Mrs. Refiloe Malesa | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Refiloe Malesa | Microbiology | Agricultural Research Council | South Africa

Mrs. Refiloe Malesa is an accomplished molecular biologist and research technician from South Africa, currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Life Sciences (Molecular Biology – NGS) at the University of South Africa. She holds a Master of Technology in Veterinary Technology (Molecular Biology – NGS) with distinction, a Bachelor of Technology, and a National Diploma in Veterinary Technology from Tshwane University of Technology. Throughout her academic and professional career, Mrs. Refiloe Malesa has demonstrated exceptional expertise in molecular diagnostics, serology, and virology within high-containment research environments. Her professional experience spans over a decade at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), where she serves as a research technician in the Transboundary Animal Diseases section. Working in a BSL-3 facility, she performs DNA/RNA extractions, real-time PCR, virus isolation, ELISA, and virus neutralization assays, focusing on Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) and African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV). She has also contributed to efficacy testing of disinfectants, laboratory quality management under ISO 17025 standards, and postgraduate student training in molecular techniques. Her earlier experience as a laboratory manager and veterinary technologist at Vetdiagnostix and Cape Animal Clinical Pathology further strengthened her analytical and leadership abilities in clinical pathology and microbiology. Mrs. Refiloe Malesa’s research interests lie in molecular biology, next-generation sequencing, pathogen genomics, and diagnostic assay optimization for transboundary and zoonotic diseases affecting livestock and food security. Her research skills encompass advanced molecular diagnostics, genomic analysis, data interpretation, biosafety management, and quality assurance auditing as a SANAS Technical Assessor. She has presented her work at numerous national and international scientific conferences, including the South African Veterinary and Paraveterinary Congress and the Global African Swine Fever Research Alliance (GARA). Mrs. Refiloe Malesa’s outstanding scientific achievements have been recognized through her impactful publications in Scopus-indexed journals such as Pathogens, Frontiers in Bacteriology, and Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation. Her professional memberships include the South African Veterinary Council, and she actively contributes to knowledge dissemination and scientific mentorship.