resistance in South Africa and translational research to implement activities designed to make precision medicine technologies available to the public.
	Dr. Sunday Oladejo I recently joined CERI as a joint postdoctoral fellow with a research background in mobile networks, optimization, machine learning, and data science. My research interest lies in the intersection of machine learning, data science, and health sciences.
	Tebogo Ramakutoane I am a qualified medical laboratory technician with over 10 years’ experience working in Clinical research trial laboratories. I also have a Masters in Biotechnology, with the main area of research focusing on the control fungal pathogen.
	Dr. Lavanya Singh Leads Laboratory and Quality Management at CERI, Stellenbosch University. With extensive experience in HIV research and molecular diagnostics, she has worked on HIV drug resistance and the development of pathogen detection methods, DNA sequencing, and qPCR, previously managing the ISO15189:2012-accredited diagnostic lab at KRISP.
	Prof Frank Tanser Professor Frank Tanser is a South African scientist whose research aims to evaluate and design intervention strategies to drive back the HIV epidemic and its negative consequences in communities hardest hit by the epidemic
	Dr. Houriiyah Tegally Houriiyah Tegally holds a PhD in Virology & Bioinformatics and is currently Head of Data Science at the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, focusing on the genomic epidemiology and evolution of viral pathogens South Africa and Africa.
	Astrid Treffry-Goatley My research focuses on the impact of extreme weather events on the mental health of vulnerable African populations, community engagement, and transdisciplinary research, integrating participatory visual methods to address health issues such as HIV adherence, climate-sensitive risks, and gender-based violence.
	Velda Wentzel I joined CERI as a Laboratory Technician looking for a new challenge after working in different diagnostic labs for many years as a Medical Technologist.
	Dr. Eduan Wilkinson My main focus is on infectious diseases of public health concern which are impacted by the climate crises. This includes water and vector borne diseases (e.g. Cholera or Dengue).
	Dr. Joicymara Xavier Post-Doctoral Fellow at CERI. I hold a PhD in Bioinformatics and a master’s degree in Computer Science. I’m passionate about the intersection of both knowledges and enjoy the development of information systems to help the world on the better understanding of diseases and outbreaks.
	Nondumiso Zakwe I am responsible for effective sample management and LIMS coordination. I hold a BSc Honours degree in Biochemistry and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration. With laboratory experience spanning various industries, I approach my work at CERI with a multidimensional perspective.