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Kayla sits down with Jessica Ronaasen, founder of Relate Your Research, for a conversation about growth, collaboration, and the purpose behind the podcast. Together, they reflect on the season’s conversations, the value of science communication, and what it means to make research feel more relatable and human. Connect with Kayla on Linkedin

In this episode, Tatum James joins us to share her journey from biomedical science and physiology into the world of biomedical engineering. We discuss how science and engineering come together to solve healthcare-related challenges, what day-to-day work in the field can look like, and the value of interdisciplinary thinking in research and innovation. Connect with Kayla on Linkedin

Milton Semenkane joins us to discuss the role of nutrition in the earliest stages of life, from exclusive breastfeeding in infancy to the value of traditional foods in early childhood. Drawing on both his Master’s and PhD research, he shares how feeding practices, culture, and public health intersect in shaping long-term child wellbeing. Connect with Kayla on Linkedin

This episode looks at housing policy through a research and evaluation lens, with Fanele reflecting on her Master’s work and her role at the Do More Foundation. The conversation explores how housing policies are assessed, how evidence informs decision-making, and why understanding systems is key to meaningful social development. Connect with Kayla on Linkedin

Ruth Purcell joins us to break down the landscape of immunology and infectious disease research — from daily lab work to real-world application. She shares insights from her time across leading institutions, the impact of collaboration, and what inspires her in the pursuit of scientific understanding. Connect with Kayla on Linkedin

We speak with PhD candidate Atarah Rass to unpack what cancer research looks like in practice and why it matters. The conversation explores the South African research landscape, how discoveries made in the lab influence real treatment decisions, and why collaboration and knowledge-sharing across institutions are so essential. Atarah also reflects on her journey into research and what continues to motivate her in this field. Connect with Kayla on Linkedin

In this episode, Kayla shares a conversation with Alex Dumas, an MD-PhD student at Yale University, to talk about her journey combining medicine and research. Alex shares what it’s like to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the MD-PhD path, while also giving insight into her work using nanotechnology to explore the immune system and its potential to transform future therapies. Connect with Kayla on Linkedin

In this episode, Kayla sits down with Professor Cathy Sutherland from the University of KwaZulu-Natal to explore the fascinating intersections of society, space, and environment. From the social impacts of mega-projects in Durban to shaping environmental policy and understanding urban vulnerability, Prof. Sutherland shares how her research is driving conversations about sustainable, inclusive cities. Connect with Kayla on Linkedin

In this season 3 opener of Relate Your Research, new host Kayla Field shares her journey from a curious school student to conducting cancer research at Stellenbosch University — and the lessons she learned along the way. With a passion for education and making complex ideas accessible, Kayla sets the stage for a season of conversations that bring research to life, making it relevant, relatable, and inspiring for everyone. Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-field-41618b17b Connect with Kayla on Linkedin

This episode is a personal reflection on the first Season of Relate Your Research. IT has been such a privilege to preserve research in a fun and conversational way. In 2022 I had a baby - and completed my Phd! What a journey! This episode features some tips and practical tools that helped me manage and complete the year with two of my life greatest achievements. Some useful tools and referrals: Richard Baker - Podcast Production and Mixing https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-baker-325409111/ Lisa Gouws - Proof Reading, Editing & Reference Support [email protected] Gloria Cooper - Transcription Services https://transcriptions-services.co.za Connect with Kayla on Linkedin

In our final episode of the season we tackle a relevant topic for 2020, Gender Based Violence (GBV). Lauren Jacobs relates her research on this controversial topic on how our communities are responding to GBV, specifically in faith-based communities. Lauren describes herself as a Literary Artist, Professional Author, Radio Host 729AM, Ordained Minister, Journalist and Equality Advocate. Some noteworthy achievements include; Desmond Tutu - Gerrit Brand Award Winner 2017, Ted x Cape Town Speaker 2018, Next Generation Award Winner (Washington, U.S.A) 2019, Global Women's Empowerment Summit Speaker (Sandton) 2021. She completed her B.A degree - UNISA | Post graduate Honours | Master in Divinity - Therapeaia Bible College | Link Up: Website: https://laurenjacobs.co.za/ Instagram: @profuselyprofound https://www.cbeinternational.org/persons/aliyah-jacobs Connect with Kayla on Linkedin

Basic financial concepts are vital for facilitating social development in South Africa. In a recently completed study by Adriaan Jordaan a Stellenbosch University graduate shares his Masters research. Adriaan describes his investigation into the perceptions of social workers on the role of financial literacy education in facilitating social development. Financial literacy education has been understudied in South Africa and studies (in countries with similar socio-economic challenges to SA) have shown financial literacy education initiatives can act as effective mediums to help buffer clients against poor socio-economic circumstances. Endorsed by Stellenbosch University Department of Social Work Linkedin Account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriaan-jordaan-9455351b7/ Connect with Kayla on Linkedin

This episodes merges the worlds of research and community intervention with Catherine Ward, a researcher and Professor from University of Cape Town in the Department of Psychology. She shares her research journey and interest in parenting as well as violence prevention in South Africa. This episode focuses on the Parenting for Lifelong Health programmes for Young Children which is a package of open access, non-commercialised parenting programmes to prevent violence in low-resource settings. Link to online resources & programme: https://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/violence/child/plh/en/ Youtube link about PLH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g553h4KGKR8 Connect with Kayla on Linkedin

We are joined by Catherine Langsford, National Chairperson of Literacy Association of South Africa who shares with us more about the role of Literacy in early childhood development. She also shares on the development of this association and the role research have played, and an continue to play in the education sector. This episode is part of our ECD series, bridging the ECD sector with research and those in the field. LITASA Website: https://www.litasa.org.za Literacy in SA Research: https://www.litasa.org.za/research LITASA Conference 2020 Youtube Playlist: http://shorturl.at/qNQW0 Connect with Kayla on Linkedin

The aim to this discussion is to talk about how we build our community through support, trust and role modelling while sharing knowledge and experiences about HIV, child health and parenting. Early Childhood is time of great potential but also for many mothers is a time of risk if positive health practices are not prioritised particularly if the mother or the child is HIV positive. In this episode we talk about a Participatory Action Research Initiative in the Eastern Cape with Teresa Wilson, Community Dietitian and postgraduate researcher. Links to resources for community engagement can. be found at : https://sakhaesethu.com Connect with Kayla on Linkedin