Not many people can say they're as passionate about fiction as they are about bioinformatics, but Retshegofaditswe Ruth Senokoane is one of them. Born and raised in Rustenburg, she went on to pursue her tertiary studies at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, where she completed a Master of Science in Microbiology. She now lives in Pretoria and is currently placed at the National Zoological Gardens with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). In her intern role as a geneticist intern, she is involved in DNA extraction, library preparation, next generation sequencing and bioinformatics. 

We asked her a few questions to find out more about her work, studies and inspirations: 

What are you passionate about? 

I am passionate about working as a scientist, specifically in the field of pathogens and their resistance to antimicrobial treatment. It’s an exciting area of research that still requires extensive investigation, and I want to be at the forefront of it. I believe the skills and experience I gain during this internship will help me expand my research interests and deepen my understanding of this critical issue. 

What inspired your choice of study? 

I chose science initially because I was good at it, but I didn’t have a clear direction at first. It wasn’t until I got to university that I discovered my passion for microbiology. In my first year, a lecturer gave a microbiology lecture with so much passion that it inspired me to follow suit. I wanted to feel the same satisfaction he clearly had. I’m happy to say that, despite the challenges, I found great fulfillment in studying microbiology. 

What excites you about your internship? 

I’m most excited about learning bioinformatics. I’m also eager to apply the knowledge I’ve gained at university and to watch myself grow in a completely new environment. It’s a chance to put theory into practice and see where it can take me. 

What are your expectations of this internship? 

I don’t have specific expectations. I’m approaching this experience with an open mind. I hope to learn and absorb as much as I can, and I believe that this will be incredibly beneficial for my future career. 

What contribution do you hope to make towards a future in which people and nature thrive? 

With my background in microbiology, I hope to contribute through research that improves environmental health, promotes sustainable agriculture and protects clean water and soil ecosystems. My goal is to help restore natural balance and support healthy communities for both people and the planet. 

Who inspires you most and why? 

I don’t have one specific person who inspires me. I look up to people who work hard and show that it’s possible to achieve your goals through determination. But ultimately, my inspiration comes from God. The inner drive and strength that keeps me going comes from Him.