Digital portfolio
Clarisa van der Merwe
Welcome to my online portfolio! This is where I showcase all the skills that won't find in my CV.
I am a biological anthropologist by training, and my studies have equipped me with a good working understanding of not only human biology, but also human behaviour. I hold a BSc Medical Science degree, a BSc Honours in Physical Anthropology, an MSc in Anatomy and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education. I am also a 2020 fellow of the Sub-Saharan Africa FAIMER Regional Institute of Health Educationalists.
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In my spare time, I enjoy exercising, hiking, gardening, reading, drawing and gaming. I am a naturally enthusiastic person and add my passion and drive to any task I set my mind to.
I value Empathy, Optimism, Discipline, Tenacity and Practicality
"Miss Sutherland is an active, enthusiastic individual who displays a great capacity for emotional and creative thinking. Her approaches are unique when addressing her learning opportunities, and she does so with understanding of the educational principles involved." - Dr Werner Cordier, Department of Pharmacology, University of Pretoria
Formal Education and Training
I hold a BSc Medical Science degree (cum laude), a BSc Honours in Physical Anthropology, an MSc in Anatomy (cum laude) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (cum laude). I am also a 2020 fellow of the Sub-Saharan Africa FAIMER Regional Institute of Health Educationalists. I am in the process of finalising my PhD in Health Sciences Education, focusing on undergraduate learning and teaching in human evolution.
Learning and Teaching
I have facilitated undergraduate courses at the University of Pretoria since 2013. This has included modules in Academic Information Management, Postgraduate Research Methods, undergraduate Human Osteology and undergraduate Human Evolution - all of which have been blended learning courses that I helped to develop.
Research Assistant Contracts
I have also worked as a part-time Research Assistant since 2014, during which time I have assisted in the execution of numerous research projects. I have a good working understanding of quality assurance in both quantitative and qualitative research, as well as quality assurance in the facilitation of learning. I also have advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Science Communication and Community Service
I am interested in science communication and community service. In 2015, I was a finalist in the Mail and Guardian's science communication competition and have worked as a freelance science writer. In 2016, as part of my Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education, I helped develop community engagement courses to teach field workers human osteology.
Hobbies
My husband and I go on at least one multi-day hike a year. We love strenuous exercise and spending time off the grid with friends and family. On a normal day, I like to go jogging with our two dogs - Lumos and Lily - or spending time in the garden, getting my hands dirty. When we want to relax, I would spend my time reading (my favourites are fantasy, science fiction and murder mysteries). I also enjoy gaming (be it on the PS4, PC or Dungeons and Dragons). I have always loved art, and hold an N3 level qualification in three-dimensional design (ceramics). I also paint and draw. Recently, I challenged myself to take up ice skating, and am proud to announce that I have improved to the point where I can hold myself upright.
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I love adventures that challenge me and relaxing activities that teach me patience and resilience.
