Q&A with Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program Alumnus, Dr. Thabiso Motaung (2023-2024)

FULBRIGHT SOUTH AFRICAN RESEARCH SCHOLAR PROGRAM CURRENTLY OPEN FOR APPLICATION!! APPLY BY SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 – https://za.usembassy.gov/fulbright-south-african-research-scholar-program/

Q&A with Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program Alumnus, Dr. Thabiso Motaung (2023-2024)

Lecturer: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria

Hosted by the Nobile Laboratory, University of California, Merced

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Q:What was the best academic or research experience while in the U.S.?

A: Working with Professor Clarissa Nobile and her team at the University of California, Merced in the United States was the highlight of my Fulbright experience and one that will remain one of the key milestones of my academic career. Because of the unwavering support I was receiving from the Nobile team and the highly courteous and friendly environment there, I managed to make a real contribution and build strong connections with members of the team. As a result, my confidence was boosted in conducting important tasks like directing research and mentoring students. Enjoying this level of support, invaluable expertise and resources made my research experience in the U.S. productive, educational and enjoyable, and has further ensured that my research with the Nobile lab would continue long after I returned to South Africa.

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Q: Best cultural or community experience while in the U.S.?

A: The 2024 Spring Colorado Fulbright Scholar Enrichment Seminar was particularly memorable. The cultural event was without a doubt fantastic given that it offered a great platform to 122 Fulbright Scholars from 57 different nations to meet and exchange cultural values and intellectual conversations about pressing societal issues pertinent to our respective countries. Being part of such bright minds was a unique experience for anyone, much less a young academic scholar from a small town (Qwa-Qwa) in the heart of South Africa. The conference was hosted at Colorado State University, and was aimed at addressing issues of global concerns including climate change. It was an absolutely honor to learn about some of the key developments pertaining to this topic and to contribute at a global level, thus helping understand the effect of climate change on cultures around the world. I now appreciate that addressing issues of such magnitude can best be achieved in a rich atmosphere for education and teamwork that allows peers to showcase the many backgrounds and customs that each brings to the table — thanks to the Fulbright Scholar Program, working together with Colorado State University, for making this cultural event a memorable and enriching experience.

Q: Best Fulbright experience – how did doing the research as a Fulbright Scholar open doors/provide opportunities that regular research or research in another country would not have done?

A: Being named a “Fulbrighter” truly translates into access to many wonderful experiences and opportunities. One of these is having access to the world that boasts state-of-the-art research facilities and collaborative networks. For me, this was working in Professor Nobile's internationally renowned lab and engaging with team members having expertise that I would otherwise not be able to access. I was also lucky enough visit another University of California campus (UC Davis) where I shared some of the observations originating from our collaborative work on my pine trees, leading to stimulating interesting conversations with the academic staff at UC Davis and potential other areas of future collaboration. The Fulbright program and the Nobile lab enabled access to a biotech start-up to address some of the research questions in my research. For these reasons, my research and professional networks were greatly advanced by these exceptional opportunities.

Q: Any future collaborations planned – either with your host or another institution?

A: Yes, there are plans for multiple future collaborations. We believe that projects started during my Fulbright term will help with research funding applications, and some of these will hopefully also be supported by this prestigious program. Additionally, we hope that these projects will promote student exchanges between our labs. The partnership with Professor Nobile's lab will likely strengthen over time as we explore new scientific questions and horizons linked to the vested interest on the role of extracellular vesicles in plant-pathogen interactions. The ultimate goal of this collaboration is to create novel, EV-based biocontrol methods to prevent pine pitch canker in pine-growing regions in SA and the USA.

Q: Why should South African scholars submit an application to the Fulbright Scholar program?

A: South African scholars should apply to the Fulbright Scholar program because it provides unparalleled opportunities to work with leading experts in your field and access world-class research facilities. The program fosters significant professional growth, international collaborations, and cultural exchanges that serves as an exceptional platform to catapult your research career and contribute to global scientific advancements.