Dr Lisa Roberts

Lisa Roberts moved from Namibia to South Africa in 1994 to begin her tertiary education. She graduated from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelor of Science Degree, (majoring in Biochemistry and Microbiology), followed by a BSc (Hons) degree in Biochemistry. Over the years, Lisa has been employed as a Research Assistant, Scientific Officer, and later as a Senior Scientific Officer in the Division. 

In 2006, she registered as a part-time student and graduated with an MSc (Med) degree in Human Genetics the same year. Her Master’s thesis was titled “Mutation analysis of important retinal candidate genes: progressing from research to diagnostic service” and the degree was awarded with distinction. Lisa began a part-time PhD in Human Genetics in 2014, and graduated in 2017 with a thesis entitled “Genetic analysis of inherited retinal diseases in indigenous Southern African populations”. 

As a Senior Research Officer with 35 publications, she is Project Leader of the Inherited Retinal Disorders research group, and Principal Investigator of several retinal research projects. Lisa's role encompasses research, diagnostic services, teaching and patient awareness. She is a registered Medical Biological Scientist with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa, and  Chair of the Southern African Society of Human Genetics. She currently chairs the Division of Human Genetics Operations committee, and is a member of the Division's Executive Committee (EXCO).