S3/Ep.5 "Inside Immunology & Infection Disease Research with Ruth Purcell"

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