University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) graduate, Ms Karina Maharaj, is pursuing a Master of Science by Research degree at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom after receiving the UKZN Emma Smith Scholarship.

Oxford is internationally recognised for its research and teaching. UKZN’s Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship supports South African women graduates who have lived in Durban for at least three years and wish to pursue postgraduate studies abroad.

The scholarship enables recipients to gain international academic experience while developing knowledge and skills that could benefit their communities and South Africa.

Maharaj said: “The is my first opportunity to study abroad, and so the people, the culture, infrastructure and scientific experience is quite incredible.”

Maharaj’s research focuses on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, particularly pre-eclampsia, which contributes to maternal and foetal illness and death in South Africa and globally.

“As the scholarship is awarded to female candidates, it felt fitting to contribute to women’s health science. Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy have a detrimental global impact, and I hope my work can add to the knowledge base and improve outcomes for mothers and babies.”

Maharaj hopes her research will contribute to a better understanding of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and improve outcomes for mothers and babies. She said her commitment to women’s health remained central to her academic and research interests.

She described the opportunity to study at Oxford as “surreal” and expressed gratitude to her family, friends and UKZN academics for the support and encouragement that helped shape her academic journey.

Words: Lunga Memela

Photograph: Supplied