Dr. Ntelekwane Khasapane, Central University of Technology, South Africa
Dr. Ntelekwane George Khasapane, born on August 12, 1992, is a dedicated environmental health expert from South Africa. He is currently an NGAP Lecturer at the Central University of Technology (CUT), specializing in molecular microbiology with a focus on antimicrobial resistance and microbial analysis in dairy and veterinary sciences. His academic and research career is driven by his passion for improving public health and advancing scientific knowledge in food and environmental safety.
🌟📋 Profile
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💪🏆✨ Strengths for the Award
Dr. Khasapane demonstrates a strong foundation in microbiology, particularly in environmental and veterinary health. His extensive research on antimicrobial resistance and virulence genotyping of Staphylococcus isolates addresses critical health challenges. With 10 published peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals and several conference presentations, he showcases his active engagement in advancing scientific knowledge. His research output reflects interdisciplinary work, combining food safety, veterinary science, and public health. He has also secured significant research funding, which highlights his ability to lead and manage research projects successfully.
🚀📈🔧 Areas for Improvement
While Dr. Khasapane has made notable contributions in his field, an area for further growth could be expanding his international collaborations. Establishing more global research partnerships might amplify the impact of his research. Additionally, increasing his involvement in student supervision and mentoring younger researchers will further develop his leadership and academic influence in the field.
🎓 Education
Dr. Khasapane has pursued higher education in environmental health. He obtained his Ph.D. in Environmental Health from the Central University of Technology, South Africa (2024), with a thesis titled “Molecular characterization, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence genotyping of Staphylococcus isolates from subclinical mastitis dairy cows in Thabo Mofutsanyane District Municipality.” He also holds a Master’s degree (2019) from the same institution, where he completed a dissertation on “Microbial analysis of raw milk around small-scale farmers in Harrismith, Free State.”
👨🏫 Experience
Dr. Khasapane’s professional journey includes roles as a part-time lecturer (2018–2019) and NGAP Lecturer (2020–present) at CUT, where he teaches and mentors students. He also served as an Environmental Health Practitioner (Community Service) at the Department of Health, Free State Province, in 2015. His current research interests lie in molecular microbiology, particularly within the domains of food, veterinary, and dairy sciences.
🔬 Research Interests
Dr. Khasapane’s research focuses on molecular microbiology, specifically addressing the antimicrobial resistance and virulence profiling of pathogens in the dairy industry. His work encompasses One Health approaches, food safety, and improving public health through microbial analysis, particularly involving dairy cattle with subclinical mastitis.
🏆 Awards & Honors
Dr. Khasapane has been the recipient of prestigious awards such as the WhiteSci Travel Grant Award (2019). He has also secured significant research funding, including the NRF Black Academics Advancement Programme (BAAP) Grant (2024–2025) and the DSI-NRF Research Development Grant (2021/2022).
📚 Publication Top Notes
“One Health” perspective on prevalence of co-existing extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae: a …
Prevalence of subclinical mastitis, its associated bacterial isolates and risk factors among cattle in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Application of culture, PCR, and PacBio sequencing for determination of microbial composition of milk from subclinical mastitis dairy cows of smallholder farms
Detection of Staphylococcus Isolates and Their Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles and Virulence Genes from Subclinical Mastitis Cattle Milk Using MALDI-TOF MS …
Characterisation of Milk Microbiota from Subclinical Mastitis and Apparently Healthy Dairy Cattle in Free State Province, South Africa
Comprehensive whole genome analysis of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from dairy cows with subclinical mastitis
“One Health” Perspective on Prevalence of ESKAPE Pathogens in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Detection of Salmonella Pathogenicity Islands and Antimicrobial-Resistant Genes in Salmonella enterica Serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium Isolated from …
Three novel sequencing types from seventeen Staphylococcus aureus genomes isolated from dairy cows milk in the Free State Province of South Africa
Characterisation of Staphylococcus species from subclinical mastitis dairy cattle in Free State Province, South Africa
✨🔍 Conclusion
Dr. Ntelekwane George Khasapane’s solid academic record, research productivity, and grantsmanship make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work on antimicrobial resistance is timely and impactful, contributing to both veterinary and public health. Expanding his international research network could further strengthen his candidacy for future awards.