The acronym WENA is a colloquial word used in South African languages like isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho & Setswana. Its translated meaning is "you", which informs the heart of our podcast: You, the Listener.
The podcast intends to teach, to talk, to listen and to learn with you, wena! We engage on the "Who, Why, Where, What and When" of Everyone in Neurosciences across Africa, letting you know about how our guests are making a name across both hemispheres - of the brain, and the world.
Getting to know Zuha Ajlan: mentorship, impact, and overlapping interests
Woza, WENA!
Khethani and Jo are back at it with a second season of WENA, The Podcast that engages on the W's of Everyone in Neurosciences across Africa.
On this episode, we have a discussion with fellow Wits School of Physiology graduate Zuha Ajlan about her path to neuroscience! We also chat about a foundation that she started called "Shadow a Scientist (https://shadowascientist.org/)", and also the research interest of neuroimmunology (think: neuroscience meets your immune system!) which developed at a young age.
To get in touch with Zuha, email xuhajlan@gmail.com (mailto:xuhajlan@gmail.com) or find her on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/zuha-ajlan-a25623221/?originalSubdomain=za)
Be sure to share this with your friends, family and colleagues; follow us on X (https://x.com/WENAthePodcast); connect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/wena-podcast-9095272b4/) or drop us an email at wena.thepodcast@gmail.com
12 Jul 2024
Getting to know WITS Neuroscience Research Lab: creating what is needed and centering humanity in neuroscience
We had an opportunity to chat with one of the remarkable WITS Neuroscience Research Lab directors, Dr. Sahba Besharati. A rich discussion bloomed that speaks to the challenges and victories of neuroscience research in a South African context. Specifically, Sahba talks us through the works and teams at WITS NeuRL, impressing upon collaboration between and value of "Global South" voices in partnerships within and across research groups. We close the episode with a reflection on the "Global North" language used to describe decolonial methodology, teaching, and learning in neuroscience.
Hosted in the School of Human and Community Development, the WITS Neuroscience Research Lab is a space designed to facilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration, enhance and contextualise theory, and augment and support effective practice and research in the field of neuroscience in the South African context.
Wits NeuRL represents both a physical space where innovative research is carried out using a range of methodologies, as well as a group of academics with varied research interests in clinical, cognitive, computational and social-affective neuroscience.
Directors: Dr Sahba Besharati (https://www.witsneurl.com/social-affective-neuroscience) & Prof Kate Cockcroft (https://www.witsneurl.com/cognitive-neuroscience)
14 Jun 2024
Getting to know Dr. Thando Shabangu Part Two: rodent neurobiology of sexual aggression, philosophy, and big questions
In the second half of our first chat with Dr. Thando Shabangu, we discuss his research in greater detail. We also speak about life outside of the research lab and what success looks like for WENA.
Dr. Shabangu's website and YouTube are:
https://www.thandowshabangu.com/home (https://www.thandowshabangu.com/home)
https://www.youtube.com/@BloggerMusings (https://www.youtube.com/@BloggerMusings)
31 May 2024
Getting to know Dr. Thando W. Shabangu: learning across countries and cultures
It's episode 4! We could not get enough of our conversation with Dr. Thando Shabangu, who works as a post-doctoral research fellow with Dr. Lihle Qulu at Stellenbosch University.
On part one of a three-part series, we discuss the appreciation of teachers, the challenges and joys of studying abroad, and how late introductions to the lab space invited Thando to the world of molecular biology research. Importantly, we also speak about mental health and the jumbled feelings that come with postgraduate learning.
The episode ends with a tease for part two, where Thando offers us a glimpse of his work with Dr. Lihle Qulu on being brave enough to investigate male sexual aggression.
31 May 2024
Getting to know Thando W. Shabangu: learning across countries and cultures
It's episode 4! We could not get enough of our conversation with Dr. Thando Shabangu, who works as a post-doctoral research fellow with Dr. Lihle Qulu at Stellenbosch University.
On part one of a three-part series, we discuss the appreciation of teachers, the challenges and joys of studying abroad, and how late introductions to the lab space invited Thando to the world of molecular biology research. Importantly, we also speak about mental health and the jumbled feelings that come with postgraduate learning.
The episode ends with a tease for part two, where Thando offers us a glimpse of his work with Dr. Lihle Qulu on being brave enough to investigate male sexual aggression.
3 May 2024
Getting to know Lizeka Tandwa: bioethics, moral responsibility, and reframing scientific contexts
Ndaa! Dumelang, Sawbona, Akkaam, Hello, Jambo Africa.
On this episode, we are excited to engage on a sequence of enriching topics with our local bioethics enthusiast, Lizeka Tandwa. Lizeka's biography is updated on our website - be sure to check it out! https://wenathepodcast.wixsite.com/wena-the-podcast (https://wenathepodcast.wixsite.com/wena-the-podcast)
If you like what you hear, please share this episode with your best friend, your Aunty, your Ma or your colleagues. Or, email us to give us some feedback. We'd appreciate some love on the streaming platforms and if you follow us on LinkedIn, X (twitter) and Instagram as well.
Suggest an African neuroscientist you'd like us to interview https://forms.gle/tPFckDPYAzHJjKCXA (https://forms.gle/tPFckDPYAzHJjKCXA) OR
Let's hear from you, we have a blog spot for you on our website https://forms.gle/iuBVGHm4qrPXAWsL6 (https://forms.gle/iuBVGHm4qrPXAWsL6)
3 Apr 2024
Getting to know our WENA hosts Khethani and Jo // Sleep science, studentship, curiosity and clinical research
Ndaa! Dumelang, Sawbona, Akkaam, Hello, Jambo Africa.
In this episode, Khethani interviews Jo on their journey of studentship and moving through failure. The team discusses staying committed to curiosity as life doesn't always follow the path you set for yourself. Jo speaks about their research in obstructive sleep apnoea and public health.
Follow us on LinkedIn, X (twitter) and Instagram as well. Our website is worth keeping an eye on, too! https://wenathepodcast.wixsite.com/wena-the-podcast (https://wenathepodcast.wixsite.com/wena-the-podcast)
Suggest an African neuroscientist you'd like us to interview https://forms.gle/tPFckDPYAzHJjKCXA (https://forms.gle/tPFckDPYAzHJjKCXA) OR
Let's hear from you, we have a blog spot for you on our website https://forms.gle/iuBVGHm4qrPXAWsL6 (https://forms.gle/iuBVGHm4qrPXAWsL6)
13 Mar 2024
Getting to know our WENA hosts Jo and Khethani//Upbringing, Science Journey, Nyaope and Opioid SUD
Ndaa! Dumelang, Sawbona, Akkaam, Hello, Jambo Africa.
In this episode of WENA, we delve into a captivating conversation with Khethani, as he shares with our podcast host Jo about his upbringing and the fascinating journey that led him into the realms of neuroscience and neurophysiology. Additionally, Khethani passionately discusses his research endeavors concerning the cocktail-heroin based drug known as nyaope and its impact on addiction, offering insights into his dedicated investigation of this complex issue.
Follow us on LinkedIn, X (twitter) and follow back as well.
Suggest an African Scientist you'd like us to interview https://forms.gle/tPFckDPYAzHJjKCXA (https://forms.gle/tPFckDPYAzHJjKCXA) OR
Let's hear from you, we have a blog spot for you on our website https://forms.gle/iuBVGHm4qrPXAWsL6 (https://forms.gle/iuBVGHm4qrPXAWsL6)
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