​​​​​When Nadia Fisher-Smith's two sons Daniel and Matthew heard she was going to receive the title of “doctor" at Stellenbosch University's (SU) December graduation, they were excited that their mom was going to heal people. “I had to explain to them that I will not be that kind of doctor," Fisher-Smith laughs. “So now they refer to me as a scientist. My husband Charlton reckons we share the title, so when he introduces himself, he says 'I am half doctor Smith'." 

Her loved ones' massive excitement about Fisher-Smith's PhD in genetics at Stellenbosch University (SU) is for a good reason. She's the first in her ​family to reach this academic milestone.  

Originally aspiring to pursue a career in dentistry after completing matric at Belhar Secondary School, her plans changed when SU's dentistry programme moved to the University of Western Cape in 2004. This prompted Fisher-Smith to pursue a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree at SU. 

She attributes her academic success over the past decade to a transformative intervention at SU that changed the course of her academic career from the very beginning.  

Early intervention 

“When I applied at SU, I unfortunately did not meet the requirements for the BSc programme. A mentor stepped in to provide guidance and support. She suggested I repeat matric mathematics, and importantly, she informed me about SciMathUs, a programme offered by the University designed to help students improve their academic performance," Fisher-Smith explains. 

Joining SciMathUS was a significant turning point. “When I entered the programme, it became evident that I was not fully prepared for the rigours of university-level studies. The SciMathUs programme not only enhanced my mathematical skills, but I also received valuable support and resources to excel academically. In retrospect, SciMathUS provided me with an invaluable opportunity to push my boundaries and exceed my expectations. 

“During my time at SciMathUS, I had a profound realisation that forever altered my perspective and approach to life. It emphasised the value of hard work, unwavering determination and the importance of exploring alternative pathways to achieve one's goals. It was a profound experience that has left an indelible mark on my personal and academic development. 

“One of the most significant insights I gained from SciMathUS was that setbacks and unexpected detours in one's educational journey can be transformed into opportunities for growth. SciMathUS played a crucial role in fostering this mindset. It taught me that adversity, rather than being a roadblock, can be a stepping stone to success if met with the right attitude and a willingness to persevere. This lesson has been a guiding principle in my educational journey since then, empowering me to overcome challenges and continue striving for my goals.

“As a result of my improved academic performance, I was able to secure admission to pursue a bachelor's degree in natural science at the SU. This achievement was a direct outcome of the preparation and support I received through SciMathUS. It's a testament to how the programme had effectively readied me for the challenges of university studies." 

Invaluable mentorship 

After obtaining a BSc degree, Fisher-Smith's passion for genetics led her to earn an honours degree in the subject and pursue a master's degree in the same field, engaging in advanced research projects. 

She felt “incredibly honoured" when her genetics lecturer, Prof Anna-Maria Botha-Oberholster, selected her to be part of her research team. “She was both my mentor and current supervisor and has provided crucial financial support and moral encouragement in my academic journey. Her faith in my potential fuelled a deeply personal determination to validate her selection," Fisher-Smith says. 

The title of her PhD dissertation is An investigation into the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) host response to Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia Kurd.) feeding. Aphids are insects that feed on wheat plants and can significantly harm crops, lowering yields in farmers' fields, Fisher-Smith explains. “My study aimed to investigate whether genetically modified wheat could be more tolerant to aphid attacks. I now look forward to continuing my work as a geneticist, making meaningful contributions to the scientific community and balancing my roles as a dedicated researcher, a loving wife and a proud mother." 

Fisher-Smith says she feels overwhelmed by all the messages of support and congratulations she's been receiving from friends and family. Her journey has been a remarkable and fulfilling one, Fisher-Smith notes and she's immensely grateful for the privilege of pursuing a dedicated path in science through academia. Looking forward, the talented geneticist is excited to start postdoctoral research in 2024.  For students facing uncertainty and challenges, Fisher-Smith offers words of wisdom: 

“Don't hesitate to seek guidance and support from mentors, teachers or programmes such as SciMathUS. Mentors played a pivotal role in my journey, and having someone who believes in your potential can make a world of difference. 

“Remember, your journey is unique, and your potential is boundless. It may not be a straightforward path, but with determination and endurance you can navigate the twists and turns, ultimately reaching your destination. The most important thing is to keep moving forward, even when the road seems uncertain because it's the journey itself that shapes who you become." 

PHOTO: Stefan Els