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Dr O Luzuko Matolweni, Phd
How did you end up studying
genetics? What and who inspired
you along the way?
I developed a love for medicine at a very
tender age. I was told that biology, maths
and physical sciences were the main
subjects I should focus on. However,
things changed when I was refused
admission to medicine because I failed
to meet the required entry level symbol
in mathematics. This was the most
devastating moment of my life.
I was, however, allowed to register
for a BSc degree. My major courses in
BSc were botany, zoology and psychology.
I went on with my studies for the sake of
studying. My heart and soul were in
medicine. The good thing is that I was
open about it. My parents, teachers and
lecturers encouraged me to hang in there.
Soon after having completed an
Honours degree in botany, I realised
that I was becoming more interested in
molecular biology (cell biology and genetics).
I did a Masters degree in population
genetics which later landed me a Phd.
Population genetics is a field in molecular
biology that deals with the movement of
genes within and among populations.
This movement is termed gene flow and,
without a doubt, underlies evolution.
Currently, I am involved in a research
project that seeks to identify genes that
lead to heart failure; a huge proportion
of diseases are a result of defects in our
genetic blueprint (DNA).
What do you love best about
what you do?
The research aspect of my career is most
stimulating. Reaching out to the world of
the unknown and finding new knowledge
is very exciting. Research plays a major
role in the advancement of knowledge.
What would you say is boring/
frustrating about your field of
study?
There are no easy routes to answers.
However, I believe this is the case with
most fields of study and can even be
found to be true about life in general.
In genetics the frustration lies in the
fact that genetics is not as straight
forward as other sciences, largely because
of a huge number of influences on
gene function and the uncertainties
of analysing these factors.
What kind of person is suited to a
career in your field of expertise?
This job requires a hardworking and very
determined individual. The person should
be analytical, knowledgeable, resilient and
totally committed to research.
What was the title of your PhD?
Why did you choose your
specialty?
The title was: "Evolutionary genetics
of the Begonia dregei complex
(Begoniaceae)". As I have stated earlier,
population genetics is a branch of
genetics that deals with the movement
of genes within and between
populations. It is, therefore, at the
population level that genetics reflects
historical events and helps us
understand the present day diversity
of all life forms.
South Africa is considered a
third-world country. Would you
say that this affects the quality
of our genetics research?
It is difficult to provide a direct answer to
this question. I believe the quality of the
research in this country is very good. We
have qualified and very skilled personnel
in genetics. However lack of resources and
funding may have a profound effect on
the rate of research output. Geneticists in
this country are unable to keep up with
the ever-advancing technology.
What words of warning and
encouragement do you have for
someone who wants to study
genetics?
Love of science is the key if you want
to pursue a career in this field. If you
have the interest and passion, you
will make it. The only word of warning
to school leavers out there is that if
you come to science with the hope
of making lots of money, science is
not your field.
Any last comments?
Choose your subjects carefully so that you
keep your options open. This will give you
something to fall back on in case you do
not make it in your choice of study.
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