The graduation of Dr Daniële Kristen, the third PhD graduate from the Anatomy and Histology Department at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), marks an important milestone in postgraduate education, teaching excellence and interdisciplinary research within the University’s School of Medicine.
Dr Kristen graduated on Friday, 18 September 2026, following doctoral research that brought together her expertise as an educator, anatomist and forensic anthropologist. Her longstanding interest in joint anatomy, particularly through teaching undergraduate and postgraduate physiotherapy students, provided the foundation for her research into the morphology of the knee.
Reflecting on the significance of her achievement, Dr Kristen said: “This PhD represents the culmination of a journey that brought together my passion for anatomy, teaching and forensic anthropology. I am grateful for the opportunity to conduct research that has relevance to both science and healthcare in South Africa.”
Her doctoral thesis, titled “Dimensional Variations of the Tibiofemoral Components of the Knee Joint in South Africans Considering Possible Implications”, examined variation in the distal femur and proximal tibia among South Africans. The study used computed tomography, three-dimensional measurements and geometric morphometric approaches to generate population-specific anatomical data with potential forensic and clinical applications.
Supervised by Prof Anna Oettlé, with Dr Johan van der Merwe from Stellenbosch University as co-supervisor, the research demonstrates the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing locally relevant scientific questions.
Prof Oettlé said: “Dr Kristen’s work demonstrates how anatomical research can connect fundamental science with practical applications in forensic anthropology and clinical practice. Her achievement is an important contribution to the growing research profile of the Anatomy and Histology Department.”
The forensic dimension of the study builds on Dr Kristen’s MSc training in Forensic Anthropology. Her first article, “Sexual dimorphism of the distal femur in a South African computer tomography sample”, explored the potential use of the distal femur in sex estimation from unidentified human remains, including cases where skeletal remains are incomplete.
The research also has clinical relevance. Findings relating to variation in knee morphology and comparisons with selected knee implant examples highlight the importance of population-specific anatomical information when considering prosthetic compatibility and future implant design.
Dr Kristen has disseminated her research at national and international platforms, including SMU Research Days, conferences of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa, the International Symposium on Morphological Sciences, and the Forensic Anthropology Society of Europe. Her work received second prize at the School of Medicine Research Day in 2025 and first prize for a poster presentation at the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa in 2026.
Her doctoral achievement forms part of broader postgraduate growth within the School of Medicine. Six PhD candidates graduated from the School in 2026, signalling increasing research capacity and a strengthening commitment to advanced postgraduate training.
The School of Medicine comprises 39 academic and clinical departments, supporting medical education, healthcare training and interdisciplinary research. Within this environment, the Anatomy and Histology Department contributes through foundational teaching and research spanning medical imaging, forensic sciences, dentistry, orthopaedics and biomedical sciences.
Dr Kristen’s achievement therefore extends beyond an individual academic milestone. It shows how teaching, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration can generate knowledge relevant to South Africa and the wider African continent.
The achievement aligns with SMU’s vision of “Transforming health services through excellence and innovation” and reinforces the University’s commitment to excellence in teaching, learning and innovative research.
As SMU continues to strengthen postgraduate development and research capacity, Dr Kristen’s doctoral journey shows how locally focused research can contribute to scientific knowledge, healthcare advancement, and the development of future academic expertise.
