When Caroline Pule achieved 14 distinctions during her undergraduate studies in science, it was a sign of things to come.
The 27-year-old went on to complete an MSc in Medical Sciences at Stellenbosch University, where she is currently studying towards a PhD. Pule’s research focuses on understanding the physiology of drug-resistant, and tolerant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Her work may help lead to the identification of novel biological pathways, and eventually a drug to combat the spread of drug-resistant TB. Or at least that’s the hope.
In the meantime, Pule is an ambassador for the South African National Tuberculosis Association, helping to raise awareness for a disease that still affects the lives of so many South Africans.
Fulfilling another passion, Pule also runs the Caroline Pule Science and Literacy Foundation, which has collected hundreds of books for underprivileged communities, in support of spreading literacy. Science clubs in these communities are also on her to-do list.
“I want to be a role model for young people who want to pursue careers in science,” she says.
With a string of accolades under her belt, including the 2014 Stellenbosch University Rector’s Award for Exceptional Leadership and a Department of Science and Technology doctoral fellowship, it seems her goal has already started to materialise.
|In life, success doesn’t come to you, you have to go out there and get it.|
