Relate your Research - A research conversation podcast

Kayla sits down with Jessica Ronaasen, founder of Relate Your Research, for a conversation about growth, collaboration, and the purpose behind the podcast. Together, they reflect on the season’s conversations, the value of science communication, and what it means to make research feel more relatable and human. Connect with Kayla on Linkedin

In this episode, Tatum James joins us to share her journey from biomedical science and physiology into the world of biomedical engineering. We discuss how science and engineering come together to solve healthcare-related challenges, what day-to-day work in the field can look like, and the value of interdisciplinary thinking in research and innovation. Connect with Kayla on Linkedin

Milton Semenkane joins us to discuss the role of nutrition in the earliest stages of life, from exclusive breastfeeding in infancy to the value of traditional foods in early childhood. Drawing on both his Master’s and PhD research, he shares how feeding practices, culture, and public health intersect in shaping long-term child wellbeing. Connect with Kayla on Linkedin

This episode looks at housing policy through a research and evaluation lens, with Fanele reflecting on her Master’s work and her role at the Do More Foundation. The conversation explores how housing policies are assessed, how evidence informs decision-making, and why understanding systems is key to meaningful social development. Connect with Kayla on Linkedin

Ruth Purcell joins us to break down the landscape of immunology and infectious disease research — from daily lab work to real-world application. She shares insights from her time across leading institutions, the impact of collaboration, and what inspires her in the pursuit of scientific understanding. Connect with Kayla on Linkedin

We speak with PhD candidate Atarah Rass to unpack what cancer research looks like in practice and why it matters. The conversation explores the South African research landscape, how discoveries made in the lab influence real treatment decisions, and why collaboration and knowledge-sharing across institutions are so essential. Atarah also reflects on her journey into research and what continues to...

In this episode, Kayla shares a conversation with Alex Dumas, an MD-PhD student at Yale University, to talk about her journey combining medicine and research. Alex shares what it’s like to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the MD-PhD path, while also giving insight into her work using nanotechnology to explore the immune system and its potential to transform future therapies. Connect wi...

In this episode, Kayla sits down with Professor Cathy Sutherland from the University of KwaZulu-Natal to explore the fascinating intersections of society, space, and environment. From the social impacts of mega-projects in Durban to shaping environmental policy and understanding urban vulnerability, Prof. Sutherland shares how her research is driving conversations about sustainable, inclusive citi...

In this season 3 opener of Relate Your Research, new host Kayla Field shares her journey from a curious school student to conducting cancer research at Stellenbosch University — and the lessons she learned along the way. With a passion for education and making complex ideas accessible, Kayla sets the stage for a season of conversations that bring research to life, making it relevant, relatable, an...

This episode is a personal reflection on the first Season of Relate Your Research. IT has been such a privilege to preserve research in a fun and conversational way. In 2022 I had a baby - and completed my Phd! What a journey! This episode features some tips and practical tools that helped me manage and complete the year with two of my life greatest achievements. Some useful tools and referrals: R...

In our final episode of the season we tackle a relevant topic for 2020, Gender Based Violence (GBV). Lauren Jacobs relates her research on this controversial topic on how our communities are responding to GBV, specifically in faith-based communities. Lauren describes herself as a Literary Artist, Professional Author, Radio Host 729AM, Ordained Minister, Journalist and Equality Advocate. Some notew...

Basic financial concepts are vital for facilitating social development in South Africa. In a recently completed study by Adriaan Jordaan a Stellenbosch University graduate shares his Masters research. Adriaan describes his investigation into the perceptions of social workers on the role of financial literacy education in facilitating social development. Financial literacy education has been unders...

This episodes merges the worlds of research and community intervention with Catherine Ward, a researcher and Professor from University of Cape Town in the Department of Psychology. She shares her research journey and interest in parenting as well as violence prevention in South Africa. This episode focuses on the Parenting for Lifelong Health programmes for Young Children which is a package of ope...

We are joined by Catherine Langsford, National Chairperson of Literacy Association of South Africa who shares with us more about the role of Literacy in early childhood development. She also shares on the development of this association and the role research have played, and an continue to play in the education sector. This episode is part of our ECD series, bridging the ECD sector with research a...

The aim to this discussion is to talk about how we build our community through support, trust and role modelling while sharing knowledge and experiences about HIV, child health and parenting. Early Childhood is time of great potential but also for many mothers is a time of risk if positive health practices are not prioritised particularly if the mother or the child is HIV positive. In this episode...

During the first 6 years of life nutrition and health are vital elements to ensure optimal development. Previous research has shown the prevalence and impact of non-communicable diseases in underprivileged communities in South Africa. However, there is limited research on the impact of non-communicable diseases in caregivers raising children. Living with a non- communicable disease presented to ha...

ECD Forums are formal or informal gatherings of Principals, Practitioners and community members with the function role of connecting with each other in areas or communites. Jessica Blom shares her research highlighting the value of a collective experience and shared knowledge which is strengthening the ECD sector in a number of ways. Links from Episode: https://cecd.org.za/ https://www.linkedin.co...

The South African 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Birth to 5 Years: Results From the Stakeholder Consultation Featuring both, Catherine Draper, Senior Lecturer at Wits University and Simone Tomaz, University of Stirling who both worked on the development of the Movement Guidelines for South Africa.. Useful Tools: https://www.ssisa.com/news/movement-guidelines-children/ https://ilifalabantwana.co.z...

Why do people protest? Should social workers be involved in social protests? We hear from Hilary Chibaya a social work Phd researcher at Stellenbosch University looking at social action & protests in South Africa Masters Research: THE EXECUTION OF INDIVIDUAL REFLECTIVE SUPERVISION SESSIONS: EXPERIENCES OF INTERMEDIATE FRONTLINE SOCIAL WORKERS: http://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/103336 Connect...

Atmore is the director of the Centre for Early Childhood Development and his thesis focused on an in-depth analysis of the South African Early Childhood Development policy. This episode starts off our ECD series by looking at the pathway and progress of ECD policy in South Africa and the implications of this in the ECD sector. Centre for Early Childhood Development: https://cecd.org.za Atmore, E.,...

What do we really know about the lived experiences of people who are unemployed? In this episode, Dr Melinda Du Toit passionately describes her journey and doctoral research which focused on the qualitative inquiry into the experience of unemployment of individuals living in South African townships. Melinda is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA) at...

Part 2 of 2 This episode denatures the doctoral research exploring the contemporary issues facing NGOs today. Termed the 'neoliberal tenants', this study presents the voices of South African, NGO-based frontline social workers. We talk NGO sector funding, burnout and the challenges that social workers are facing in an ever growing global economy. Links from the episode: https://www.sun.ac.za/engli...

Part 1 of 2 Episodes with Abigail Ornellas, Post Doc Fellow& Researcher from Stellenbosch University. In Part 1, we hear the personal journey and the road to becoming a social work research as well as the stories behind wanting to leave an impact in South Africa through research and academia. Part 2: The Unseen neoliberal implications on social work :voices of South African Social workers with Abi...

In South Africa, health issues such as HIV/AIDS are a reality for many. Different cultures tackle and cope with these challenges in different ways, one of which is traditional healing. Dr Zibonele Zimba explores these issues in some of his research and shares his experiences as a social work researcher. Links from the episode SU Staff Profile: http://www.sun.ac.za/english/faculty/arts/social-work/...

Living with physical disabilities can be a challenge for anyone, and caregivers of persons with disabilities are a unique group of people who require support, resources and knowledge to care adequately for the challenges that arise when caring for people with special needs. In this podcast call, Noreth Muller-Kluits, lecturer from College of Cape Town an PhD Candidate from Stellenbosch University...