Women’s Month – ‘Trailblazer’ Academic Leader Reflects on Her Journey Empowering the Next Generation of Scientists
The importance of mentorship, scientific collaboration and research which ultimately benefits patients was high on the agenda when scientist Professor Michelle Gordon spoke at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
Gordon delivered the School of Medicine’s inaugural Women’s Month Brown Bag Research Presentation.
Welcoming staff and students to the session, Dean and Head of the School of Medicine, Professor Refiloe Masekela, described Gordon as a trailblazer and ideal inaugural woman speaker for the School’s Brown Bag series.
Gordon, a microbiologist and researcher with a longstanding interest in HIV drug resistance, used the informal presentation to reflect on her journey from PhD student to independent researcher, academic leader and mentor.
She spoke about her early research career at the Africa Centre, where she completed her PhD under the mentorship of Professor Sharon Cassol, crediting her mentors and early collaborators with helping her develop both technical expertise and an appreciation for knowledge-sharing, teamwork and international collaboration.
Gordon’s scientific journey took her to research laboratories in Brazil and Belgium, where she gained expertise in drug susceptibility testing, bioinformatics and viral evolution. These experiences helped shape her subsequent work on HIV drug resistance in South Africa.
The scientific component of her presentation focused on research, investigating the complex mechanisms through which HIV develops resistance to antiretroviral treatment. Gordon highlighted research examining mutations in the virus’s protease, gag and envelope regions, demonstrating how combinations of mutations can influence viral fitness and the effectiveness of antiretroviral drugs.
Her findings underscore the complexity of HIV drug resistance and the continued need for research, even as new antiretroviral therapies emerge.
“There will always be drug resistance, not just HIV drug resistance,” Gordon said, emphasising the importance of developing and understanding alternative treatment options.
A significant focus of the presentation was Gordon’s role as a mentor and supervisor. Reflecting on students she has guided into careers in medicine, pharmacy and research both locally and internationally, she described mentorship as one of the most rewarding aspects of her academic journey.
She encouraged emerging researchers to take ownership of their work, understand their value and be more assertive about their intellectual contributions, particularly around research leadership and authorship. “Make sure that you know your worth,” she advised.
Gordon also stressed the importance of strengthening links between laboratory-based scientists and clinicians, arguing that research should not become a mere postgraduate requirement, but rather be viewed as an essential part of improving patient care.
For researchers completing their PhDs, she recommended identifying a clear research niche, developing the skills required for independence and considering postdoctoral training as an important step towards establishing an independent scientific career.
Beyond the laboratory, Gordon highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. A musician who plays bass guitar, she spoke about the role of family, friendships, music and community in sustaining her outside the demands of academia.
As part of the Women’s Month reflection, she also called for greater solidarity among women in academia. “I think women need to stick together,” she said, emphasising the importance of women supporting and uplifting one another.
Gordon’s presentation ultimately offered both a scientific exploration of HIV drug resistance and a candid reflection on the people, partnerships and experiences that have shaped her career, while encouraging the next generation of researchers to pursue excellence, build meaningful collaborations and find their own path to independence.
Words and photograph: Lunga Memela
