Stephan is an enthusiastic pharmacology lecturer, who has received superb lecturer evaluation feedback since his appointment. Stephan lectures undergraduate pharmacy students on all basic pharmacological principles related to antimicrobial and peripheral acting drugs. From a research perspective, Stephan is especially interested in the beneficial effects of physical exercise on mental health in the juvenile population and the role that mitochondrial function might play in these conditions. He has a proven track record of peer-reviewed publications and successful postgraduate supervision.

Still in his early post-doc days, Stephan is and has been involved in a variety of preclinical neuropsychiatric research projects. Although still busy carving out his own research path, here is a list of the past and present studies:MSc | "An exploration into the bio-behavioural characteristics of the Ndufs4 (knockout) mice: A novel preclinical perspective on psychiatric conditions" | Supervisor (2022)MSc | "Investigating the stress-related bio-behavioural effects of pregnancy during the post-partum period in three different rat strains" | Supervisor (2022)MSc | "Studies into the antidepressant activity of Zembrin® alone and combined with desipramine in Flinders sensitive line rats" | Asst-supervisorMSc | "In vivo screening for antidepressant-like effects of a dual adenosine A1/A2A receptor antagonist in rodent models" | Co-supervisorMSc | "Investigating the antidepressant-like properties of trimetazidine in an animal model of depression: A bio-behavioural analysis" | SupervisorMSc | "Cognitive flexibility in the deer mouse model of obsessive-compulsive disorder and its modulation by serotonin and adenosine" | Co-supervisorMSc | "Long-lasting bio-behavioural effects of early-life sildenafil administration in stress-sensitive versus healthy control rats" | Co-supervisorMSc | "Habituation time and other standardisation parameters for select behavioural tests in Flinders Sensitive Line rats" | Asst-supervisorMPharm | "The prescribing patterns of echinocandins in adult patients in a private hospital" | Co-supervisor

2021 | Guest speaker at the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns on Covid-19 vaccine and treatment options (in Afrikaans)2019 | Guest speaker at Life Springs Parkland Hospital during Pharmacy month on “Mental health: Are these challenges affecting you? A juvenile perspective on depression”2018 | Poster presentation at the 18th World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology in Kyoto, Japan with the topic “Immediate and long-term effects of early-life escitalopram, exercise and omega-3 supplementation on depressive-and anxiety-like behaviour in FSL rats”2017 | Poster presentation at The South African Annual Pharmacology Conference, held at The University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa with the topic “Immediate and lasting effects of early-life escitalopram, exercise and omega-3 supplementation on depressive- and anxiety-like behaviour in FSL rats”2016 | Oral presentation at the All Africa Congress on Pharmacology and Pharmacy, held at Misty Hills Hotel and Conference Centre, Muldersdrift, South Africa with the topic “Lasting effects of chronic early-life exposure to antidepressants and non-pharmacological interventions on depressive-like behaviour in young adult stress-sensitive rats”2015 | Symposium speaker at the SASBCP & TOXSA Congress at Wits University with the topic “Age-related, intensity-specific exercise as an augmentation strategy in the treatment of depression”

PCDT and PIMART qualified

Stephan is a Japanese registered 5th Dan instructor in the World Shotokan Karate-do Federation with both national and international competition experience. His karate career spans over 26 years of training with top class senior Shotokan instructors. Highlights over three decades include Shodan grading at the age of 16 (Malcolm Dorfman Sensei), representing South Africa at the KWF World Championships in Norway (2009), being part of the Student National WKF team competing at the student World championships in Slovakia (2012) and grading to Yondan an Godan by Hitoshi Kasuya Sensei in 2016 and 2024.

Member of the Provincial (North West) Pharmacovigilance and Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI) review and Investigation committee

Medfour Consultants is a medicine registration company born out of enthusiasm and passion for the regulatory sector of medicine. We offer professional advice and excellent service to local and global pharmaceutical companies on all regulatory aspects.The registration of new chemical entities and newly developed biological products is a specialised field in which Medfour Consultants has extensive experience and knowledge. Our personnel have gained a worldwide reputation for the understanding and quality of their clinical and biological submissions.Our philosophy is that through perseverance and knowledge of the registration process in South Africa, the initial registration as well as post-registration administration can be effectively managed in order to save costs and maximise product potential.