Professor Johnson Lin, Professor Samson Mukaratirwa, Mr Hylton Rodel, Ms Carrie Jacobs, Mr Jason Kuppusamy & Professor Ade Olaniran at Merck prize giving.MERCK Awards Top Life Sciences Students
Top students from the School of Life Sciences were recognised for their achievements by MERCK, a producer of innovative and superior products in healthcare, life science and performance materials.
The awards were presented to the best third year students in Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology in 2014 by the Senior Account Manager at MERCK, Mr Jayson Kuppusamy.
Dean and Head of the School of Life Sciences, Professor Samson Mukaratirwa, welcomed everybody to the function and thanked MERCK for its contributions and investment in UKZN students.
Ms Portia Manditsvanga won the Biochemistry award but as she was overseas, Professor Johnson Lin accepted on her behalf.
The prize for the Best Third Year Student in Genetics in 2014 was awarded to Mr Hylton Rodel. Said lecturer, Dr Paula Sommers, ‘Hylton is an outstanding student, constantly questioning and being captivated by science – qualities that will make him an excellent scientist.’
Ms Carrie Jacobs, who received the Best Microbiology Student award, believes that science is the key to solving all the world’s fundamental problems.
Academic Leader: Teaching & Learning Professor Ade Olaniran, closed the function saying hard work would always be rewarded. ‘Sometimes you do your work with passion and diligence and you may think that people don’t recognise you but in the long run this is what it comes down to - coming here receiving an award and being honoured in the presence of fellow colleagues and staff. ‘Together with partners like MERCK, the School of Life Sciences will continue to recognise and reward excellence.’
Nerson Pillay