Internship brings South African professor, student to McMaster

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/southafricanfriends.jpg” caption=”Graduate student Catherine Govender and faculty member Nafisa Cassimjee spent time at McMaster over the last two months working in areas such as aging, HIV, and social deviance and disorders. They were able to learn everything from the basics of running a lab to the University’s approach to involving students in research. “]Betty Ann Levy could see the opportunities for partnership between McMaster and
institutions in South Africa as soon as she began touring the country's mental health
clinics and universities.

The professor emeritus and former chair of the psychology department took part in a
visit to the developing African country organized by People to People, an American
sponsorship group, and the American Psychology Society last summer. She was so
impressed with the graduate students and faculty she met while there that she decided
to organize an exchange.

“They were looking to build their knowledge in neuroscience and neuropsychology,
which is a strength at McMaster,” said Levy. “So it was clear that they would benefit from
a visit to campus, and we would benefit from having them, so it made perfect sense.”

Levy then organized internships for Nafisa Cassimjee, a faculty member at the
University of Pretoria, and Catherine Govender, a graduate student. The two spent time
at McMaster through June and July, working with University researchers Patrick Bennett,
Allison Sekuler, Allison Niccols and Louis Schmidt in areas such as aging, HIV, and social
deviance and disorders. They were able to learn everything from the basics of running a
lab to McMaster's approach to involving students in research.

“It was a bit daunting at first,” said Cassimjee of the sheer amount of information they
were faced with absorbing. “But we learned a lot that we'll be able to apply back home.”

One aspect of the experience that particularly interested the visitors was the level to
which McMaster students are involved in laboratory research.

“Seeing undergrads go through the process has been very exciting,” said Govender.

“It really teaches students to take control of their own learning,” said Cassimjee. “It
shows that the institution is going to meet them half way, but that students have to take
responsibility for their education .”

The two hope to be able to give back to McMaster by inviting students from the
University to visit their country in the future. Levy said she's hoping to develop the
program and continue to bring faculty and students from South Africa to campus.

“These interactions can have great impact,” said Levy. “It was an enlightening experience
for us, and I know it was for them as well.”