Andrea Lenting - #BlackInNeuroWorld

Let’s head to South Africa next to hear from Andrea.

My name is Andrea Lenting. I am from Johannesburg, South Africa. I am currently a Master’s Degree candidate in Human Physiology (Neurosurgery). My research is based on the coagulation profiles of platelet-poor plasma in intracerebral haemorrhage patients.

A typical day for me involves going to Steve Biko Academic Hospital to look for patients in the Neurosurgery wards who fit the criteria for our study. Once the patients or doctors have given their permission, we collect blood samples and travel to the lab on campus at the University of Pretoria.

We spend a couple of hours performing experiments in the lab that enables us to examine the viscoelastic and ultrastructural characteristics of the platelet-poor plasma.

I typically stay at home and examine my data on days when I do not have any patients for my study. Despite my ever-busy academic commitments, I always try to spend quality time with my family and friends whom I love going on all sorts of crazy adventures with.

Conducting research often entails collaborating with a supervisor that assists and guides you in completing your proposal and project for your specific degree. Fortunately, I am blessed with a wonderful supervisor who assists me with my research and allows me to confide in her when things get tough.

Doing research can be a strenuous task so learning how to manage your time is a particularly important skill. Research is often our main priority; however, I have learnt that taking care of my mental health is just as important.

My favourite dish from South Africa is Malva Pudding. It is a sweet apricot, sponge-like pudding usually served with warm custard or cream. I enjoy making Malva pudding and homemade custard for my family using my late-grandmothers recipe.

The best thing about South Africa besides the outstanding wines and beautiful landscapes is our people. The South African population is unique because it is derived from a wide variety of individuals of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.?