The Occupational Hygiene and Health Research Initiative (OHHRI) at the North-West University (NWU) has once again showcased the outstanding calibre of its postgraduate students at the Southern African Institute for Occupational Hygiene (SAIOH) Annual Conference 2024. This prestigious event, which was recently held in Gaborone, Botswana, gathers top talent and professionals in occupational hygiene and rewarded three NWU students for their excellence in research, publications and presentations: Monica Young, Marelizé van Ree, and Nadia Botha.
Monica Young, a PhD graduate supervised by Prof Anja Franken and Prof Johan du Plessis, was honoured with the SAIOH Tertiary Student of the Year 2023 Award. This recognition highlights her academic performance, research dedication and significant contributions to the field.
MHSc graduate Marelizé van Ree, supervised by Dr Sonette du Preez and Prof Johan du Plessis, received the SAIOH Article of the Year 2023 Award for her publication, “Emissions and exposures associated with the use of an Inconel powder during directed energy deposition additive manufacturing”. Her article, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, sheds light on emissions and exposures relating to Inconel powder use in additive manufacturing, adding crucial knowledge to environmental health and workplace safety.
Marelizé van Ree received the SAIOH Article of the Year 2023 Award
Finally, the Best Poster Presentation Award went to Nadia Botha, an MHSc student supervised by Dr Suranie Horn and Dr Ilzé Engelbrecht. Nadia’s research poster was well received by conference attendees and judges, demonstrating the innovative work being conducted at the OHHRI.
Nadia Botha received the Best Poster Presentation Award
Prof Johan du Plessis expressed pride in the accomplishments of the students, noting that their achievements are a testament to the dedication, expertise and innovation present within the OHHRI team. According to Prof Du Plessis, their hard work is helping to shape the future of occupational hygiene and workplace safety.
“Very warm congratulations to Monica, Marelizé and Nadia on their remarkable achievements, which exemplify the NWU’s commitment to research excellence. These recognitions further establish the OHHRI as a leader in occupational health research in southern Africa.”
Marelizé van Ree received the SAIOH Article of the Year 2023 Award
The Best Poster Presentation Award went to Nadia Botha, an MHSc student. Nadia’s research poster was well received by conference attendees and judges, demonstrating the innovative work being conducted at the OHHRI.
