Mrs. Lerato Lucia Olifant| Public Health | Best Researcher Award

University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Professional Profiles:

👨‍🎓 Bio Summary:

Mrs. Lerato Lucia Olifant is an adaptable and driven health science researcher specializing in health promotion. With a strong foundation in community-based research, she has built a reputation for leveraging her skills in stakeholder engagement, data management, and leadership. As a second-year Ph.D. student, she focuses on HIV PrEP interventions, particularly among adolescent girls and young women. Mrs. Olifant’s career is rooted in her passion for improving community health and applying research-driven strategies to promote behavior change.

🎓 Educational Background:

2024 (Ongoing): Ph.D. in Public Health – University of Johannesburg

2021: Master of Health Sciences in Transdisciplinary Health Promotion – North-West University

2017: BA Honours in Psychology – North-West University

2016: BA in Health Sciences – North-West University

2006: Matric – Seiphemelo Secondary School

Mrs. Olifant’s educational background highlights a strong focus on health sciences and psychology, culminating in her current Ph.D. program, where she is dedicated to researching vital public health interventions.

🔍 Research Focus:

Mrs. Olifant’s research centers around HIV PrEP interventions aimed at adolescent girls and young women. She is deeply involved in exploring strategies to empower and protect vulnerable populations through health promotion. Her work focuses on designing interventions that bring about positive behavior change, utilizing a combination of fieldwork, community engagement, and evidence-based approaches to address pressing health challenges.

🏆 Honors & Awards:

Black Women in Science (BWiS) Fellowship – 2023 Cohort: A prestigious fellowship supporting women in STEM fields, equipping them with skills to succeed in their studies and careers.

Best Innovative Group Project Award – 2023: Received through the Black Women in Science Program, funded by the Department of Science and Innovation, recognizing her team’s innovative approach to solving social and business challenges.

Featured in a Book by Prof Phaswana-Mafuya (2023): Mrs. Olifant’s mentor-mentee relationship was highlighted in a book on research mentorship, reflecting her significant contributions and mentorship in academia.

These honors underscore Mrs. Olifant’s contributions to scientific research and innovation, particularly in health-related fields.

💼 Professional Experience:

Research Intern – Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (June 2021 – May 2022): Conducted research, data gathering, and analysis, while fostering community engagement and stakeholder relationships.

Project Facilitator – Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (January 2020 – December 2020): Managed fieldwork operations, coordinated with community forums, and facilitated training for field workers on upcoming research projects.

NRF Intern – Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (April 2018 – March 2019): Gained hands-on experience in data collection, fieldwork, and community health promotion.

Her roles reflect extensive experience in research management, community engagement, and health promotion.

📚 Top Noted Publications :

Title:
Using Mobile Phones for Collecting Health Information in Sub-Saharan Africa During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons from the World Development Indicators

Authors:
OJ Baruwa, H Asare, L Olifant, P Bester, IM Kruger, C Ricci

Citations:
BMJ Global Health 7 (Suppl 2)

Index:
BMJ Global Health

Year of Publication:
2022

Conclusion:

Lerato Lucia Olifant’s extensive research experience, leadership, and commitment to community health promotion make her a strong contender for a Best Researcher Award. Her achievements, particularly in the realm of public health and health promotion, show that she is well-regarded in her field. To further strengthen her case for such an award, she could focus on increasing her academic publications, expanding her research impact globally, and securing funding for her research projects. Overall, her combination of practical skills, academic excellence, and recognized achievements make her a solid candidate.