CV J H van der Westhuizen - University of the Free State

CURRICULUM VITAE: Prof. J. H. VAN DER WESTHUIZEN
Name:
Jan Hendrik Van Der Westhuizen
Identity number: 5302135007081
Date of birth: 13 February 1953
Place of birth:
Nationality:
Lichtenburg, South Africa
South African
Educational Background
University:
1995: MBA (A Strategic Cost Analysis of Maize Production in South Africa ),
Potchefstroom University (North-West University)
• Alumni prize for the best final year student in Financial Management
1980: Post-doctoral research with Prof. A.G.M. Barrett. The Imperial College of Science
and Technology, London. Research assistant
1979: PhD (A Novel Series of Photochemical Reactions in Flavonoid Synthesis), University
of the Free State (awarded in 1980)
1976: MSc (cum laude). (Novel Photochemical Rearrangements and Condensations of 2-
Benzenesofuran- 3-ones and Chalcones), University of the Free State
1975: BSc (honours) in chemistry (cum laude), University of the Free State
1971-1974: BSc (cum laude). University of the Free State
Secondary School:
1967-1971: Hoërskool Lichtenburg
Primary School:
1961-1966: Laerskool Biesiesvlei
• Distinctions in all nine subjects
• Majors: Chemistry and Physiology
• University Academic Colours
• Nedbank Medal for Academic Excellence for Undergraduate Studies
• Head Prefect
• Hostel Prefect
• Distinctions in Afrikaans, German, Mathematics and Physical Science

Postgraduate Bursaries:
• British Science Research Council Award (1980)
• Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Merit Award (1979)
• Shell Research Fellowship (1977-1978)
• Konrad Taeuber Postgraduate Science Memorial Scholarship (1976-1978)
Professional Experience:
2009: Sabbatical (March to July) at the University of Cambridge (Host: Prof. Steve Ley)
2006-2010: Divisional Head of Organic Chemistry. The University of the Free State
2004-present:
Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry. The University of the Free State
2003 – 2004: Technology and Business Development Manager. Biosys Plant Extracts Pty Ltd.
(Biosys is a commercial company that developed from the Council for Scientific
and Industrial Research’s (CSIR) essential oil programme)
2002-present:
Honorary Life Vice-President: Red Meat Producers’ Organisation
2000-2002: Scientist. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). I worked in the
Bio-prospecting and Essential Oil programmes. My main responsibility was the
commercialisation of essential oil production on private farms
2000: Accompanied the Deputy Minister of Agriculture to the United Kingdom to
evaluate the date-based export scheme (BSE)
1998-2000: Director of the South African Meat Industry Company (SAMIC)
2000: Chairperson of the Southern African Meat Producers’ Organisation (South Africa,
Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia)
1998-2000: National Chairperson of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation
1995-1998: Chairperson: North West Red Meat Producers’ Organisation
1981-2000: Self-employed entrepreneur and businessman with interests in cattle, sheep, maize
and sunflower farming; investments in Mozambique; property investments;
consulting. Managing Director of Janjoekie Pty Ltd, Libombos Enterprises Limited
and Jan v/d Westhuizen Boerdery CC
1980: Research Assistant at the Imperial College of Science and Technology, London
(Post-doctoral research with Prof. A.G.M. Barrett)
Publications in international peer-reviewed journals:
1. Venter, P.B.; Senekal, N.D.; Amra-Jordaan, M.; Bonnet, S. L.; van der Westhuizen J. H.
Analysis of Commercial Proanthocyanidins. Part 2: An Electrospray Mass Spectrometry
Investigation into the Chemical Composition of Sulfited Quebracho (Schinopsis lorentzii and
Schinopsis balansae) Heartwood Extract, Phytochemistry, 2012, 78, 156-169.

2. Wilhelm-Mouton, A.; Bonnet, S. L.; Ding, Y.; Li, X-C.; Ferreira, D.; van der Westhuizen, J.
H. Photochemistry synthesis. Part 2†: Enantiomerically pure polyhydroxy-1,1,3-triarylpropan-
2-ols, Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry, 2012, 227, 18-24.
3. Venter, P. B.; Sisa, M.; van der Merwe, M. J.; Bonnet, S. L.; van der Westhuizen, J. H.
Analysis of Commercial Proanthocyanidins. Part 1: The Chemical Composition of Quebracho
(Schinopsis lorentzii and Schinopsis balansae) Heartwood Extract, Phytochemistry, 2012, 73,
95-106.
4. Romer, H, R.; Underwood, P.; Senekal, N. D.; Bonnet, S. L.; Duer M. J.; Reid, D. G.; van der
Westhuizen, J. H. Tannin Fingerprinting in Vegetable Tanned Leather by Solid State NMR
Spectroscopy and Comparison with Leathers Tanned by Other Processes, Molecules, 2011, 16,
1240-1252.
5. Marston, A.; Cawood, M.; Van Der Westhuizen, J. H. High -performance Countercurrent
Chromatography for the Efficient Isolation of Alkaloid Acetylcholine Esterase inhibitors from
Nerine Species (Amaryllidaceae), Planta Med. 2010, 76, 1208.
6. Miroslav, S.; Bonnet, S. L.; Ferreira, D.; Van Der Westhuizen, J. H. Photochemistry of
Flavonoids. Molecules, 2010, 15, 5196-5249.
7. Marston, A.; Van Der Westhuizen, J. H.; Zietsman, P. Investigation of South African
Amaryllidaceae for Inhibitors of Acetylcholinesterase. Planta Med. 2009, 75, 944.
8. Achilonu, M.C.; Bonnet, S.L.; Van Der Westhuizen, J.H. Synthesis of Proanthocyanidins. Part
1. The First Oxidative Formation of the Interflavanyl Bond in Procyanidins. Org. Lett. 2008,
10(17), 3865-3868.
9. Osthoff, G.; Dickens, L.; Urashima, T.; Bonnet, S.L.; Uemura, Y.; Van Der Westhuizen, J.H.
Structural Characterization of Oligosaccharides in the Milk of an African Elephant
(Loxodonta africana africana), Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B 2008, 150,
74-84.
10. Han, Z.; Bonnet, S. L.; Van Der Westhuizen, J. H. Photochemistry Synthesis. Part 1:
Syntheses of Xanthine Derivatives by Photolysis of 1-(5′-Oxohexyl)-3,7-dimethyl-3,7-
dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione (Pentoxifylline): an Ambident Chromophore.
Tetrahedron. 2008, 64, 2619-2625.
11. Theron, H.B.; Van Der Merwe M.J.; Swart K.J.; Van Der Westhuizen J.H. Atmospheric
Pressure Photoionisation in LCMS to Minimize Ion Suppression and Matrix Effects-
Quantification of Venlaxafine & O-Desmethylvenlaxafine. Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom.
2007, 21, 1680-1686.
12. Achilonu, M. C.; Janse van Rensburg, M.; Van Der Westhuizen, J. H.; Roodt, A. 1-(4-
Methoxybenzyl)pyridinium p-toluenesulfonate. Acta Cryst. 2007. E63, o4326.
13. Kirstein L.; Steyl L.; van der Westhuizen J. H.; Steyl G. trans-Carbonylchlorobis[(2-
naphtyloxy)-diphenylphosphine-kP]rhodium]rhodium(I). Acta Cryst. 2007. E63, m20-m22.
14. Van Der Westhuizen, J. H.; Steenkamp, J. A. S.; Ferreira, D. An Unusual Reaction of Flavan-
3-ols with Acetone of Relevance to the Formation of the Tetracyclic Ring System in
Peltogynoids. Tetrahedron, 1990, 23, 7849-7854.
15. Attrill, R. P.; Barrett, A.G.M.; Quayle, P.; Van Der Westhuizen, J. H. Convenient Synthesis of
-(2-Oxoazetidin-4-yl) Esters and Ketones and Related Systems. J. Org. Chem. 1984, 49, 1679-
1682.

16. Van Der Westhuizen, J. H.; Ferreira, D.; Roux, D. G. Synthesis of Condensed Tannins. Part 2.
Synthesis by Photolytic Rearrangement, Stereochemistry, and Circular Dichroism of the First
2,3-cis-3,4-cis-4-Arylflavan-3-ols. J. Chem. Soc., Perkin 1, 1981, 1220-1226.
17. Van Der Westhuizen, J. H.; Ferreira, D.; Roux, D. G. A Novel Photochemical Structural
Inversion: The First Methoxy-Hydroxymethyl Isomerization. J. Chem. Soc., Perkin 1, 1980,
1540-1543.
18. Van Der Westhuizen, J.H.; Ferreira, D.; Roux, D.G. Photochemical Deoxygenation of an
Alpha-Ketol: The Dihydroflavonol-Flavanone Conversion. J. Chem. Soc., Perkin 1, 1980,
1003-1006.
19. Van Der Westhuizen, J.H.; Ferreira, D.; Roux, D.G. Some Novel Photochemical and Related
Aryl Couplings and Migrations in Flavonoid Synthesis. J. Chem., Soc., Perkin 1, 1980, 2856-
2865.
20. Van Der Westhuizen, J. H.; Ferreira, D.; Roux, D.G. Photochemical Equivalent of a Benzilic
Acid Rearrangement and Related Conversions. J. Chem. Soc., Perkin 1, 1977, 1517-1522.
Postgraduate Student supervision completed (Promotor):
1. 1. Han, Z. Concise Syntheses of Aspalathin and Analogues, PhD dissertation, University of
the Free State, 2012.
2. Venter, P. B. Development and Validation of Bioanalytical Assay Methods for Moxifloxacin,
Fluticasone Propionate, and Budesonide. MSc Thesis, University of the Free State, 2011.
3. Senekal, N. D. A Solid State NMR and MS Characterisation of the Chemical Composition of
Mimosa Bark Extract, M Sc Thesis, University of the Free State, 2011.
4. Achilonu, M. C. Novel Synthetic Approaches towards Biflavonoids and Procyanidins, PhD
dissertation, University of the Free State, 2009.
5. Mosoabisane, M. F. T. Variation in Chemical Composition of Harpagophytum Species as a
Function of Age and Locality, MSc Thesis, University of the Free State, 2009.
6. Amra-Jordaan, M. The Synthesis of an Internal Standard for Bicalutamide, MSc Thesis,
University of the Free State, 2008.
7. Wilhelm, A. Photochemistry of (+)-Catechin and (-)-Epicatechin, MSc Thesis, University of
the Free State, 2008.
8. Theron, H. B. Quantification of Levonorgestrel and Venlafaxine in Biological Fluids using
Atmospheric Pressure Photo Ionization Mass Spectrometry, MSc Thesis, University of the
Free State, 2007.
9. Han, Z. Photochemistry of Pentoxifylline – A Xanthine Derivative, MSc Thesis, University of
the Free State, 2007.
10. Montsho, R. M. Reactions of Polyphenols with Alpha-keto Acids, MSc Thesis, University of
the Free State, 2007.
Postgraduate Student supervision completed (Co-promotor):

11. Du, K. Isolation of Bioactive Constituents from Seeds of Schotia Brachypetala (Fabaceae) and
Colospermum Mopane (Fababceae), MSc Thesis, University of the Free State, 2012.
Teaching experience:
I have lectured since 2004 at first, second, third and honours level in organic chemistry. I have also
been in charge of third year practical training including the writing of the practical manual and the
introduction of NMR interpretation as part of the practical training.
Lectures presented at national level:
1. Van Der Westhuizen, J. H. Investigating the Chemical Composition of Quebracho (Schinopsis
lorentzii) and Mimosa (Acacia mearnsii) commercial proanthocyanidin extracts with solid
state NMR and ESI mass spectrometry. Paper presented to the Bruker NMR Users Meeting,
Winterton, South Africa, July 14-15, 2011.
2. Van Der Westhuizen, J. H. Photochemistry Synthesis of Flavonoids and Related Compounds.
Paper presented to the 11 Th Frank Warren Conference, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa,
January 20, 2010.
3. Van Der Westhuizen, J. H. Solid State NMR and MALDI-TOF Investigation of Acacia
mearnsii (Black Wattle) Tannin Extracts. Paper presented to the Bruker NMR Users Meeting,
Hermanus, South Africa, January 27-29, 2010.
4. Van Der Weshuizen, J. H. Die Strategiese rol van landbou in ‘n era van hoë tegnologiese
ontwikkeling (The Strategic Role of Agriculture in an Era of High Technological
Development). Paper presented to The Strategic Advice Committee Farmers Day of the
Griekwaland Wes Cooperative, September, 2008.
Lecture at international conferences (invited):
1. Van Der Westhuizen, J. H.; Bonnet, S. L.; Achilonu, M. A Novel Approach towards the
Syntheses of Proanthocyanidins and Biflavonoids. Paper presented to the 7 th Tannin
Conference (Part of the 58 th International Congress and Meeting of the Society for
Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research), Berlin, August 29, 2010.
2. Van Der Westhuizen, J. H., Perspectives on Happiness. Paper presented to the Forum
Happiness in a Humanistic Context, “Scientific, Cultural, Social, Economic, and Ethical
Perspectives”, University of Porto, Porto, May 17-19, 2012.
National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) rating:
Patents:
Category L (November 2009). Researchers who have been absent from research life and show
promise to establish or re-establish themselves within a 5-year period
1. Achilonu, M. C.; Bonnet, L. C.; Van Der Westhuizen, J. H. Method for the Preparation of C-4
Coupled Flavonoids, Proanthocyanidins and Analogues thereof. PCT Application number
PCT/IB2009/052396 based on ZA Provisional Patent Application 2008/04953, June 5, 2009.

2. Achilonu.; M. C. Bonnet L. C.; Van Der Westhuizen J. H. Synthesis of 3-Aryl Flavenes and
C-3 Coupled Biflavonoids. PCT Application number PCT/IB2010/053755 based on ZA
Provisional South African Patent Application 2009/05765, August 19, 2010.
3. Van Der Westhuizen, J. H.; Noreljaleel, A. E. M.; Bonnet, S. L.; Wilhelm-Mouton, A.
Aminoalkyl Substituted Chalcones and Analogues and Derivatives thereof. PCT application
number PCT/IB2011/052396, May 31, 2011 based on South African Provisional Patent
Application No: 2010/03897 May 31, 2010.
4. Van Der Westhuizen, J. H.; Ferreira, D. Joubert, E.; Bonnet, S. L. Synthesis of Aspalathin and
Analogues thereof. PCT Application number WO2011/064726 A1, June 3, 2011 (based on
ZA Provisional Patent Applications 2009/08304, 2009/08308 and 2009/08309, November 24,
2010.
5. Van der Westhuizen, J. H.; Bonnet, S. L.; Davis, H. J. Method for the Formation and
Analysis of Sulfited Tetrameric, --Trimeric, -Dimeric and Monomeric Compounds from
Commercial Proanthocyanidins. South African Patent Application: 2012/02487, April,
2012.
Technical reports:
Van Der Westhuizen, J. H.; Senekal, N. The Chemical Composition of Commercial Mimosa
Bark Extract. A report for the South African Wattle industry to assist with compliance with the
European Union REACH legislation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction
of Chemical substances), May, 2010.
Training Courses Attended:
• Avance 1D/2D Training Course in High Resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, presented
by Bruker Biospin AG in Fallenden, Switzerland, September 19-23, 2005.
• Advanced Avance Training Course in High Resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance,
presented by Bruker Biospin GmbH in Rheinstetten, Germany, March 7-11, 2011.
• AMIX training course presented by Bruker Biospin GmbH in Rheinstetten, Germany, March
29-30, 2011.
Current Research Activities:
• A THRIP project funded by the Department of Trade and Industry and the South African
wattle bark industry on the composition and chemistry of wattle bark tannins
• A THRIP project funded by the Department of Trade and Industry and PAREXEL on the
synthesis of internal standards and bioavailability studies of drugs
• A project funded by the Medical Research Council and the Agricultural Research Council to
synthesise a bioactive natural product
• A project funded by the University of the Free State on the development of novel drugs. I
collaborate with the Bioprospecting Programme of the Council for Scientific and Industrial
Research in this programme in the development of anti-cancer drugs and UCT in the
development of anti-malaria drugs

Collaboration:
My group consists of three post doctoral, six PhD and two MSc postgraduate students. Dr. S.
L. Bonnet (senior lecturer), Me. Anke Wilhelm-Mouton (lecturer) and Me Maryam Amra-
Jordaan (lecturer) is part of my research group
I collaborate closely with the following scientists and organisations:
• Prof. Daneel Ferreira, the University of Mississippi, USA. This collaboration gives my group
access to the best expertise available in tannin chemistry. One staff member spent five weeks
in Oxford, Missisippi to learn advanced tannin chemistry techniques. Prof. Ferreira visits us
annually for a month and has presented honours courses in natural product chemistry.
• Prof. Rui Carvalho, the University of Coimbra, Portugal. Prof. Carvalho is an expert in
practical NMR spectroscopy. He has visited us twice for a month to train post-graduate
students and staff members in advanced NMR techniques. This has ensured that we operate
our 600 MHz NMR machine optimally.
• Dr Dave Reid and Prof. Melinda Duer, the University of Cambridge, UK. This collaboration
gives us access to solid state NMR equipment and expertise that we use to study tannins. One
staff member received five weeks training in Cambridge in 2010.
• Prof. Hartmut Frank, University of Bayreuth, Germany. This collaboration gives us access to
expertise in gas chromatograpy. He visited us to train staff members and assist with research
projects.
• Prof. Ziets Zietsman, the National Museum, Bloemfontein. Prof. Zietsman is a botanist. He
applies for collection permits and collects and identifies plant material that we need for our
phytochemistry projects and our multivariate statistical analysis of secondary metabolites.
• Prof. Vinesh Maharaj and Prof. Gerda Fouche, CSIR’s Bioprospecting Programme in Pretoria.
They are experts in the development of pharmaceutical drugs from South African plants. This
collaboration gives us access to live cancer cell based bioassays.
• Prof Andrew Marston, previously from the University of Geneve, Switzerland, was recruited
by me and is now on our staff. He is an expert in counter-current chromatography and we
collaborate on the isolation of water soluble tannins from wattle bark.
• Applied Biosystems (ABSCIEX) donated mass spectrometry equipment for bioanalytical
training. These are used in collaboration with PAREXEL to offer MSc degrees in
bioanalytical chemistry. As a result of this collaboration, we sent Dr Kemp for training in the
UK and Germany. He was subsequently promoted to the head of our faculty’s newly
established Unit for Mass Spectrometry. This unit services the needs of all the departments in
the faculty of science.
• Dr Lubbe Wiesner, the University of Cape Town. We collaborate on the development of
potential anti-malaria drugs He has the required expertise and facilities for bioavailability and
toxicity studies (at the moment we work with mice).
Research Award:
• The FARMOVS-PAREXEL team at the Chemistry department of the University of the Free
State received the prestigious National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) Award for
Innovation for 2008 for an Outstanding Contribution to Science, Engineering and

Technology (Category D: Innovation developed through a corporate organization or
institution).
The award was for a THRIP project undertaking the synthesis of stable isotope labeled internal
standards and metabolites in the support of novel bio-analytical clinical trials for the
registration of new medicines.
THRIP (Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme) is a Department of
Trade and Industry programme that provides matching funding (usually 1:1) for industrial
research at academic institutions. I was the leader of the team. Prof. Kenneth Swart from
FARMOFS-PAREXEL was the co-leader.
• I was cited in the 2010 University of the Free State Research report as its most successful
researcher in terms of patents awarded (together with my colleague, Dr Bonnet).
Other professional activities:
• Reviewer for various peer-reviewed chemistry journals including the South African Journal
of Chemistry, HortScience, Phytochemical Analysis, Phytochemistry, Journal of Natural
Products, Tetrahedron Letters and Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry
• External Examiner in the Chemistry and Chemical Technology Department of the National
University of Lesotho, (2005-2011)
• I have served as external assessor for several PhD and MSc dissertations and theses from The
University of KwaZuluNatal, North-West University and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University
• I have served as a panel member and as postal peer reviewer for NRF funding and rating
application assessment panels
• I organized a training seminar, LC-MS in Bloemfontein, Bloemfontein, November 3-6, 2008,
in collaboration with PAREXEL. The seminar was presented by staff from PAREXEL and
covered all aspects of mass spectrometry. It was attended by about twenty MS operators from
all over South Africa
• I organized and obtained funding of a two week lecturing tour of South Africa universities in
February 2009 by Nobel Laureate, Richard Ernst, in collaboration with Prof. Hartmut Frank
(University of Bayreuth), the NRF, the University of the Free State and Bruker. I
accompanied Prof. Ernst to seven universities
• I was chairman of the organizing committee for the 2012 Frank Warren Organic Chemistry
Conference.
Language skills:
Afrikaans: Home language. Written, spoken and reading skills are excellent

English: Written, spoken and reading skills are excellent
Dutch: Reading skills good
German: Reading skills good, spoken skills medium, written skills lapsed
French: Reading skills average
Portuguese: Reading skills average
Other interests:
I love travel, reading (current affairs, history and business), collecting succulent plants, good
movies (I have a DVD collection of foreign movies by directors such as Werner Herzog), and
part time farming (I have a cattle ranch in the Kalahari with a full time manager). I obtained a
private pilot’s licence in 1996 which has lapsed.
I have been married to Jeanne Suzette for 33 years and have three children aged 30, 27 and 25.
Jan is an architect, Joanne is an engineer in Port Elizabeth and David is a third year
engineering student at Stellenbosch University.
Contact details:
Prof. J. H. van der Westhuizen
7 Clarens Street
Bayswater
Bloemfontein
9301
South Africa
Office phone number: 051 4012782
Mobile number: 082 8935113