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Daniel Visser, a senior biotechnologist at CSIR Biosciences was born in Kimberley, South Africa, the capital of the Northern Cape, also known as the Diamond City. He moved to Johannesburg in 1980 to pursue his secondary education at Krugersdorp High School. He then went to Rhodes University where he graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology. He later secured a job back in Johannesburg and was unfortunately retrenched. This did not discourage him from moving on with his life at that very tender age. He decided to further his studies and registered at Wits University for an MSc (Biotechnology). While studying at Wits, he joined the CSIR and has been here for the past eight years. He is about to complete his PhD in Biochemistry with Rhodes University.
“I grew up with a very curious mind that prompted me to experiment with things with the ultimate aim of solving problems. This curiosity eventually found me solace in science and I ended up being part of an exciting and growing field of biotechnology, which I am very passionate about. My entire family understands and appreciates my passion for science, while my wife Eve, and two children, Matthew and Gabrielle, are my source of inspiration,” says Visser.
His area of expertise is high throughput screening, enzymology, and biocatalysis technology development. He has contributed in developing technology for cheap ARV production, enabled the field of metagenomics within the Biosciences unit and driven high throughput screening. This passion and hard work secured him the Biosciences’ most promising young researcher award in 2009, which he undoubtedly deserves. His principals describe him as someone who knows what the concept ‘service delivery’ means to clients, and is a valuable resource in the enzymes group.
Indeed, diamonds cannot be made – they have to be found. The CSIR has found a real diamond from the Diamond City and continues to polish it to maintain its sparkle.
CSIR Communication:
Josephine Moiloa, email: JMoiloa@csir.co.za
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