Curriculum Vitae
Robyn Hetem
_________________________________________________________________________________
Personal information:
Mailing address:
Gender:
Female
School of Physiology
Date of birth:
29 August 1981
Wits Medical School
Nationality:
South African
7 York road
Work no:
+27 11 717 2163
Parktown, 2193
Home no:
+27 11 475 8045
Mobile no:
+27 83 923 7861
Email: robyn.hetem@wits.ac.za
Research interests:
The physiological and behavioural mechanisms employed by free-ranging animals in order to cope with the
extreme temperatures and habitat transformation likely to occur with global climate change.
Formal Education:

PhD (Physiology) 2009, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

BSc Hons first class (Zoology and Physiology) 2003, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

BSc with distinction (Zoology and Physiology) 2002, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
My PhD thesis was entitled “Adapting to climate change: the effect of desertification on the physiology of freeliving ungulates”
Special achievements and honours:
 SA Breweries gold medal (awarded for outstanding performance in the honours year of study in the
biological sciences)
 Zoological Society of Southern Africa award (awarded to the most outstanding zoology honours student)
 Margaret Kalk award (awarded to the most outstanding Zoology III student)
 Denzil and Dorothy Carr prize (awarded to the student who produced the best plant collection within the
biotic diversity course)
 EJA Loerincz scholarship
 University council merit scholarship and merit awards
 Member of Golden Key Honour society
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Employment History:
Apr 2008 – present
Research Officer, Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology
University of the Witwatersrand.
Tasks and responsibilities:
 section leader for the Wildlife Conservation Physiology section
 increase the group’s research output by being the principal investigator and assisting other members of
the group with their personal research to enhance their research output
 line manager of two associate research officers, a senior administrator and lab technician
 supervise postgraduate, BSc III and honours projects
 responsible for the welfare and industry of 40+ postgraduate students (which includes reading early
drafts of relevant postgraduate papers and assisting with project design and data analysis)
 manage the day to day running of the BFRG and optimizing research equipment use
 schedule, manage and convene research meetings
 write annual and quinquiennial reports
Oct 2002 – Apr 2008
Teaching Assistant
University of the Witwatersrand
Tasks and responsibilities:
Demonstrated laboratory practical to first and second year medical and science students (2002-2008)
 provision of academic support
 preparation of tutorial discussion materials
 marking test scripts and laboratory reports / assignments
Lectured:
 concepts of thermoregulation and homeostasis and helped co-ordinate the Preliminary Concepts in
Medical Science course presented to the Graduate Entry Medical Programme students (2007 & 2008)
Mar 2003 – Oct 2005
Part-time receptionist
Bryan Park Veterinary Clinic
Tasks and responsibilities:
 receiving and accounting for cash received
 cash float management
 general reception
 customer liaison
Dec 2002
Research assistant
University of the Witwatersrand
Tasks and responsibilities:

identification and analysis of rodent skulls found in owl pellets for animal behavioural research
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Jan - Feb 2002
Research assistant
National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS), formerly the (SAIMR)
Tasks and responsibilities:
Assisted with human genetic research involving the screening of tuberculosis patients for variations within
their albinism genes. Data were presented at 10th biennial congress of the Southern African Society of Human
Genetics in May 2003 and contributed towards the PhD thesis of Dr. Robyn Kerr.
 PCR and microsatelite
 agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
Publications:
Journal articles:
1. Murray I.W., Fuller A., Lease H.M., Mitchell D., Wolf B.O. and Hetem R.S. (2015) Low field metabolic
rates for geckos of the genus Rhoptropus may not be surprising. Journal of Arid Environments 113: 35-42
2. Murray I.W., Fuller A., Lease H.M., Mitchell D., Wolf B.O. and Hetem R.S. (2014) The actively foraging
desert lizard Pedioplanis husabensis behaviorally optimizes its energetic economy. Canadian Journal of
Zoology 92: 905–913
3. Lease H.M., Murray I.W., Fuller A. and Hetem R.S. Black wildebeest seek shade less and use solar
orientation behaviour more than do blue wildebeest. Journal of Thermal Biology 45: 150-156
4. Rey B., Costello M.-A., Fuller A., Haw A., Hetem R.S., Mitchell D. and Meyer L.C.R. Chemical
immobilization and anesthesia of free-living aardvark (Orycteropus afer) with ketamine-medetomidinemidazolam and isoflurane. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 50: 864-872
5. Hetem R.S., Fuller A., Maloney S.K. and Mitchell D. (2014) Responses of large mammals to climate
change. Temperature 1: 115-127
6. Lubbe A., Hetem R.S., Mcfarland R., Barrett L., Henzi S.P., Mitchell D., Meyer L.C.R., Maloney S.K. and
Fuller A. (2014) Thermoregulatory plasticity in free-ranging vervet monkeys, Chlorocebus pygerythrus.
Journal of Comparative Physiology B Biochemical, Systems, and Environmental Physiology 184: 799-809
7. Fuller A., Hetem R.S., Maloney S.K. and Mitchell D. (2014) Adaptation to heat and water shortage in
large, arid-zone mammals. Physiology 29: 159-167
8. Shrestha A.K., Van Wieren S.E., van Langevelde F., Fuller A., Hetem R.S., Meyer L.C.R., de Bie S. and
Prins H.H.T. (2014) Larger antelopes are sensitive to heat stress throughout all seasons but smaller
antelopes only during summer in an African semi-arid environment. International Journal of
Biometeorology 58: 41-49
9. Hetem R.S., Mitchell D., de Witt B.A., Fick L.G., Meyer L.C.R., Maloney S.K. and Fuller A. (2013)
Cheetah do not abandon hunts because they overheat. Biology Letters 9: 20130472
10. McFarland R., Hetem R.S., Fuller A., Mitchell D., Henzi S.P. and Barrett L. (2013) Assessing the reliability
of biologger techniques to measure activity in a free-ranging primate. Animal Behaviour 85: 861-866
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11. Hetem R.S., Strauss W.M., Fick L.G., Maloney S.K., Meyer L.C.R, Shobrak M., Fuller A. and Mitchell D.
(2012) Selective brain cooling in Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx): a physiological mechanism for coping with
aridity? Journal of Experimental Biology 215: 3917-3924
12. Hetem R.S., Strauss W.M., Fick L.G., Maloney S.K., Meyer L.C.R., Shobrak M., Fuller A. and Mitchell D.
Activity re-assignment and microclimate selection of free-living Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx): responses
that could minimise effects of climate change? Zoology 115: 411-416
13. Hetem R.S., Strauss W.M., Fick L.G., Maloney S.K., Meyer L.C.R., Shobrak M., Fuller A. and Mitchell D.
(2012) Does size matter? Comparison of body temperature and activity of free-living Arabian oryx (Oryx
leucoryx) and the smaller Arabian sand gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa marica) in the Saudi desert. Journal
of Comparative Physiology B Biochemical, Systems, and Environmental Physiology 182: 437-449
14. Shrestha A.K., van Wieren S.E., van Langevelde F., Fuller A., Hetem R.S., Meyer L.C.R., de Bie S., Prins
H.H.T. (2012) Body temperature variation of South African antelopes in two climatically contrasting
environments. Journal of Thermal Biology 37: 171–178
15. Hetem R.S., Strauss W.M., Heusinkveld B.G., de Bie S., Prins H.H.T. and van Wieren S.E. (2011) Energy
advantages of orientation to solar radiation in three African ruminants. Journal of Thermal Biology 36:
452-460
16. Fuller A., Hetem R.S., Meyer L.C.R and Maloney S.K. (2011). Angularis oculi vein blood flow modulates
the magnitude but not the control of selective brain cooling in sheep. American Journal of Physiology Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 300: 1409-1417
17. Torrao N., Hetem R.S., Meyer L.C.R. and Fick L.G. (2011). An assessment of the use of temperaturesensitive microchips to determine core body temperature. The Veterinary Record 168: 328
18. Hetem R.S., de Witt B.A., Fick L.G., Fuller A., Maloney S.K., Meyer L.C.R., Mitchell D. and Kerley G.I.H.
(2011). Effects of desertification on the body temperature, activity and water turnover of Angora goats.
Journal of Arid Environments 75: 20-28
19. Hetem R.S., Strauss W.M., Fick L.G., Maloney S.K., Meyer L.C.R., Shobrak M., Fuller A. and Mitchell D.
(2010). Variation in the daily rhythm of body temperature of free-living Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx): does
water limitation drive heterothermy? Journal of Comparative Physiology B Biochemical, Systems, and
Environmental Physiology 180: 1111-1119
20. Fuller A., Dawson T., Helmuth B., Hetem R.S., Mitchell D. and Maloney S.K. (2010) Physiological
mechanisms in coping with climate change. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 83: 713-720
21. Wilson W.A., O’Riain M.J., Hetem R.S., Fuller A. and Fick L.G. (2010) Winter body temperature patterns
in free-ranging Cape ground squirrel Xerus inauris: no evidence for torpor. Journal of Comparative
Physiology B Biochemical, Systems, and Environmental Physiology 180: 1099-1110
22. Meyer L.C.R., Hetem R.S., Fick L.G., Mitchell D and Fuller A. (2010). Effects of serotonin agonists and
doxapram on respiratory depression and hypoxemia in etorphine-immobilized impala (Aepyceros
melampus). Journal of Wildlife Diseases 46: 514-524
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23. Erlwanger K.H., de Witt B.A., Fick L.G., Hetem R.S., Meyer L.C.R., Mitchell D., Wilson W.A. and Mitchell
B. (2009). Hepatic capillariasis in a Cape ground squirrel (Xerus inaurus). Journal of the South African
Veterinary Association 80: 276-277
24. Hetem R.S., de Witt B.A., Fick L.G., Fuller A., Kerley G.I.H., Maloney S.K., Meyer L.C.R. and Mitchell D.
(2009). Shearing at the end of summer affects body temperature of free-living Angora goats (Capra
aegagrus) more than does shearing at the end of winter. Animal 3: 1025-1036
25. Hetem R.S., de Witt B.A., Fick L.G., Fuller A., Kerley G.I.H., Meyer L.C.R., Mitchell D. and Maloney S.K.
(2009). Body temperature, thermoregulatory behaviour and pelt characteristics of three colour morphs of
springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular &
Integrative Physiology 152: 379-388
26. Hetem R.S., Mitchell D., Maloney S.K., Meyer L.C.R., Fick L.G., Kerley G.I.H. and Fuller A. (2008). Fever
and sickness behavior during an opportunistic infection in a free-living antelope, the greater kudu
(Tragelaphus strepsiceros). American Journal of Physiology - Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative
Physiology 294: 246-254
27. Meyer L.C.R., Hetem R.S., Fick L.G., Matthee A., Mitchell D. and Fuller A. (2008). Thermal,
cardiorespiratory and cortisol responses of impala (Aepyceros melampus) to chemical immobilization with
four different drug combinations. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association 79: 121-129
28. Hetem R.S., Maloney S.K., Fuller A., Meyer L.C.R. and Mitchell D. (2007). Validation of a biotelemetric
technique, using ambulatory miniature black globe thermometers, to quantify thermoregulatory behaviour
in ungulates. Journal of Experimental Zoology 307A: 342-356
Published Conference proceedings:
1. Mcfarland R., Fuller A., Hetem R.S., Mitchell D., Henzi S.P., Barrett L. (2014) Behavioural and
physiological flexibility in vervet monkeys: potential adaptive responses to changing climates. American
Journal of Physical Anthropology 153: 181
2. Mitchell D., Maloney S.K., Hetem R.S. and Fuller A. (2009) Bio-logging the effects of climate on free-living
large terrestrial mammals. Journal of Physiological Sciences 59(suppl. 1): 115
3. Fuller A., Hetem R.S., Meyer L.C.R., Mitchell D. and Maloney S.K. (2008). Selective brain cooling: a
physiological mechanism for coping with aridity? In: 4th CPB Meeting in Africa: Mara 2008. “Molecules to
migration: The pressures of life” (Eds: Morris S, Vosloo A) Medimond Publishing Co, via Maserati 6/2,
40124 Bologna, Italy, pp 375-382
4. Mitchell D., Fuller A., Hetem R.S. and Maloney S.K. (2008). Climate change physiology: the challenge of
the decades. In: 4th CPB Meeting in Africa: Mara 2008. “Molecules to migration: The pressures of life”
(Eds: Morris S, Vosloo A) Medimond Publishing Co, via Maserati 6/2, 40124 Bologna, Italy, pp 383-394
5. Hetem R.S., Fuller A., Meyer L.C.R., Maloney S.K. and Mitchell D. (2005) Validation of a biotelemetric
technique to quantify thermoregulatory behaviour in free-ranging ungulates. FASEB Journal 19(4): A210
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Submitted manuscripts:
29. Fuller A., Hetem R.S., Maloney S.K., Meyer L.C.R. and Mitchell D. Ultradian oscillations in brain
temperature in sheep: implications for thermoregulatory control? American Journal of Physiology
Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology
30. McFarland R., Fuller A., Hetem R.S., Mitchell D., Maloney S.K., Henzi S.P. and Barrett L. Sociability
confers thermal benefits in a gregarious primate. Journal of Animal Ecology (under revision)
31. Sawicka J., Fuller A., Fick L.G., Hetem R.S. and Meyer L.C.R. Efficacy of different cooling methods for
capture-induced hyperthermia in antelope. South African Journal of Wildlife Research
32. Strauss W.M., Hetem R.S., Mitchell D., Maloney S.K., Meyer L.C.R. and Fuller A. Selective brain cooling
reduces water turnover in dehydrated sheep. PLoS ONE (under revision)
33. Hetem R.S., Maloney S.K., Fuller A. and Mitchell D. Heterothermy in large mammals: inevitable or
implemented? Biological Reviews (under revision)
34. Meyer L.C.R., Hetem R.S., Mitchell D. and Fuller A. Hypoxia following etorphine administration in goats
(Capra hircus) results more from pulmonary hypertension than from hypoventilation. BMC Veterinary
Research
Professional experience: research
Postgraduate supervision:
Co-hosted post-doctoral researchers:
 Dr Hilary Lease (October 2010 – present)
 Dr Benjamin Rey (January 2011 – 2013)
 Dr Richard McFarland (January 2012 – present)
 Dr Ian Murray (July 2012 – present)
Postgraduate student supervision:
 Melinda Boyers (PhD) - trade-offs between thermoregulation and fine scale behavioural decisions of freeranging ungulates (July 2012 – present)
 Davison Moyo (PhD) - thermoregulation, febrile responses and intestinal fluid secretion of local pigs:
responses that could buffer effects of climate change (January 2010-present)
 Nora Weyer (PhD) - physiological plasticity of free-living aardvark (Orycteropus afer), ground pangolin
(Manis temminckii), and common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) during changes in climate and
resource availability (April 2013 – present)
 Arista van Staden (MSc) - biologging as a method to remotely detect orientation to solar radiation in black
and blue wildebeest (February 2011 – February 2014, completed with distinction)
 Alwyn Lubbe (MSc) - body temperature and activity patterns of free-living aardvark (Orycteropus afer)
(February 2011 – June 2013)
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 Aarti Mistry (MSc) - thermoregulatory responses to changes in resource availability and social dominance
in free-living vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) (July 2010 – present abeyance)
 Karel Rabe (MSc) - body temperature and behaviour patterns of vervet monkeys (February 2010 –
present abeyance)
Honours project supervision:
 daily fluctuations in body temperature of sheep, as affected by food and water restrictions (2010)
 effects of immobilizing drug combinations on cardio-respiratory function in goats (2010)
 use of temperature-sensitive microchips as a measure of body temperature in goats (2007)
 validation of a remote technique to quantify orientation behaviour in free-ranging wildebeest (2005)
 comparison of body temperature measured at various sites in a ruminant (2005)
 how time of day affects the hyperthermia associated with game capture (2004)
 thermoregulatory consequences of springbok pelage colour (2004)
BSc III physiology project supervision:
 characterising fever in free-living vervet monkeys (2014)
 modelling potential thermal inertia of the brain and foetal temperatures (2005)
 heat stress differences between adult and infant models in a car in various thermal environments (2004)
 differences in the microclimate experienced by black wildebeest while standing and lying down (2003)
Collaborations:
 Shane Maloney, School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, University of Western Australia
 Herbert Prins, Steven de Bie and Sip van Wieren, Resource Ecology, Wageningen University
 Peter Henzi and Louise Barrett, Behaviour and Evolution Research Group, University of Lethbridge
 Norman Owen-Smith, large mammalian herbivore ecologist, University of the Witwatersrand
 Barend Erasmus, climate change impacts & adaptation specialist, University of the Witwatersrand
 Emma Archer, climate change specialist, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
 Stephan Woodborne, isotopes laboratory, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
Research administration:
 acted as a reviewer for:
-
PLoS ONE
-
Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A: Ecological Genetics and Physiology
-
Journal of Experimental Biology
-
American Journal of Physiology - Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology
-
Journal of Comparative Physiology B
-
Physiology & Behaviour
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
member of the Zoological Society of Southern Africa (ZSSA), the Southern African Wildlife Management
Association (SAWMA), the Royal Society of South Africa (RSSA) and friend of the South African
Veterinary Association (SAVA)
 member of the organising committee for the 2014 International Meeting on Physiology and Pharmacology
of Temperature Regulation in Kruger National Park, South Africa
 assisted with practical demonstrations at the International Brain Research Organisation’s postgraduate
school entitled “Brains in the Bushveld”. Lichtenburg, South Africa, 8-16 December 2007
Research funding received:
Friedel Sellschop Award 2014
R 130 000
NRF Thuthuka: post PhD track 2014
R 383 000
URC & FRC minor equipment grant 2013
R 214 000
Friedel Sellschop Award 2013
R 120 000
NRF Thuthuka: post PhD track 2013
R 280 000
START Sub-award for Global Environmental Change Research in Africa 2013
US$ 45 000
NRF Thuthuka: post PhD track 2012
R 320 000
Carnegie Large Research Grant 2012
R 191 000
URC minor equipment grant 2012
R 35 000
URC minor equipment grant 2011
R 75 000
Faculty Research Committee Individual Grant 2011
R 18 000
URC minor equipment grant 2010
R 94 000
Faculty Research Committee Individual Grant 2010
R 15 000
URC minor equipment grant 2009
R 200 000
Faculty Research Committee Individual Grant 2009
R 20 000
Carnegie Large Research Grant 2009
R 200 000
FRC funding for a new staff member or new initiatives in research 2008
R 80 000
Medical Faculty Research Endowment Fund 2008
R 12 000
START/PACOM Doctoral Research Fellowship 2007
US$ 15 580
Medical Faculty Research Endowment Fund 2007
R
8 000
Medical Faculty Research Endowment Fund 2006
R
8 000
Medical Faculty Research Endowment Fund 2005
R
8 000
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Research presentations:
Invited seminars/presentations:
1. “Heterothermy in stressed large mammals: inevitable or implemented?” Hetem R.S., Maloney S.K., Fuller
A. and Mitchell D. Invited talk at the 5th International Symposium on the Physiology and Pharmacology of
Temperature Regulation, Kruger National Park, 7-11 September 2014
2. “Coping with extremes: thermoregulation and cathemerality in Arabian oryx”. Hetem R.S., Strauss W.M.,
Fick L.G., Maloney S.K., Meyer L.C.R., Shobrak M., Fuller A. and Mitchell D. Invited talk at the Royal
Society of South Africa Colloquium to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Gobabeb Research and
Training Centre 30 April - 1 May 2012
3. “Can physiological adjustments douse the fire of climate change? – potential adaptation strategies for
long-lived antelope” Invited talk at a Restorative Breakfast of The Gauteng Natural Step Network, 6
October 2010
4. “Can physiological adjustments douse the fire of climate change?” Invited seminar to Human genetics, 10
June 2010
5. “Can physiological adjustments douse the fire of climate change?” Invited seminar to the School of
physiology, 17 March 2010
6. “Coping with extremes: thermoregulation and cathemerality of free-living Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx)”.
Hetem R.S., Strauss W.M., Fick L.G., Maloney S.K., Meyer L.C.R., Shobrak M., Fuller A. and Mitchell D.
Presented at the 4th International Conference of Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry in Africa,
Masai Mara, Kenya, 19-25 July 2008.
7. “How animals survive – remote measurement of animal physiology”. Hetem R.S. and de Witt B.A. Invited
seminar to the School of Animal Plant and Environmental Sciences, 15 May 2006.
Conference presentations:
1.
“Heterothermy in stressed large mammals: inevitable or implemented?” Hetem R.S., Maloney S.K., Fuller
A. and Mitchell D. Presented at the Southern African Wildlife Management Association Symposium, Pine
Lodge, Port Elizabeth, 1-3 September 2014 (oral presentation)
2. How hot is a hunting cheetah? Hetem R.S., de Witt B.A., Mitchell D., Fick L.G., Meyer L.C.R., Maloney
S.K. and Fuller A. Presented at the Southern African Wildlife Management Association Symposium, Klein
Kariba ATKV Conference Resort, Bela-Bela, 16 - 19 September 2012 (oral presentation)
3. Thermoregulation in three springbok colour morphs. Hetem R.S., de Witt B., Fick L.G., Fuller A., Kerley
G.I.H., Meyer L.C.R., Mitchell D. and Maloney S.K. Presented at the Royal Society of South Africa
Colloquium to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Gobabeb Research and Training Centre 30 April - 1
May 2012 (oral presentation)
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4. Thermoregulation of free-living cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus. Hetem R.S., de Witt B.A., Fick L.G., Meyer
L.C.R., Maloney S.K., Mitchell D. and Fuller A. Presented at the 4th International Meeting on Physiology
and Pharmacology of Temperature Regulation, Buzios, Brazil 22 - 25 March 2012 (poster presentation)
5. Climate change physiology: the challenge of the decades. Hetem R.S., Strauss W.M., Maloney S.K.,
Fuller A. and Mitchell D. Presented at the 40th Anniversary Conference of the Southern African Wildlife
Management Association, Buffelspoort, Marikana North West Province, South Africa. 19 - 22 September
2010 (oral presentation)
6. Climate change physiology: the challenge of the decades. Hetem R.S., Maloney S.K., Fuller A. and
Mitchell D. Presented at the 50th Anniversary Conference of the Zoological Society of Southern Africa,
Natalia, Illovo Beach, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. 21-25 July 2009 (oral presentation)
7. Coping with extremes: adaptive heterothermy and cathemerality in Arabian ungulates. Hetem R.S.,
Strauss W.M., Fick L.G., Maloney S.K., Meyer L.C.R., Mitchell D., Shobrak M. and Fuller A. Presented at
the 4th International Conference of Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry in Africa, Masai Mara,
Kenya. 19-25 July 2008 (poster presentation)
8. Habitat transformation influences the physiology of Angora goats and may have conservation implications
for wild ungulates. Hetem R.S., de Witt B.A., Fick L.G., Kerley G.I.H., Maloney S.K., Meyer L.C.R.,
Mitchell D. and Fuller A. Presented at the 4th International Geosphere Biosphere Programme Congress,
Cape Town, South Africa. 5-9 May 2008 (poster presentation).
9. Coping with extremes: adaptive heterothermy and cathemerality in Arabian ungulates. Hetem R.S.,
Strauss W.M., Fick L.G., Maloney S.K., Meyer L.C.R., Mitchell D., Shobrak M. and Fuller A. Presented at
the Southern African Wildlife Management Association Symposium, Didima, South Africa. 18-21
September 2007 (poster presentation)
10. Cold stress in Angora goats after shearing. Hetem R.S., de Witt B.A., Fick L.G., Fuller A., Kerley G.I.H.,
Maloney S.K., Meyer L.C.R. and Mitchell D. Presented at the 35th meeting of the Physiological Society of
Southern Africa, Glenburn Lodge, South Africa. 9-12 September 2007 (oral presentation)
11. Coping with extremes: adaptive heterothermy and cathemerality in the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx).
Hetem R.S., Strauss W.M., Fick L.G., Maloney S.K., Meyer L.C,R., Mitchell D., Shobrak M. and Fuller A.
Presented at the 33rd bi-annual Conference of the Zoological Society of Southern Africa, North-West
University, Potchefstroom, South Africa. 8-11 July 2007 (oral presentation)
12. Habitat transformation influences the physiology of Angora goats and may have conservation implications
for wild ungulates. Hetem R.S., de Witt B.A., Fick L.G., Kerley G.I.H., Maloney S.K., Meyer L.C.R.,
Mitchell D. and Fuller A. Presented at the 21st annual meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology,
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. 1-5 July 2007 (poster presentation)
13. Fever and sickness behaviour in a free-ranging antelope, the greater kudu. Hetem R.S., Mitchell D.,
Maloney S.K., Meyer L.C.R., Fick L.G., Kerley G.I.H. and Fuller A. Presented at the 2nd International
Meeting on Physiology and Pharmacology of Temperature Regulation, Phoenix, Arizona 3-6 March 2006
(poster presentation)
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14. Feasibility of using remote measurements to assess ecological physiology in free-living ungulates. Hetem
R.S., Mitchell D., Maloney S.K., Kerley G.I.H., Meyer L.C.R., Fick L.G., de Witt B.A. and Fuller A.
Presented at the 32nd conference of the Zoological Society of Southern Africa, Rhodes University,
Grahamstown, South Africa. 13-15 July 2005 (oral presentation)
15. Validation of a biotelemetric technique to quantify thermoregulatory behaviour in free-ranging ungulates.
Hetem R.S., Fuller A., Meyer L.C.R., Maloney S.K. and Mitchell D. Presented at the International
Congress of Physiological Sciences, San Diego, 31 March-5 April 2005 (poster presentation)
Conference accolades:
 Faculty of Health Science travel grant to attend 2012 International Meeting on Physiology and
Pharmacology of Temperature Regulation in Brazil
 student bursary to attend the 2008 International Conference of Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry
in Africa
 START sponsorship for Young African Scientists in Global Change Research at the 2008 International
Geosphere Biosphere Programme Congress, where I received 2 nd place for my poster presentation
 special mention for oral presentation at the 2007 Conference of the Zoological Society of Southern Africa

Wits University travel grant to attend the 2005 Conference of the Zoological Society of Southern Africa
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