SAWISE Education: Dr Val Abratt

Val Abratt is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Cape Town. She is a member of the Committee for University Education in Science, as well as the Science Faculty committee for Science Communication and Development. Dr Abratt holds a PhD degree in Microbiology from the University of Cape Town, and was awarded the University of Cape Town Distinguished Teacher Award in 2001.

Her research interests focus on the molecular genetics of anaerobic bacteria. She studies the mechanisms of metronidazole resistance in the pathogenic bacterium, Bacteroides fragilis, and also looks at drug resistance and metabolism in Bifidobacterium spp that are commonly used as probiotics in foods. Val Abratt is very committed to the development of new teaching methods and tools for advancing the level of biology education at senior secondary schools and has co-authored a biology practical classroom resource book for teachers: "Practical Biology: a classroom resource for teachers" Abratt V, Collett, H, Miller-Butterworth, C, and Suiro-Stheeman V. (2002) Francolin Publishers, Cape Town; ISBN 1-86859-077-1 She also runs practical biology workshops for the in-service training of teachers.

Her SAWISE portfolio (Education) gives her the opportunity to be involved in science outreach activities in the broader community, aimed at attracting girls to enter careers in science. She is also active as a schools' workshadow co-ordinator in the Molecular and Cell Biology Department, and is a student mentor.