Lyon calling: LLL Intern making a splash at global science conference

Lide Janse Van Vuuren is one such LLLer who embodies this aim; A quick glance at her LinkedIn profile reveals that Lide is currently busy with her Master of Science in Geochemistry, and has a “strong foundation in analytical chemistry, hydrogeology, and geology, as well as extensive experience in field work, sample processing, and report writing”. This background enabled her to successfully submit a proposal – the abstract of her Master’s thesis – to attend Goldschmidt2023!, an annual, international conference on geochemistry and related subjects in Lyon, France.

The Goldschmidt Conference is the “premiere international meeting on geochemistry [and] is owned jointly by the Geochemical Society and the European Association of Geochemistry”. Her thesis will be studying the effects of the melting of ice sheets in the Southern Arctic Ocean, focusing on micronutrients as well as the release of iron and other trace metals on the surrounding ecosystems.

When asked about her biggest takeaway, Lide shared that “the real highlight of my experience was the exposure to a myriad of up-and-coming research and groundbreaking initiatives. During breaks and spare moments, I eagerly attended presentations and engaged in discussions with researchers and professionals from diverse fields. This exposure broadened my horizons and opened my mind to new ideas and perspectives. Witnessing the passion and dedication of these researchers was truly inspiring, and it motivated me to pursue my academic journey with even greater zeal.”

In addition to presenting her thesis at Goldschmidt, she worked as a student helper, “being a student helper, I assisted in various tasks, from registration and guiding attendees to their respective sessions, to helping the organizing team manage logistics smoothly. This hands-on exposure helped me understand the importance of coordination and teamwork in successfully executing an event of this scale.”, Lide explained.

Her attendance of this conference and working as a student helper is evidence of her high work ethic which she developed throughout her undergraduate studies, which included some time working on the SA Agulhas research vessel. She credits that experience as motivation for submitting her proposal to present at Goldschmidt. Her involvement in the LLL program is another meaningful experience, “the aspect that truly stood out and resonated with me in the LLL Leadership programme was the incredible space it provided for fostering ideas and innovation. Throughout the programme, no idea was dismissed; instead, students were encouraged to envision themselves as catalysts for change, striving to create a more inclusive and enriching environment at Stellenbosch Univeristy.”

It is often said that “the global is local and the local is global”, highlighting the interconnectedness of the world and the need for engagement with the international community as a researcher, student or tourist. Lide’s attendance of this conference is a demonstration of this and the advantages that travelling overseas can have for students. Kulani Ngobeni, a postgraduate LLB student who has attended a semester exchange said that “my time spent as a summer school student in Amsterdam was undeniably the single best experience of my life. In addition to realising that I was simply not dreaming big enough; with the student-centered and interactive style of Dutch learning, the summer school holistically fed my intellectual curiosity”.

Attending conferences can be expensive for most students to attend, especially when they are overseas. Lide received funding support from the university, “I was incredibly fortunate to receive generous co-funding for attending the conference, made possible through the support of the LLL Program, the office of Professor Sibusiso Moyo, and the Overseas Conference Grant (OCG) of Stellenbosch University. Thanks to this funding, I had the unique opportunity to be part of an amazing amalgamation of brilliant minds from the world of science. The experience was truly awe-inspiring and left a lasting impact on my academic and personal growth.”

For other students interested in travel opportunities overseas, there are numerous semester exchanges and exchange programs that the Stellenbosch University International (SUI) Office offers at various partner institutions all over the world. These exchanges offer an opportunity for sponsored travel, if students meet certain requirements. For more information on the different exchanges, students can visit the SUI website or their office in the Krotoa building.

While Lide was only supposed to stay for a week at the conference in Lyon, her family in the region invited her to visit them for the rest of the year, allowing her the opportunity to finish her thesis in a focussed and tranquil environment, while spending quality time with family.

“I feel like you only regret the chances you don’t take. And I try to live by that. I try to give myself opportunities. I would rather have a choice between two opportunities and have to choose than not having anything in front of me at all”. This advice speaks directly to how being a part of the LLL programme requires a continuous, deliberate attitude of creating opportunities for growth on the part of individual LLLers through house conversations, house projects and other initiatives.