The Faculty of Informatics and Design’s Prof Izak van Zyl has been upgraded from a Y2 to a C2-rated researcher by the National Research Foundation (NRF).

Van Zyl works across disciplines, mainly in communication science and educational technology.

“I feel extremely proud and excited! I was nervous I would not get upgraded, but I am very relieved at the outcome,” he said.

According to the NRF, the ratings are allocated based on a researcher’s recent research outputs and impact, as international peer reviewers perceive. The rating system encourages researchers to publish high-quality outputs in high-impact journals/outlets.

The ratings that are awarded fall within the following categories:

A – Leading international researchers

B – Internationally acclaimed researchers

C – Established researchers

P – Prestigious Awards

Y – Promising young researchers

Van Zyl’s most recent work concerned using WhatsApp as a teaching and learning tool for postgraduate students during the height of the pandemic in 2020. He worked with Prof Johannes Cronje on this initiative with students across the university.

His most outstanding achievements have included being rated for the first time, being appointed an associate professor at a young age, being a finalist at the 2019 Science Oscars, and being upgraded to an Established Researcher.

 “I am just honoured to be recognised for what I do and to be able to contribute to the university's work.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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An inspiring group of dedicated CPUT staff members has played a crucial role in helping ensure the health and safety of the university community during the pandemic. Over 15,000 vaccinations have been administered at the CPUT Vaccination Centre, and our vaccinators are correct at the frontline. We are sharing some of their stories:

Sarah Roberts strives to serve the community and promote health, and she has done so while working at the CPUT Vaccination Centre.

A professional nurse, Roberts joined the centre in January last year as a vaccinator.
“Nursing has always been my passion because it is to care for people,” she said.

She added that one of the highlights of working at the Centre has been to see so many people interested in the vaccine.

“Vaccination is important to everyone in the community and to minimize the statistics.”

Roberts is a widow and mother of three daughters and three grandchildren and hopes to further her studies.

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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An inspiring group of dedicated CPUT staff members has played a crucial role in helping ensure the health and safety of the university community during the pandemic. More than 15,000 vaccinations have been administered at the CPUT Vaccination Centre, and our vaccinators are right at the frontline.

This month we share some of their stories:

Nursing lecturer Natalie Copeling chose the profession to make a difference in the lives of others, and this passion shines through at the Vaccination Centre, where she serves the CPUT community.

Copeling has worked at CPUT for 14 years and has been involved with the centre since its inception.

“As an existing member of the CPUT health cluster, I was invited to join a sub-committee of the health cluster and was involved in the conceptualisation and planning of the vaccination centre from the outset,” she said.

Copeling assisted with coordinating the training for the Department of Nursing Science staff as COVID-19 vaccinators, as well as compiling a placement schedule for the staff at the centre and floor management of the centre.           

“In a time of uncertainty and turmoil, I had certain skills that could be of use, and it was a privilege to be able to assist during this time.”

She said nursing is a profession that allows you to be grateful for what you have and provides daily reminders of this when you hear the stories and challenges of others.

“The placement in the centre was a return to practice and engagement with many diverse individuals.”

Copeling thanked Prof Karien Jooste “for her support as my HoD as without that I would not have been able to be as involved as what I was.”

“Also, thanks to my colleagues from the department who worked on a rotational basis at the centre.”

Last year Copeling received two awards from the South African Society of Occupational Health Nursing Practitioners (SASOHN). 
The first, the Ian Webster gold medal, was for her Master’s degree, which was attained in 2019, and is given to all who complete a Master’s or PHD with an occupational health nursing focus by the society. She also received the EXCO Rep of the Year award, given to the candidate the society's president selected annually.
Coupling is married with two daughters, who she says has a passion for equestrian.  
“My spare time is spent mostly outdoors with my two daughters and horses.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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