Rate My Professor Carlien Pohl-Albertyn

Professor Carlien Pohl-Albertyn serves as Professor of Microbiology and holds the NRF-SARChI Research Chair in Pathogenic Yeasts in the Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry at the University of the Free State. Her research centres on pathogenic yeasts, with a particular focus on bioactive lipids in species such as Candida albicans, Candida auris, and Cryptococcus neoformans. She investigates molecular virulence mechanisms, polymicrobial interactions, and strategies for developing novel antifungal agents, including the repurposing of existing drugs. In 2013, she contributed as a co-developer to a patent registered in 30 countries describing a method for the rapid identification of clinical Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii isolates. Her work has also extended to contract research for industries including brewing, oilseeds, and mining, with one project contributing to an award-winning lager at the Brewing Industry International Awards in 2000.

Professor Pohl-Albertyn was appointed Honorary Professor at the University of Kent in 2024 in recognition of her contributions to a research consortium developing antibiofilm and antifungal compounds. She is treasurer of the South African Society for Microbiology and a member of the American Society for Microbiology. She has received academic honours in Roman Law (2006) and Latin (2010) following studies in law. Her professional email address is PohlCH@ufs.ac.za.