LK

Lizette Koekemoer

Also known as: Lizette L Koekemoer, Lizette Koekemoer

University of the Witwatersrand, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, National Institute for Communicable Diseases

ORCID iD 0000-0003-4236-6345
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About

I started my scientific career in mosquito vector control after I graduated with a BSc (Hons) in 1995. My Ph.D. results were published in my first, first-authored article in 1998, which also received the Watkins-Pitchford prize for best publication by a young researcher at the South African Institute for Medical Research. I graduated with my Ph.D. in 1999 and continued my research interest in molecular systematics on a main African malaria vector species, Anopheles funestus. This interest was later expanded to include insecticide resistance and the molecular mechanisms responsible for resistance. After realising the extent of insecticide resistance and the threat to malaria transmission, my research interests widened to include the development of additional vector control tools or interventions, e.g. entomopathogenic fungi and the sterile insect technique. This in turn led to my interest in the novel fields of research on male mosquitoes and transmission-blocking studies.

Initially, I managed the molecular laboratory and subsequently became Head of the Vector Control Reference Unit and have since returned to the academic environment. I am an elected Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society (London); Received the South African Association for Advancement of Science, British Association Silver Medal for the most outstanding scientist under the age of 40; Elected member of the Academy of Sciences of South Africa; The South African Women in Science Awards given annually by the Department of Science & Technology (2nd runner-up in the category Distinguished Young Women in Science); I am a member of the following national scientific committees: South African Department of Health Malaria Elimination Committee (2010-present) and I am a member of the following committees at the University of the Witwatersrand: Faculty Graduate Studies Policy Committee; Supervisor Support group; Faculty Board and the Post-graduate meetings. I participated on international scientific committees for the World Health Organization: member of the International Steering Committee of the Regional MSc Course in Medical Entomology and Vector Control for WHO/EMRO (2009); WHO/TDR Research Strengthening Group steering committee (2009-2011); WHO/EMRO Regional Consultation on Insecticide Resistance Management (Morocco) (2012). I have been nominated in 2016 as a member of the development of the Sterile Insect Technique for Malaria, Zika and Dengue control, run by the International Anatomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria.

I am a member of the following professional bodies: Entomological Society of Southern Africa; Health Professions Council of South Africa; Molecular and Cell Biology Group; The Royal Entomological Society (London) and the Academy of Sciences of South Africa (ASSAf). I am on the editorial board of Insect Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (2015-to present). I have acted as a reviewer for international journals of high standing (BMC Genomics, BMC Public Health, Bulletin of Entomological Research, Genetica, Indian Journal of Medical Research, Insect Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Insect Molecular Biology, International Journal of Environmental & Analytical Chemistry, Journal of Environmental & Public Health, Journal of Parasitology & Vector Biology, Journal of Insect Science, Journal of Insect Physiology, Journal of Vector Ecology, etc.

I supervise and co-supervise a number of energetic, forward-thinking post-graduate students.

Employment

  • University of the Witwatersrand Research Professor, Co- Director WRIM
    2013 - Present
  • University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg Reader/Associate Professor
    2013 - 2017
  • National Institute for Communicable Diseases Head of Unit
    2008 - 2013
  • South African Institute for Medical Research Senior Medical Scientist
    1999 - 2007
  • South African Institute for Medical Research (now called ICD). Medical Scientist
    1994 - 1999

Education

  • University of the Witwatersrand PhD
    1996 - 1999

Projects & Funding

Projects & funding information is unavailable.

Publications (154)