BIOSKETCH
Dr Takshita Sookan-Kassie is a registered Biokineticist, Senior Lecturer and Research Coordinator in the Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences (BELS) at the University of KwaZulu Natal. She has completed an undergraduate degree in BSc Sport Science (cum laude), Honours in Biokinetics, and coursework Master’s degree in Sport Medicine (Biokinetics) (cum laude). She graduated with her PhD in 2016, her study looked at the effects of combined resistance training and whey protein intake on strength, body composition, immunity, cardiometabolic disease risk and quality of life in HIV-infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy.  Her current research focuses on the use of exercise interventions and nutrition in clinical populations. Her goal is to find novel sustainable interventions such as exercise to decrease the burden on health care systems in South Africa and promote healthy lifestyles with an emphasis on exercise as medicine. Her broad research aim is Tailored Exercise Prescribed as Medicine (TEPAM). Dr Sookan Kassie has received the National Research Foundation post-PhD Thuthuka grant, NRF Competitive Grant for Unrated Researchers and the University of KwaZulu Natal’s College of Health Sciences young researchers competitive grant for a novel method in Africa using Microdialysis in determining TEPAM for type 2 diabetics. Her work in promoting Biokinetics using exercise as medicine has made an impact in the public sector, and she has initiated both research and learning opportunities for students within the field at the Department of Health’s Diabetic Clinics, which was one of the first opportunities for Biokinetics students in South Africa. Her multidisciplinary research has engaged various stakeholders and healthcare professionals locally and internationally. Dr Sookan-Kassie is also a Biomedical Research Ethics Committee member at UKZN. She is an African Health Research Initiative (AHRI) Fellow for the Social Sciences Core and Global Health Bioethics Network. She is also a mentor on a post-doctoral study funded by Harvard University Center for AIDS Research (HU CFAR) Developmental Core.  ResearchGate Profile