IDM CPD-ACCREDITED SEMINAR: Beyond the Bench: Charting Alternative Career Paths in Science

Tamlyn holds a BSc (Human Life Sciences) from Stellenbosch, and a Master’s in Medical Biochemistry from UCT’s Health Sciences campus. She started her PhD but did not complete it (long story) and went to teach English and Science abroad for a while, while working on a proposal for a Biotechnology startup company with her mother, Belinda Shaw. The company received grant funding from DTI/THRIP and opened its doors in 2018 producing recombinant proteins for research and diagnostic applications. She is currently the Quality Manager ensuring Cape Biologix retains its ISO 13485 certification, oversees the quality control laboratory and is navigating regulations for developing an HIV test kit.

 

As CSO,Inge Mendelsohn leads the development and execution of our R&D strategy, including defining key milestones, designing experimental approaches, and ensuring alignment between our scientific goals and commercial priorities. She also oversees the expansion of our intellectual property portfolio. As a co-founder, Inge plays a central role in shaping the company’s vision, culture, and long-term strategy. She is also actively involved in fundraising and investor engagement, and representing the business at conferences and networking events.

 

Dr Pia Steigler is the Senior Scientist in Immunology at the mRNA Hub at Afrigen Biologics. Where she is the technical lead for all pre-clinical trials and the development of a TB mRNA vaccine. Pia further supports the advancement of local vaccine production in South Africa as an expert for the German Corporation for International Cooperation. Dr Steigler obtained her PhD in immunology at the University of New Zealand characterizing immune responses to BCG vaccination in murine models. Following, Dr Steigler joined the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI) at the University of Cape Town as a postdoctoral fellow to investigate basic and TB vaccine-induced immune responses including innate and antibody responses and biomarkers in TB.