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Member Spotlight – International Section | Philip du Plessis

By SRAI News posted 08-30-2018 12:00 AM

  

Tonya EdvalsonAuthored by:
Tonya Edvalson
Membership Chair, SRAI
University of Utah
Email:tonya.edvalson@hsc.utah.edu


When I asked Philip du Plessis to give me some brief information about him, he surprised me with a full bio! This is exactly one of the examples of why he is one of our volunteers that is up and coming. He goes the extra mile when asked to do something for the membership of SRAI. Rather that re-write what he wrote in my words, this is what he had to say:

Philip_du_PlessisHallo, hello, sanibonani, molo, thobela, dumela, lumela, abusheni, sanobona, avuwani, salibonani, or just Hi. I am Philip Grant du Plessis from South Africa. This is the 11 greetings in our 11 official languages in South Africa.

I was born in the apartheid era in South Africa where white, coloured and black people were segregated through the areas where they live, schools they attend and even beaches they were allowed to use. I completed most of my schooling in the apartheid era and attained my BComm degree at the University of Stellenbosch.

Currently, I am employed (for the past 21 years) at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) as a senior manager in the Finance Directorate responsible for research grant and budget management of the institution. My involvement in research grant management started about 19 years ago at the SAMRC when I started as a novice. Throughout the years I gained skill and capacity through networking and attending workshops and conferences such as the SRA International. I think my first SRAI meeting was in 2005 and since then I try to attend the conference annually. What I like about the SRAI is the broad spectrum of presenters. This gives you a viewpoint from different sectors. Recently I have been selected as the secretary of the International section of the SRAI. I am passionate about capacity development and transferring skills and knowledge. This is one area I would l want to get involved at SRAI. One thing I have learned throughout my career is that attitude is more important than knowledge. I would rather employ a person with the right attitude than someone with the knowledge, but a bad attitude.

I really enjoy working in the research grant management environment. This job allowed me to meet people from different cultures and see different places. When I am not working I spend time with my family. My two boys and I love watching sports, especially soccer (English premier league) and rugby. My hope is to be a positive contribution to the SRAI, especially the International Section.

Philip’s International Chapter leadership appreciate all of his efforts. As the Membership Chair, I am excited that he is part of our organization. The International Section is in good hands and you have already been a positive role model.


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