Chief Happiness Officer

Thandiwe the Dog is a cherished and integral member of the African Microbiome Research Group in the Department of Microbiology and The School for Data Science and Computational Thinking at Stellenbosch University. While her academic credentials may not include formal publications (yet), her contributions to the lab’s morale and productivity are unparalleled. Thandiwe specializes in fostering a positive and collaborative environment, ensuring that the Principal Investigator, Prof. Thulani Makhalanyane, remains motivated and inspired.

Her research interests, though unconventional, include the microbial diversity of soil samples collected during her daily walks, as well as the impact of canine companionship on human stress levels in high-pressure academic settings. Thandiwe’s work is highly collaborative, and she is often found providing emotional support during long lab hours, offering a paw to hold during manuscript revisions, and ensuring that no snack goes uneaten.

Thandiwe holds a prestigious role as the Lab’s Chief Happiness Officer, a position she has excelled in since her adoption in 2020. Her social responsibilities include greeting all lab members with enthusiasm, mediating disputes over lab equipment, and ensuring that the PI’s coffee breaks are accompanied by a wagging tail. She is also known for her outreach efforts, particularly in welcoming new students and visitors to the lab, making them feel at ease with her friendly demeanor.

Thandiwe’s work is a testament to the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the profound impact of non-human members in scientific research. Her dedication to keeping the PI happy and the lab running smoothly makes her an irreplaceable asset to the team.