curriculum vitae for renẾe anne street october 2015 … · 2017-12-08 · 1 dr. r. street –...

1 Dr. R. Street – Curriculum vitae

Curriculum Vitae

for

RENẾE ANNE STREET

October 2015

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Institution address South African Medical Research Council

Environment & Health Research Unit

491 Ridge Road

Overport

Durban

4000

SOUTH AFRICA

Home address 15 Lulworth Road

Glenwood

Durban

4000

SOUTH AFRICA

Work +27 (0) 31 242 3679

Mobile +27 (0) 84 4907 539

Fax +27 (0) 31 242 3806

E-mail address [email protected]

Alternate email [email protected]

Identity number 770518 0144088

Date of birth 18 May 1977

Gender Female

Marital status Married

Nationality South African

Drivers license Code 8


CURRENT POSITION

September 2015 – present

Project manager

Environment & Health Research Unit

South African Medical Research Council

HONORARY POSITION

1 February 2015 – present

Honorary lectureship

Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health

College of Health Sciences

University of KwaZulu-Natal

NRF RATING

NRF rating application currently under peer review.

WORK EXPERIENCE

2013 – 2015 Senior scientist. HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical

Research Council (2 year contract)

2013 Lectureship - Biomolecules (Bio101), a first year undergraduate course,

University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban (part time)

2010-2013 Post doctoral research fellow under DST/NRF chair of indigenous health

care systems. Traditional Medicine Laboratory. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban

2009 (12 month contract) Post doctoral research fellow, Oncology Research Unit,

South African Medical Research Council, Durban

2008 (12 month contract) Professional Development Programme internship (funded

by Department of Science and Technology) taken up at South African Medical

Research Council, Indigenous Knowledge Systems [Health] Lead Programme, Cape

Town

2007 Lectureship - Plant Physiology course (Bio 312), a third year undergraduate

course, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg (part time)

2007 Tutorship - Plant Physiology course (Bio 312), a third year undergraduate


2006 Tutorship - People in Society course (Bio 213), a second year undergraduate


2005/2006 Teaching assistant for undergraduate practical application work,

University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg


EDUCATION

Ph.D. Botany – Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, University of

KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (2005-2008) [thesis entitled Heavy

metals in South African medicinal plants]

M.Sc. Natural Resources and Environment (First Class Pass) - Czech University of

Agriculture, Prague, Czech Republic (2003 – 2005) [thesis entitled Aluminum

speciation in tea leaves and infusions]

B.Sc. Horticulture - Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry, Brno, Czech

Republic (2000 – 2003) [thesis entitled The Influence of Plants Indigenous to the

Cape Floral Kingdom on World Floral Trade] (course conducted in Czech language)

Proficiency Certificate in Czech Language - Charles University Language School,

Marianske Lazne, Czech Republic (1999 – 2000)

Ayurvedic Primary Health Care Adviser Certificate - South African Ayurvedic

Medical Association, Cape Town (1999)

Certificate in Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology for Complementary Health

Therapists - Cape Reflexology College, Cape Town (1998 - 1999)

N4 (Post Matriculation) Certificate in Financial Accounting, Information Processing,

Communications and Office Practice - South Peninsula College, Cape Town (1996)

Matriculation / A Levels in English, Biology, Mathematics, English, History,

Afrikaans and Home Economics - Bergvliet High School, Cape Town (1991 –1995)

BURSARIES/SCHOLARSHIPS

2005 – 2007 Ph.D. bursary awarded by National Research Foundation

1999 – 2005 Full scholarship awarded by Czech Ministry of Sports and Education

AWARDS

2015 Scholarship to attend SA AIDS conference (waiver of registration fee) in

Durban.


2014 Scholarship to attend HIVR4P conference. Travel and lodging to attend

conference in Cape Town

2011 - 2013 Career Development Award from South African Medical Research

Council for demonstrating academic excellence and showing potential to become an

established researcher

2007 Best poster presentation - The SA Pharmacology and Toxicology Congress

(TOXSA), Buffelspoort, North West Province

2007 Best overall poster - The SA Pharmacology and Toxicology Congress

(TOXSA), Buffelspoort, North West Province

GRANTS

2015 ‘HIV risk assessment tool to guide interventions in HIV hotspots’ funded by

South African Medical Research Council, R1.5m. My role: co-investigator / grant

writer Status: On-going

2014 ‘Metabolomic analysis and identification of common functional groups and

compound groups from South African plants with anti-viral activity with specific

focus on HIV’, R200 000 funded by UNISA My role: Co-Principle investigator

Status: On-going

2013 Knowledge interchange and collaboration travel grant funded by National

Research Foundation, R32 000. Travel grant to attend Society of Toxicology

annual meeting, San Antonio, USA. 9 -16.03.2013 My role: Grantee Status:

Complete

2013 Travel award funded by GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale

Zusammenarbeit) to attend Access and benefit-sharing course. Gaborone,

Botswana. 3-8.03.2013 My role: Grantee Status: Complete

2011 Career development award grant funded by South African Medical Research

Council, R200 000. Project title: The use of metal salts in South African

traditional medicine. My role: Principle investigator Status: Ongoing

2011 Self-initiated research grant funded by South African Medical Research Council,

R196 000. Project title: The use of metal salts in South African traditional

medicine. My role: Principle investigator Status: Substituted for above mentioned

2011 Knowledge interchange and collaboration travel grant funded by National

Research Foundation, R15 000. Travel grant to attend Introduction to Cancer

Epidemiology Summer School hosted by International Agency for Research on

Cancer, Lyon (France), 25.06.2011-08.07.2011 My role: Grantee Status:

Complete

2011 International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) subsistence grant funded

by IARC (a World Health Organization agency) to attend Introduction to Cancer

Epidemiology Summer School, 1300EURO. Lyon (France), 25.06.2011-

08.07.2011 My role: Grantee Status: Complete


2007 – 2011 National African traditional medicine bioprospecting and development

research project funded by the Department of Science and Technology, R12m.

The objectives of this research included the development of high quality

standardized medicinal products formulated with proven efficacy, safety and

quality. Consortium members include Agricultural Research Council, Council for

Scientific and Industrial Research, Medical Research Council, Traditional Healers

Organization, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of the Free State, University

of Pretoria, Walter Sisulu University My role: Chair secretary Status: Closed

IPROJECT LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

2014 Qualitative study of former microbicide gel trial participants My role: SA

Principle Investigator Status: Complete Staff management: 3 research

assistants

2014 Pathways to Engagement in HIV Care Among Newly-Diagnosed South Africans

My role: SA Principle Investigator Status: Complete Staff management: ad

hoc research assistants

2008 The determination of hexavalent chrome content in South African traditional

medicines used as enemas’ commissioned by Merebank Chrome Task Team

funded by Lanxess (Pty) My role: Project leader Status: Complete Staff

management: 12 fieldworkers

ISTUDENT SUPERVISION AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

Nokulunga Cele (DST/NRF intern) My role: mentor Status: current

Ambrose Okem (PhD) Heavy metal contamination in South African medicinal plants:

cytotoxic and hyperaccumulative properties (UKZN) My role: co-supervisor Status:

graduated in April 2015

Shaeen Chetty (BSc Hons) Determination of heavy metals in South African

traditional medicines used as tonics (UKZN) My role: co-supervisor Status:

graduated in 2011

EXTERNAL THESIS EXAMINATION

2013 Institute for Plant Biotechnology, Stellenbosch University Level: MSc


BOOK CHAPTERS

4. Street RA, McGaw L. 2015. Bioactive plants and health benefits. In: Plant

bioactives and pancreatic cancer prevention and treatment. Vuong, QV and Scarlett,

C (Eds) Nova Science. Chapter 4, pp 59-80.

3. Street RA, Prinsloo G, Gqaleni, N. 2013. Guidelines for quality control during

preclinical testing of African Traditional Medicines. In: African natural plant products

Volume II: discoveries and challenges in chemistry, health and nutrition. Chapter 13,

pp 185–206.

2. Prinsloo G, Street RA. 2013. Marula [Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich) Hochst]: a

review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. In: African natural plant

products Volume II: discoveries and challenges in chemistry, health and nutrition.

Chapter 2, pp 19–32.

1. Street RA, Van Staden J. 2009. Quality and Safety of African Medicinal Plants. In:

HR Juliani; JE Simon; CT Ho (Eds) African natural plant products: discoveries and

challenges in quality control. American Chemical Society Symposium Series 1021.

American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C USA. Chapter 19, pp 347–361.

PEER-REVIEWED SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS

23. Mercury sources in South Africa. Invited commentary for The Clean Air Journal

(manuscript currently with Editor).

22. Street RA, Kabera GM, Connolly C. 2015 Copper sulphate use in South African

traditional medicine. Submitted to International Journal of Hygiene and Public Health

21. Street RA, Kabera GM, Connolly C. 2015. Metallic mercury use by South African

traditional health practitioners: perceptions and practices. Environmental Health (In

press)

20. Street RA, Reddy T, Ramjee G. 2015. The generational effect on age disparate

partnerships and the risk for HIV and STI acquisition. International Journal of STD

and AIDS (In press)

19. Okem A, Southway C, Stirk W, Street RA, Finnie JF, Van Staden J. 2015. Effect

of cadmium and aluminum on growth, metabolite content and biological activity in

Drimia elata (Jacq.) Hyacinthaceae. South African Journal of Botany 98: 142–147.


18. Okem A, Southway C, Stirk W, Street RA, Finnie JF, Van Staden J. 2014. Heavy

metal contamination in South African medicinal plants: A cause for concern. South

African Journal of Botany 93: 125–130.

17. Street RA, Sidana J, Prinsloo G. 2013 Cichorium intybus: traditional uses,

phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. Evidence-Based Complementary and

Alternative Medicine. Article ID 579319, 13 pages, doi:10.1155/2013/579319.

16. Street RA and Cele P. 2013. Metal and crystalline salts commonly used in South

African traditional medicine. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 148:329-331.

15. Street RA and Prinsloo G. 2013. Commercially Important Medicinal Plants of

South Africa: A Review. Journal of Chemistry. Article ID 205048, 16 pages,

doi:10.1155/2013/205048.

14. Street RA, Ngcobo M, Mbatha N, Gqaleni N. 2012. Potential occupational

challenges in the traditional medicine practice. Occupational Health Southern Africa

18, 13-17.

13. Street RA. 2012 Heavy metals in medicinal plant products – an African

perspective. South African Journal of Botany 82, 67-74.

12. Mbatha N, Street RA, Ngcobo M, Gqaleni N. 2012 Sick certificates issued by

South African Traditional Health Practitioners – Current legislation, challenges and

the way forward. South African Medical Journal, 102, 129-31.

11. Gqaleni N, Hlongwane T, Khondo C, Mbatha M, Mhlongo S, Ngcobo M, Mkhize

VT, Mtshali N, Pakade R, Street RA. 2011. Biomedical and traditional healing

collaboration on HIV and AIDS in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Universitas Forum:

International Journal on Human Development and International Cooperation 2, 1-9.

10. Street RA, Kulkarni MG, Stirk W, Southway C, Van Staden J. 2010. Effect of

cadmium on growth and micronutrient distribution in wild garlic (Tulbaghia violacea).

South African Journal of Botany 76, 332-336.

9. Street RA, Elgorashi EE, Kulkarni MG, Stirk W, Southway C, Van Staden J. 2009

Effect of cadmium accumulation on anti-inflammatory activity in two Eucomis

species. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 83, 644-647.

8. Street RA, Kulkarni MG, Stirk W, Southway C, Abdillahi HS, Chinsamy M, Van

Staden J. 2009. Effect of cadmium uptake and accumulation on growth and


antibacterial activity of Merwilla plumbea – a highly used medicinal plant in South

Africa. South African Journal of Botany 75, 611–616.

7. Bairu MW, Kulkarni MG, Street RA, Mulaudzi RB, Van Staden J. 2009. Studies on

seed germination, seedling growth, and in vitro shoot induction of Aloe ferox Mill. – a

commercially important species. HortScience, 44, 751-756.

6. Street RA, Stirk W, Van Staden J. 2008. South African traditional medicinal plant

trade – challenges in regulating quality, safety and efficacy. Journal of

Ethnopharmacology 119, 705–710.

5. Street RA, Kulkarni MG, Stirk W, Southway C, Van Staden J. 2008. Variation in

heavy metals and essential elements in South African medicinal plants obtained from

informal markets. Food additives and contaminants 25, 953-960.

4. Street RA, Kulkarni MG, Stirk W, Southway C, Van Staden J. 2007. Toxicity of

metal elements on germination and seedling growth of widely used medicinal plants

belonging to Hyacinthaceae. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology

79, 371-376.

3. Street RA, Drábek O, Száková J, Mládková L. 2007. Total content and speciation

of aluminium in tea leaves and tea infusions. Food Chemistry 104, 1662 – 1669.

2. Kulkarni MG, Street RA, Van Staden J. 2007. Germination and seedling growth

requirements for propagation of Dioscorea dregeana (Kunth) Dur. and Schinz — a

tuberous medicinal plant. South African Journal of Botany 73, 131-137.

1. Street RA, Száková J, Drábek O, Mládková L. 2006. The status of micronutrients

(Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) in tea and tea infusions in selected samples imported to the

Czech Republic. Czech Journal of Food Science 24, 62 – 71.

ITECHNICAL REPORTS

1. Sewram, V, Street R, Myers J, Gqaleni N, Connolly C. 2010. The

determination of hexavalent chrome content in South African Traditional

Medicine used as enemas. Oncology Research Unit Technical Report, Durban

(77 pages)


EDITORIAL DUTIES

Editor for South African Journal of Botany (ISI rated, 5 year impact factor: 1.676)

REVIEWING FOR SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS

African journal of traditional, complementary, alternative medicine

Annals of Botany

Economic Botany

Fresenius Environmental Bulletin

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Plant Growth Regulation

Polish journal of Environmental Studies

South African Journal of Botany

CONFERENCE CONTRIBUTIONS

22. Street RA, Morar N, Wand H and Ramjee G. 2014 HIV and STI Incidence and

the Association with Number of Lifetime Sexual Partners - Case for Combination

HIV/STI Prevention Strategies. AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses. October

2014: A216-A217 [poster presentation].

21. Mnqonywa N, Street RA. 2014 Use of Visual Education Aids to Improve Participant Understanding of HIV Prevention Trials. AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses. October 2014: A254 [poster presentation]. 20. Philip J, Street RA, Hoffman S, Blanchard K, Exner T, Kelvin E, Ramjee G, Mantell J. 2014 HCT as a Point of Entry for HIV Prevention and Treatment - Profile of Men and Women Presenting at HCT Centers in Durban, South Africa. AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses. October 2014: A113 [poster presentation]. 19. Gaffoor Z, Street RA, Abbai N, Wand H, Ramjee G. 2014 Frequency of Multiple Sexual Partnerships among Women Participating in an HIV Prevention Trial in Durban, South Africa. Human Retroviruses. October 2014: A5348 [poster presentation].

18. Okem A, Southway C, Stirk WA, Street RA, Finnie JF, van Staden J. 2013 Heavy

metal contamination in South African herbal medicines: safety issues and quality

control. Thirty ninth annual conference of the South African Association of Botanists

(SAAB) [oral presentation – abstract in South African Journal of Botany, 74: 373].

17. Street RA, Cele, P. 2013 Potentially toxic minerals used in South African

traditional medicine. Society of Toxicology, San Antonio, USA [poster presentation].


16. Gqaleni N, Street RA. 2012. Bridging the Gap in Public Health: The Role of

Education in African Traditional Medicine. Southern African regional colloquium on

indigenous African knowledge systems: methodologies and epistemologies for

research teaching, learning and community engagement in higher education. Durban

[oral presentation]

15. Seepe PMM, Street RA, Bishai W, Cele P, Maphanga WJ, Gqaleni, N. 2012.

Screening of “Umuthi wesifuba and sethlare sa mafathla” African traditional mixtures

used in the management of tuberculosis. MRC early career conference. Cape Town

[oral presentation]

14. Street RA, Cele B. 2012. Determination of metal salts used in African traditional

medicine College of Health Sciences Research Symposium. University of KwaZulu-

Natal. Durban [poster presentation].

13. Chetty S, Bissusser A, Street RA. 2012. Determination of heavy metals in South

African traditional medicines used as tonics. International conference on pure and

applied chemistry. Mauritius [poster presentation].

12. Street RA, Cele N, Gqaleni N. 2011. Metals and crystalline salts used in South

African traditional medicine. Postdoctoral Researchers’ Forum 2011, Cape Town

[poster presentation].

11. Street RA, Cele N. 2011. Inorganic synthetic products used in South African

traditional medicine. ASSAf-DST-NRF Second Annual South African Young

Scientists’ Conference. Pretoria [oral presentation].

10. Street RA, Kulkarni MG, Stirk WA, Southway C, Van Staden J. 2008. Effect of Cd

accumulation on growth and biological activity of Merwilla plumbea (Hyacinthaceae)

– a widely used medicinal plant. World congress on medicinal and aromatic plants.

Cape Town [poster presentation].

9. Street RA, Elgorashi EE, Kulkarni MG, Stirk WA, Southway C, Van Staden J.

2008. Biological activity of Cd-contaminated Eucomis autumnalis, Eucomis humilis

and Merwilla plumbea (Hyacinthaceae). Indigenous Plant Use Forum (IPUF). Graaf-

Reinet [oral presentation].

8. Mulaudzi RB, Kulkarni MG, Street RA, Finnie JF, Van Staden, J. 2008. Seed

germination studies of medicinal plant Alepidea natalensis. Thirty fourth annual

conference of the South African Association of Botanists (SAAB). Drakensburg,


University of Witwatersrand [poster presentation – abstract in South African Journal

of Botany, 74: 373].

7. Street RA, Kulkarni MG, Stirk WA, Southway C, Van Staden J. 2008. Antagonistic

effect of cadmium on micronutrients of Tulbaghia violacea. Thirty fourth annual

conference of the South African Association of Botanists (SAAB). Drakensburg,

University of Witwatersrand [poster presentation – abstract in South African Journal

of Botany, 74: 390].

6. Street RA, Kulkarni MG, Stirk WA, Southway C., Van Staden J. 2007. Wild garlic

(Tulbaghia violacea): a heavy metal accumulator? The SA Pharmacology and

Toxicology Congress (TOXSA), Buffelspoort, North West Province [poster

presentation].

5. Street RA, Kulkarni MG, Stirk WA, Southway C, Van Staden J. 2007. Effect of

heavy metals on germination and seedling development of widely used medicinal

plants belonging to the Hyacinthaceae. Thirty third annual conference of the South

African Association of Botanists (SAAB). University of Cape Town [poster

presentation – abstract in South African Journal of Botany, Volume 73: 338].

4. Street RA, Southway C, Stirk WA, Van Staden J. 2007. Determination of mineral

elements and heavy metals in indigenous medicinal plants of KwaZulu-Natal. Thirty-

third Annual conference of the South African Association of Botanists (SAAB).

University of Cape Town [oral presentation – abstract in South African Journal of

Botany, Volume 73: 315].

3. Street RA, Kulkarni MG, Van Staden J. 2007. Effect of heavy metals on

germination and seedling development of widely used medicinal plants belonging to

the Hyacinthaceae. Thirty-third Annual conference of the South African Association

of Botanists (SAAB). University of Cape Town [poster presentation – abstract in

South African Journal of Botany, Volume 73: 338].

2. Kulkarni MG, Street RA, Van Staden J. 2007. Stimulatory effects of smoke–water

and a smoke-derived butenolide on seed germination and seedling vigour of some

Acacia species. Thirty-third Annual conference of the South African Association of

Botanists (SAAB). University of Cape Town [oral presentation – abstract in South

African Journal of Botany 73: 296].

1. Street RA, Drábek O, Száková J, Mládková L. 2006. Aluminium speciation and

micronutrient content in tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) and their infusions. Thirty-


second Annual conference of the South African Association of Botanists (SAAB) [oral

presentation – abstract in South African Journal of Botany 72: 313].

ADVISORY TEAM / WORKING GROUPS

South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) Traditional African medicine

committee member (SABS/TC 1097) Objective: development of medicinal

products with proven efficacy, safety and quality

Indigenous African knowledge systems advisory team of University of KwaZulu-

Natal. Objective: To develop institutional IKS policy

African Traditional Medicine Bioprospecting Consortium funded by Department

of Science and Technology. Objective: development of medicinal products

with proven efficacy, safety and quality

South African Research Staff Association (SARSA). Objective: represent the

interests of scientists with emphasis on postdoctoral research fellows.

COURSES / WORKSHOPS ATTENDED (recent)

2014 Systematic reviews and meta-analysis [Medical Education Partnership

Initiative (MEPI)-UZKN-Stellenbosch University Partnership] Course duration:

1 semester (February-June; on-line/self-study)

2013 Understanding Environmental Impact Assessment for sustainable

development and decision-making. Durban. Course duration: 2 days

2013 MUTHI clinical trials workshop. South African Medical Research Council,

Durban, 2 – 6 October 2013. Course duration: 4 days

2013 Face to face GCP training. South African Medical Research Council.

Course duration: 1 day

2013 Good Clinical Practice on line training course. Course duration: ½ day

2013 NIH Protecting Human Research Participants on line training course.

Course duration: ½ day

2013 Competent project management. Durban. Course duration: 3 days

2013 Access and benefit sharing workshop Gaborone, Botswana. Course

duration: 5 days

2012 Web 2.0 training workshop Pietermaritzburg, University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Course duration: 5 days

2012 SPSS workshop, Durban. University of KwaZulu-Natal. Course duration:

2 days

2011 Basic biostatistics for medical and health science researchers Course

duration: 3 days


COMMUNITY OUTREACH / SERVICE TO SOCIETY (recent)

2013 UKZN Women in Leadership and Leverage Committee (to facilitate the

development of women and young academics)

2012 - 2013 The Umkhumbane Schools Project (educational outreach initiative

towards improving opportunities and outcomes in maths and science education in

five secondary schools)

2012 mentor and role model under the National Youth Programme (sponsored by

DST) to encourage the youth to follow careers in the science, engineering and

technology fields

2008 – 2011 planning and successful implementation of science promotion activities

to learners of various ages at the National Science Week

2011 contributions of environmental awareness articles for ‘The ripple effect’ a

monthly newsletter for an Employee Assistance Programme designed to assist,

support and advise all employees who experience personal and/or job related

problems (circulated in both English and isiZulu).

LANGUAGES

English (1st language)

Afrikaans (2nd language)

Czech (fluent)

isiZulu (certificate in beginners language course)

REFERENCES

Dr. Photini (Fanny) Kiepiela

Chief Specialist Scientist

HIV Prevention Research Unit

South African Medical Research Counicl

Tel: +27 031 242 3713

Email: [email protected]

Prof Rajen Naidoo

Chief Specialist/Head of Discipline

Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health


Tel: +27 031 260 4471


Prof Saloshni Naidoo

mailto:[email protected]



Chief Specialist/Head of Discipline

Discipline of Public Health Medicine


Tel: +27 031 260 4471


Dr. Gerhard Prinsloo

Senior lecturer

Department of Agriculture and Animal health University of South Africa (UNISA) Tel: +27 011 471 2167 Email: [email protected]



R. Street – Biography Science Advice Workshop for African Scientists - applicant

1

Dr. Renée Street: biography

I am currently a project manager in the Environment & Health Research Unit of the South

African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). I also hold an honorary lectureship at the

Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal. I am

a dynamic and motivated individual with excellent analytical, interpersonal and problem

management skills. During my academic career I have gained considerable research

experience and am able to interact with people from different economic and cultural

backgrounds.

Over the past few years, my research has focused on evaluating heavy metal compounds

which enter the food chain and determining the potential environmental and human

impacts thereof. I have a keen interest in indigenous knowledge systems with particular

emphasis on public health issues and policy development. My knowledge and

experiences have culminated in national and internationally peer-reviewed research

outputs of both book chapters and review papers pertaining to the quality, safety and

efficacy of African traditional medicine. Since 2006 I have published 14 first author peer

reviewed publications, 4 co-authored publications and 4 book chapters. My research has

been cited over 150 times and my current Web of Science H index of 8. In 2013, I was

invited to sit on the editorial board of the South African Journal of Botany for which I am

currently actively involved (journal impact factor: 1.3). My expertise on heavy metal

related issues affecting plants, the environment and/or public health have been

recognized locally and abroad as I currently review for numerous scientific journals.

In 2011, I became the youngest researcher ever to receive the SAMRCs prestigious

‘Career Development Award’ – a tribute to my leadership qualities and strong academic

background. This position is awarded on a highly competitive basis only to those young

researchers that are excelling in growing their careers and are contributing significantly

to the research arena locally and abroad.

R. Street – Biography Science Advice Workshop for African Scientists - applicant

2

I have been involved in training several students, from various sociopolitical and

economic backgrounds. I treat my role as student supervisor and mentor as a privilege

that comes with great responsibility. My aptitude for multidisciplinary collaboration has

been proven by my interdepartmental and interuniversity research projects.

1 R. Street – Motivation Science Advice Workshop for African Scientists - applicant

Dr. Renée Street: motivation letter

My inter- and multi-disciplinary approach to national indigenous knowledge systems

(IKS) related problems are a testament to my keen interest in finding resolutions

through networking and collaboration. Over the past few years, I have served on

National bodies and have represented South Africa in a range of academic platforms.

From 2011 to 2013 I served on the (National) African traditional medicine

bioprospecting consortium as the Secretary of the Management Committee (a

Department of Science and Technology initiative). My involvement with the consortium

has given me great insight into policy making procedures and challenges. In 2013, I

attended a bioprospecting course in Botswana. This resulted in excellent networking

opportunities and on return to South Africa I assisted the National Department of

Environmental Affairs to consolidate a Bioprospecting, Access and Benefit Sharing

workshop in KwaZulu-Natal. In 2014, at the request of the South African Bureau of

Standards (SABS), I was one of the experts advising on the regulatory aspects for the

quality control of medicinal plants. This year I served on the National Research

Foundations adjudication panel for the Research and Technology Fund. All these

knowledge exchange events have provided both great opportunities as well as

humbling experiences as I continue to grow and learn from those around me.

I welcome opportunities to promote scientific excellence to learners and to plough back

into the youth of our country. I have also initiated the mobilization of young scientists.

As a PhD student, I was a founding member of the South African association of

Botanists student council where I served as vice-president. To date, this council is still

thriving. Since 2008 I have been involved in planning and successful implementation


of science promotion activities to learners of various ages whereby thousands of

learners were introduced to careers in the field of IKS through interactive engagement.

My expert knowledge lies in toxicological aspects related to use of traditional medicine

products. This is important for South Africa and the African continent as a whole and

represents a niche area which is underexplored but is highly relevant. As traditional

medicines are used by the greater population of Africans (70—80%), health risks

associated with the consumption of contaminated products is highly concerning. My

work thus remains important for the quality assurance of medicinal plants and serves

not only the formal phytopharmaceutical industries but is important also for both health

and livelihood security of thousands of people who participate in the informal traditional

medicine industry.

I plan to disseminate the lessons learned from the Science Advice Workshop for

African Scientists to various audiences including traditional healers, universities,

science councils as well as local government. I have an extensive professional

network with the aforementioned, and will use further professional networking tools to

contact all relevant stakeholders. When planning dissemination, I will be mindful of the

different audiences. I will therefore take into account audience knowledge level as well

as language preferences. I am confident in my ability to promote IKS and to be

involved in national policymaking processes especially in the area of IKS which covers

the whole spectrum of the bioeconomy - agriculture, health and industry.


I believe I have the experience, skills and attitude to make a substantial contribution

to the Science Advice Workshop for African Scientists. I welcome the opportunity to

discuss effective and efficient science, technology and innovation policy formulation

and implementation which would in turn enhance my ability to meet the identified

needs.

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Dear Sir/Madam

RE: Dr. R. Street - Letter ofsupport for the attendance atthe Science AdviceWorkshop for African Scientists

I am writing in support of the application of Dr. Street to attend the Science AdviceWorkshop for African Scientists. I believe that Dr, Street will greatly contributetowards national development using research as a tool to drive the establishmentand growth of environment and health policies, with particular emphasis onindigenous knowledge systems.

If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,t,Iltk.'\ qj<*-

/l-\Professor Angela MatheeDirector: Environment & Health Research Unit, MRCDirector: World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Urban HealthVisiting Professor: University of JohannesburgAssociate Professor: University of the WitwatersrandResearch Associate: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

curriculum vitae for renẾe anne street october 2015 … · 2017-12-08 · 1 dr. r. street –...

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