Monean Jacobs and daughters Dr Kim Dreyer and Danel Adams. (Photo: Supplied)
The Shayne Martin Jacobs (SMJ) Conservation Ecology and Entomology Fund was established in honour of the late academic by his wife, Stellenbosch University (SU) staff member Monean Jacobs and daughters Dr Kim Dreyer and Danel Adams.
Prof Jacobs, who was a lecturer and researcher in the Faculty of AgriSciences’ Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, rose to prominence from the rural town of Haarlem in the Langkloof District in the Western Cape. His journey in science began at Pacaltsdorp High School at George. He then went to SU to study a BSc which he completed cum laude in 1992. This was followed by a research MSc investigating the role of abscisic acid in determining the drought tolerance of spring wheat cultivars in the Western Cape of South Africa. He completed his PhD studies at the University of Cape Town under the supervision of Prof William Stock.
Prof Jacobs' philosophy for ecology was based on trying to understand underlying phenomena and using this knowledge for the restoration of ecosystems. His focus on ecosystem regeneration was not only as an end in itself, but also a means for enhancing livelihoods of the poorest in South African and African contexts. But the most important motivation for his career in science was to enhance the knowledge economy, especially pertaining to South Africa and Africa. As such, he was committed to and strongly involved in training and mentoring young black, coloured and Indian scientists.
According to Monean, the idea for the SMJ Fund is based on a long-held observation and concern of her and her husband’s that the number of disadvantaged and diverse students studying in the Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology is considerably less than in other departments.
"It became our vision to see more marginalised people from poor communities get involved in this area of study. And, in time, it became my vision to ensure that those people are given the opportunity to accomplish what Shayne, himself from a poor and marginalised background, managed to accomplish."
As such the SMJ Fund will support deserving, first-generation students proficient in the life sciences to become aspiring young scientists. The Fund aims to cover costs associated with a student’s studies such as registration and accommodation fees, as well as paraphernalia required for field work and practical research, such as gear and equipment.
"For many first-generation students, even those with a bursary, the cost of paraphernalia to conduct field work is often unaffordable and difficult to attain. The Fund thus envisages to equip students with the required tools to help them achieve academic success," says Monean.
She says they are currently in the process of identifying deserving pupils from schools in disadvantaged communities in the Western Cape. Those who satisfy the qualifying and admission criteria will be offered bursaries to assist with their studies at the Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology.
Monean hesitates slightly when asked what she thinks her husband would say of her establishing the SMJ Fund. Then she answers: “I think he is proud of me. I think he is proud that I am continuing the work we set out to do. That we are making a difference in the communities he is from, which formed him and where there is still so much need. I think that is the legacy he’d wanted to leave behind."