GSN Day concludes Summit on a high note

On October 7, following the SAEON Summit, selected students of the Graduate Student Network (GSN) were given an opportunity to relax a little and get down to the business of networking. This was the second GSN event of 2010.

The 13 students were chosen on the merit of their poster abstracts and SAEON generously sponsored the day out. The day began with introductions and coffee at the Kirstenbosch Conference Centre. We then headed to the Waterfront, where the plan was to do an environmental tour of Robben Island. Unfortunately the weather was not on our side and all the ferries were cancelled due to strong seas and rough winds. Instead we headed to the Two Oceans Aquarium and had a chance to really relax in front of the Predator Exhibit and mesmerizing Kelp Forest.

We then headed back to Kirstenbosch and the students were filled in on what the GSN is, how it fits into SAEON, how they can benefit from being members and what they can do to take the GSN from strength to strength. This presentation was delivered by GSN Committee Members Dirk Snyman and Brian Mubiwa (on the occasion of his birthday!)

Unfortunately this was also the time to say goodbye to two of the committee members, Shannon Hampton and Brian Mubiwa who have now served their two-year term on the committee. The students were encouraged to consider applying to join Rachel Cooper, Ander M. de Lecea and Dirk Snyman on the committee for a two-year term. There were definitely a number of eligible and enthusiastic candidates present.

Winners of the poster competition

The highlight of the day came with the announcement of the winners of the poster competition. Victoria Goodall of SAEON’s Fynbos Node announced the winners and Monako Dibetle of SAEON’s National Office handed out the impressive oversized cheques! The five judges had a tough job choosing between the posters which were of an exceptionally high standard.

Lelani Mannetti came in third and was rewarded with a generous R2 000. Michelle Greve was second and won R3 000, and the most excited and winner of the day, taking home a cheque for R5 000 was Megan Nowell. All the students received a gorgeous certificate for having been chosen to attend the GSN day.

Victoria Goodall then led a discussion on the GSN, SAEON and long-term environmental research. This was followed by an invited talk by Simon Back of Backsberg winery, a carbon neutral operation. Simon spoke to us about the challenges of trying to be environmentally responsible while remaining competitive in the industry. This was followed by some cheese and wine tasting which I am sure was enjoyed by all.

The GSN committee are immensely grateful to Victoria Goodall who was instrumental in organising the day as well as to Monako Dibetle and his colleagues at SAEON’s National Office for getting all the logistics sorted out.