Carmen Swanepoel

I’m a trained molecular biologist and currently a Principal Medical Scientist within the Division of Haematopathology; jointly appointed by the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) and Stellenbosch University (SU) at Tygerberg Hospital, Western Cape, South Africa.

I’ve been concerned with research, the development of diagnostic laboratory tests, the teaching and training of staff and students in laboratory skills, managing research funds, projects as well as quality management. I’ve also been involved in the development and am currently overseeing the research and training flow cytometry laboratory, cell culture facility and a biobank (NSB) within the faculty’s Pathology department.

I fulfill the role of scientific and operational manager of the NHLS Haematology Molecular diagnostics laboratory as well NSB where I oversee the day to day activities in association with other research and technical staff. Over the years I’ve also gained expertise in other biobank and genomic related operations ranging from governance, ethics, LIMS, sample and data protection, sample QC, risk management and Quality Assurance through to sustainability.

Promoting the science of biobanking and genetics within South Africa and the rest of Africa is a key mission of NSB and we as a group are involved in various projects associated with biobanking, cancer and genetic research especially room temperature storage technologies. Other research interest includes molecular applications in leukemia diagnosis and cancer resistance mechanisms as well as the role of epigenetics particularly miRNA’s in haematological pathologies.