RUKSHANA AHMED

“There are so many blessings that I choose to focus on while on this exciting and demanding journey.”

Tell us about the background of your research.

I am currently in the process of amending my PhD protocol on bio decontamination in dentistry. The study aims to determine the efficacy of automated vaporizing devices in a dental surgery. Several studies of this nature has been conducted in the medical field with little research into the implications for dentistry.

What were the motivations for carrying out this research?

I had initially started my PhD on a different topic and I was at the very early stages of reading into the topic but it was just not coming together for me. Then COVID- 19 happened and all that I was reading was about this new virus and the implications in our field. Suddenly there were new protocols and different ways of doing things that we routinely do. My supervisor and I then decided this was the way to go. It was a subject that was relevant, novel and sparked my interest.

Research can be a long and tough journey, what kept you going during this process?

There are so many blessings that I choose to focus on while on this exciting and demanding journey. Firstly I realised why I was starting this journey of self-development and the commitment I needed to make to see it through. Secondly I knew that my family, friends and colleagues were understanding and supportive. Being part of the DTS program gave me the space and the skills to quip myself to complete the tasks thus far. The deadlines in the program removes any chance of procrastination and ensured I got the work done. The added bonus for me was meeting some amazing friends that became like family in the DTS program and we are our own cheerleaders! Lastly and importantly my faith.

Who is your biggest inspiration/what inspires you?

There are several colleagues that are like minded that I draw inspiration from. Colleagues that are role models and often share their journey in academia in such inspiring ways that it encourages me on my journey. However I would not have accomplished what I have thus far if it was not for Prof Jose Frantz. I had no contact with Prof Franz prior to joining the DTS programme, but in the past few years her approach to research and her ability to motivate us as researchers has been phenomenal. I would never have had the courage to move so far out of my comfort zone if it was not for Prof Frantz’s motivation, encouragement and her vision to empower. The opportunities and exposure to institutional structures that she provides allows us to develop as early-career researchers.

What is the funniest/scariest/most embarrassing or best thing that has happened to you as a researcher?

The best thing that happened to me as a researcher was completing a systematic review in five months and having it published! I have to acknowledge both Prof Roman as the facilitator and my supervisor Dr R Mulder for being instrumental in the systematic review.

There are certainly lots of lesson you took from your journey, what can you share with an aspiring researcher/post grad student?

I honestly didn’t think I was capable of doing research at this level, let alone to enjoy it. My advice to anyone that wants to delve into this aspect of academia is to find a topic that resonates with you, something that you can read for hours and hours because that is what you can expect.

Learn to accept criticism and separate the feedback from the person. We get so passionate about what we are researching that having it critically assessed can be challenging.

Carving the time to work on your post graduate studies is essential and this is extremely challenging when you have clinical and academic requirements that are your main focus. Finding the balance in it all is most important.

Apply for programmes like the DTS programme. I cannot begin to explain the positive impact the programme has had on me. It is exceptionally demanding and as a full time staff member juggling work, home and the requirements of the DTS programme can be overwhelming. However when you reflect at what you have achieved with the guidance and support it is worth it.

COVID-19 has been a huge challenge in the society at large, how did you cope with this challenge?

I have learnt to be gentle with myself and acknowledging that there are certain things I can control and others not. I see myself as a sort of “fixer” and at times I would over extend myself because it is what is needed of me, but 2020 has taught me to slow down and to be mindful. The pandemic has taken its toll on our psychological and physiological wellbeing and has forced me to re-evaluate how I live my life.

One of the benefits of being part of the DTS program was sessions with a coach. These sessions highlighted my struggled to excel in all my roles and highlighted the importance of finding the balance and appreciating the present. The timing of these sessions were ideal and to have access to this expertise at the height of our COVID- 19 first wave allowed me to navigate through the uncertainty a bit more grounded.

How was your supervision experience in one word?

Mentorship

What are you currently doing (work/ academics)?

I am a dentist / lecturer in the Prosthetic department at the dental faculty of the University of the Western Cape. I predominantly teach third year undergraduate students the theoretical and clinical aspects of constructing dentures.

What does the future hold for Rukshana Ahmed?

My aim for the immediate future is to complete my PhD. I realise that I am only at the proposal stage, but for me it is the most challenging (& exciting) part as I lay the ground work for my study. It might not seem as a major accomplishment to the seasoned researcher, but for me, who for many years only identified with the clinical teacher role, this is a major mind shift. So, in addition to completing my PhD at some point I would like to impart some of the skills I have acquired in this program, one being finding your research voice.