Jaco Visagie is a DIPLOMICS intern assigned to the Nngwe Project at the North-West University (NWU) Centre for Human Metabolomics (CHM), and an MSc candidate in Biochemistry within the NWU Department of Biomedical and Molecular Metabolism Research (BioMMet).

He is a member of the Mitochondrial Research group, where he contributes in a student capacity. His work focuses on altered detoxification pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, investigated using advanced three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models to better recapitulate the tumour microenvironment and associated molecular changes.

Within this context, his research contributes to understanding molecular mechanisms controlling gene expression and its impact on cellular function. In addition, he is involved in establishing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models at the Centre for Human Metabolomics, with a focus on inherited genetic diseases. This work aims to develop patient-specific cellular models that can ultimately support the advancement of personalised treatment strategies. He joined the council in 2024 and has since been a student representative.