This Women's Month, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 celebrates the brilliant, brave, and compassionate women who comprise well over half of our world-class faculty. From our boundary-breaking dean, Prof Elmi Muller, and the formidable female leaders in our Management Team, to our exceptional academic staff and the unsung "sheroes" in administration who keep everything running – we see you, we salute you, we appreciate you.
These remarkable women embody excellence across every corner of our faculty, driving innovation in research, transforming medical education, and delivering world-class service. Through this feature series, we shine a spotlight on their diverse contributions and celebrate how their dedication, expertise, and leadership continue to elevate the FMHS as a leading institution in medicine and health sciences education and research.
Dannielle Kenny's journey from student to science communication leader
We're kicking off our campaign by turning the spotlight on Ms Dannielle Kenny, Science Communication Manager for the Divisions of Immunology and Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, and the South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research. In her role, this science communication specialist bridges the gap between the scientific community and the public, fostering meaningful connections and promoting the societal relevance of biomedical research.
Dannielle's path to science communication began serendipitously during her Master's studies in biomedical sciences. She was introduced to public science engagement through “TB under the Spotlight," a community engagement initiative aimed at educating learners in high TB burden areas about the disease. Working alongside her best friend and fellow student, Dr Carly Young-Bailie, Dannielle? led the TB research exhibit, designing interactive content that brought scientific research “out of the laboratory" and into the public realm.
“This project showcased that a combination of hands-on interaction and creative communication methods can foster a space in which scientific research is brought 'out of the laboratory' and into the realm of the public," Dannielle reflects, noting that this experience sparked her interest in science engagement, “although I didn't know it at the time."
Encouraged by her mentor, Dr Taime Sylvester, Dannielle began advocating for dedicated science communication resources within her research environment. Her persistence paid off when management recognised the value of science engagement and created the position of Communications and Marketing Officer in December 2018.
“Since my appointment, I have been instrumental in shaping and expanding the scope of this position to focus more explicitly on science communication and public engagement," Dannielle explains. Her role has evolved through experiential growth and her commitment to advancing science engagement as a professional field.
What Dannielle enjoys most about her work is its multifaceted nature: “The first is witnessing an idea, concept, or proposal go from an abstract thought into a tangible project with measurable outputs and outcomes. The second is connecting with project partners to exchange knowledge, lived experiences, perspectives and expectations that help inform, shape and implement impactful projects."
Her dedication to the field recently earned her selection as a Fellow for the prestigious German-South African Public Engagement Exchange (PEX) 2024/2025 cohort. This unique fellowship programme fosters leadership and innovation in public engagement, connecting Dannielle with global peers and thought leaders while positioning her as an ambassador for engaged research.
“I regard my participation in this programme as one of my most proud achievements and a source of acknowledgement and recognition from fellow peers and leaders in the public engagement space," she says.
However, Dannielle considers her greatest accomplishment to be personal rather than professional: “the incredible community of people, from my parents, husband, in-laws and family to fellow students, best friends, mentors and advisors, I have formed throughout my life and the unconditional love and support they give that inspire and encourage me to believe in my skills, worth and value."
Her advice to young women reflects this community-centred philosophy: “Listen to the inner and external voices that believe you are capable; that tell you: you are smart/brave/experienced/creative/innovative enough to take on that task/project/opportunity/job, because they aren't wrong and see the worth and value you bring – make sure to hold space for that woman to grow, flourish and bloom."
Dannielle draws inspiration from an extensive network of women who have paved the way for her generation. “These women have faced adversity, impossible social standards, crippling workload, unrealistic expectations, stereotypes and discrimination, yet have made a success of every opportunity with grace, humility and grit," she reflects. “I envy how they conduct themselves and engage with others with the utmost respect, compassion, confidence, and authenticity, and I am in awe of their achievements and aspirations."
This inspiring network includes her mother Cheryle Moore, late grandmother Wendy Waller, mother-in-law Gail Kenny, stepmom Sonja Moore, sisters-in-law Savanah Giessler and Nora Kenny, best friends Carly Young-Bailie, Ayanda Shabangu, Kim Wayne, Shelby Engelbrecht and Michaela Boshoff, colleagues Tracey Jooste, Sinazo Bali, Alyce Kapisa, Mbali Mkhonza, Caitlyne McMurchie, Tehillah Maluleke, Sedzani Ndou, Leka Mhlophe, Michaela O'Hare, Catherine Lohrentz, Robyn Lategan, Emilyn Costa Concei??o, Margaret Nolan, Denise Scholtz, Leigh Kotze, Gabriela Carolus and Stephanie Okeyo, and her mentors Dr Taime Sylvester, Dr Caroline Beltran, Dr Rouxjeane Venter, Ms Julia Moore, Dr Natalie Leibrandt-Loxton, Prof Liezel Smith, Ms Liesel Muller, Prof Marina Joubert, Prof Rene English, Prof Lynn Hendricks, Prof Susan van Schalkwyk, Prof Marlo M?ller, Dr Therese Fish, Prof Maryna van de Venter and Prof Carminita Frost. As Dannielle puts it: “Because of them, we can..."
