Tracey Evans holds a master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Biochemistry from the University of Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela University) and possesses extensive analytical expertise in various methods, such as ICP-OES, AAS, XRF, MIR, NIR, Leco combustion, Continuous Flow Analysis, Auto-titration, HPLC, and GC.

Commencing her career as a chemical analyst in the QA Lab at Lennon’s (now Aspen Pharmacare), Tracey later worked at the CSIR as a researcher and project manager, overseeing waste and water projects in industrial processing and chemical manufacturing. After returning to Lennon’s, she assumed the role of section head for analytical method development and validation. Following a period overseas and a relocation to Durban, Tracey ventured into IT support, training, and web publishing.

Subsequently, Tracey joined the Fertiliser Advisory Laboratory of the South African Sugar Association, where she served as a laboratory supervisor for over six years. In this capacity, she was responsible for process optimization (ISO 9001) and quality assurance across all testing methods.  Transitioning to Pathcare in Cape Town, Tracey took on the role of ISO 17025 specialist QA coordinator. She played a crucial role in assisting the Veterinary Laboratory in achieving their ISO 17025 accreditation. In her QA role for the Clinical Trials and Veterinary Clinical Trials laboratories, Tracey developed functional GLP and GCP systems. She has demonstrated expertise in analytical method development and validation, system documentation and improvement, and auditing management and technical competencies.

As an independent consultant, Tracey has contributed to and facilitated various training courses, including those focused on method validation and the evaluation of measurement uncertainty.

Peter Gorst-Allman, Ph.D., has been involved in scientific and industrial research and problem solving, involving gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and combinations of these (GC-MS and LC-MS), and training in these techniques for over 40 years. From August 2000 until March 2017, he worked as an Applications Specialist, and then Director of Separation Science Applications for Africa and Asia Pacific at LECO Africa (Pty) Ltd. From June 1990 until April 1997, he was employed as Chief Research Scientist managing the Molecular Spectroscopy Section (Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometry, Infrared Spectrometry) at the Research and Development Department of AECI.

His earlier career spanned 15 years in the employ of the CSIR, during which he reached the rank of Specialist Scientist). After the repositioning of the CSIR in 1988 he managed the Organic Mass Spectrometry Project, and was involved in investigations into numerous problems experienced by the SA Chemical Industry using GC-MS.

From 1979-1980, Peter held a postdoctoral position with Prof H.G. Floss at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, working on the analysis and biosynthesis of antibiotics and in1987-1988 was at the Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship with Prof G. Spiteller at the University of Bayreuth, Federal Republic of Germany, working on GC-MS of organic molecules.   His consultancy work includes: 1993-1997 as a scientific adviser to the Jockey Club of southern Africa and since 2017 is the Separation Science training consultant to LECO Africa, NMISA, and course presenter for the Chromatography Society of SA, and Sasol at Secunda. Peter is also an advisor to the National Metrology Institute of Ethiopia (NMIE) on the establishment of an organic chemistry laboratory. Peter is an author or joint author of over 100 scientific papers and reviews in International Journals, Technical Reports at AECI, and Application and Performance Notes for LECO Corporation and has contributed chapters to several books on mycotoxins.

Dirkie Prinsloo holds both a Government Certificate of Competency for Mine Assayers and a National Diploma in Fuel Technology. In addition, she possesses qualifications in water pollution control and advanced coal preparation. With 35 years of experience, Dirkie has dedicated her career to working in laboratories within the mining and minerals sector.

Her professional journey began as a Senior Chemist in the laboratory at Vaal Reefs Exploration and Mining, where she played a pivotal role in the Plant Management Auditing Team, focusing on Plant Efficiency Testing. During this time, she also served as the stand-in for the Plant Manager. Subsequently, she spent 16 years as the Laboratory Superintendent at Xstrata Coal.

Dirkie’s career expanded into management roles as she assumed the position of General Manager at IMBS for seven years. Following this, she transitioned to Masorini Iron Beneficiation, where she took on the role of HSEQ Manager and served as the company’s 4.1 Appointee. Her extensive expertise encompasses various aspects of laboratory operations, plant management, efficiency testing, and health, safety, environment, and quality management.