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Power House in our midst
"The stereotype of a female scientist is decidedly frumpy - until one meets Damonse. The petite 50-year old is strikingly elegant, graceful and refined in her tastes", reads the attention-grabbing introduction to the article, written by Lana Jacobson, an award-winning journalist. The article explores Beverley's roots in rural KwaZulu-Natal and the influence her parents had on her life and career. It tells about her school and university days, her years in front of high school science classes and her relocation to Pretoria with her family. It elaborates on her remarkable feat of graduating with a PhD in Education policy from the University of Pretoria last year, while handling a heavy NRF work portfolio. Inspiring learners' interest in science The article manages to convey Beverley's enthusiasm for science advancement and her passion for inspiring learners' interest in science. She is quoted as saying that South Africa has the potential to become a rich source of scientific expertise, but only if the system is fed a healthy supply of learners whose interest in science is guided by passionate educators. Beverley tells readers of the magazine about the work that SAASTA does in the field of role modelling, the competitions it runs for various audiences and big projects it manages for the Department of Science and Technology, such as National Science Week through which over 330 000 learners, educators and the public were reached last year. Role models Beverley's concern about the underrepresentation of women in certain fields of natural science, engineering and technology is highlighted, as well as her plea for women who have made it to the top to act as role models for girl learners. "Can there be other challenges for this dynamic executive?" the article asks. It goes on to tell about the marathons she has run in, her ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, hikes in the Drakensberg and the Otter Trail, and her one (and only) bungee-jump from the Bloukrans Bridge, the highest bridge bungee in the world. The South African science advancement community can look forward to a great future with this power house at the lead. |
