Dr Mark E. Engel was born in Cape Town, South Africa, holds a BSc (MED) Hons [Human Genetics], an MPH [Epidemiology and Biostatistics] and a PhD [Medicine] which he obtained in 2013, all from the University of Cape Town (UCT).

Appointed as associated professor in 2016, Dr Engel’s research includes all aspects of rheumatic heart disease (RHD), employing a wide range of investigative approaches in efforts to improve the understanding of this poverty-related heart disease.  His research experience spans epidemiology and population-based research, establishing registries and biorepositories, clinical sciences, health systems and policy and, molecular research (including Group A Streptococcus, the organism involved in RHD development).

Dr Engel regularly lectures undergraduate and postgraduate students in epidemiology and research methods including evidence-based healthcare and, has supervised a number of masters and doctoral dissertations.