universit y of kw azulu-na tal research repor t 2008/2009 - UKZN ...

toP PuBliSheD reSearcherStoP PuBliSheD reSearcherSearcherStop woman Published, 2008top woman Published, 2009Professor Colleen T DownsDr Sarojini NadarSchool of Biological and Conservation Sciencesdowns@ukzn.ac.zaSchool of Religion and Theologynadars@ukzn.ac.zaPResearch by Professor Colleen Downs of the School of Biological andPConservation Sciences on the Pietermaritzburg campus has madePan important contribution to understanding the relationships betweenPthe physiology, behaviour and ecology of southern African terrestrial Pvertebrates, especially Leopard Tortoises, Nile Crocodiles, various birdand parrot conservation. Of Professor Downs’ 132 published papers, about26 percent relate to vertebrate dietary aspects, including water and energyturnover – especially frugivory and nectarivory; about 25 percent to aspectsof vertebrate thermal biology, including those that relate to thermoregulationDDr Sarojini Nadar joined the former University of Natal in 2000 as a partDtime lecturer. In 2003, she obtained her PhD from the University in biblicalDstudies and gender.DHer research has developed over the years from a limited focus Don feminist biblical hermeneutics to a wider interest in other areas ofof Oslo in 2007 to be a keynote speaker at “The Oslo Celebrations” whichcommemorated a decade of scientific co-operation between universitiesin South Africa and Oslo. She was chosen as one of eight internationalwomen to serve on the “Overcoming Gender Violence” committee of theand behaviour; about 42 percent to vertebrate conservation and ecology,World Council of Churches.species and small mammals. Some of this relates to understandingand about seven percent to science education.gender and religion, such as masculinities, gender violence and HIVHer further research interest in the intersection between religion,the evolution of endothermy and also the phenotypic flexibility that theAnother major contribution by Professor Downs has been in theand AIDS in the African context. It is this focus of her work that securedgender and HIV and AIDS resulted in herself and five other colleaguesspecies have in terms of climate change scenarios.development of research capacity, at both undergraduate and graduateher appointment as the Director of the only postgraduate programme infrom South Africa and Oslo winning a collaborative research grant from theProfessor Downs has an interdisciplinary approach to her researchlevels. She has supervised more than 60 postgraduate students,Gender and Religion in Africa. Her work in the field of gender and religionNational Research Foundation and the Norwegian Research Council.and her outputs reflect this. In terms of ecology and conservation,reviewed numerous papers for a broad range of international journalshas gained international recognition and she has been invited to presentShe is Co-Editor of the SAPSE accredited journal, Journal ofshe and her students have made contributions to the understanding ofand examined theses for both UKZN and other universities. She is onpapers at conferences in over 20 different countries across the world.Constructive Theology, Gender and Religion in Africa– the only journal inand conservation of several endangered species as well as contributedthe editorial boards and committees of various scientific bodies andIn 2006 Dr Nadar co-edited together with Isabel Phiri a book calledAfrica which focuses on the interface between gender and religion. Sheto the management of several species and of protected areas. Somehas participated in review panels.African Women, Religion, and Health – Essays in Honour of Mercy Ambaalso sits on the board of the ISI accredited journal – Journal of Feministof their findings have been novel and include folivory in mousebirds,Professor Downs has organised the annual national Cape ParrotOduyoye. The book won the international Catholic Press AssociationStudies in Religion, based at Harvard University, USA. In 2009 she washeterothermy in passerines, no crop in sunbirds, use of airbags inCounting Day for the past 13 years. This has involved liaising withaward in the category of “Gender” in New York in 2007. It also won thechosen as the Co-Chair of the African Biblical Hermeneutics sectionhornbill nestlings, and the regulation of body temperature of leopardpublic volunteers nationally (about 300 people), producing reports,UKZN 2006 Annual Book Prize for Best Edited Book.of the Society of Biblical Literature (the highest academic associationtortoises, tree-rats and Nile crocodiles.magazine articles, and making public presentations. She is currentlyDr Nadar has published 28 peer-reviewed journal articles dealing withfor biblical scholars). In 2008, she was the only woman from UKZN toOther research projects have covered practical aspects of pelican, oribithe Chairperson of the Cape Parrot Working Group based at UKZN.a range of contemporary gender concerns such as violence, ethnicity andhave her academic and community engagement profiled in the Mail andpoverty. Her research in this area led to an invitation from the UniversityGuardian Book of South African Women.74 UKZN Research Report // 2008/2009UKZN Research Report // 2008/2009 75