18 January 2012 was the annual congress dinner of the South African Association of Botanists.  It was a very proud evening for the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Melissa Whitecross (matriculated from St Andrew's, 2006) presented an oral paper based on her Honours project at the congress.  Honours, Masters, Doctoral and Postdoctoral candidates from around the country competed for the prestigious Young Scientist award, which is presented for the best paper delivered by someone under the age of 30. 33 young scientists received a distinction mark for their presentation, but Melissa was the top candidate with a mark well into the nineties.
 

CONGRATULATIONS, this is brilliant.  WELL DONE, Melissa -- we are very proud of you and your achievement.

A big thank you to everyone in the school (academics, support staff and fellow students) who in so many ways support the efforts of your colleagues.  It is through this mutual support and collegiality that members of our school are able to achieve so highly.

Kind Regards
Kevin Balkwill, WITS