UKZN clinical sociologist appointed VP of Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology
Clinical sociologist within the School of Social Sciences, Professor Mariam Seedat-Khan, has been appointed Vice-President of the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology (AACS).
The AACS promotes the application of social scientific knowledge and methods to develop constructive solutions. It also provides educational, programmatic, mentoring, networking and policy resources in a supportive professional community.
"It is a humbling experience to serve as the first Vice-President, and woman of colour from the Global South. My success is due to the women who came before me, paving the way for change and inclusion. Connecting professional associations in the North with academics in the South is only possible if we fight for a seat at the table. I am excited about the recognition of Global South scholars’ proficiencies and expertise," said Seedat-Khan.
She attributed her success to mentorship from the late Professor Fatima Meer, and current mentors Professor Tina Uys (University of Johannesburg) and Professor Jan Fritz (University of Cincinnati, US). "To the AACS members who make up the professional association – thank you for making your voices heard. I am so grateful to serve as Vice-President."
Seedat-Khan plans to increase the association’s global and diverse membership to advance the intellectual project, with renewed commitment to mentorship and supporting academics to navigate international certification as a priority. She also plans to bring AACS members to UKZN to share their expertise and increase interaction with clinical sociology students.
She will be consulting with the Professional Development Committee to identify qualified faculty in Commission on the Accreditation of Programs in Applied and Clinical Sociology (CAPACS) – accredited programmes, knowledge experts and sociological practitioners to lead workshops and webinars on approaches and identities of sociological practice recognised and supported in accredited programmes in the United States and abroad.
Seedat-Khan is a National Research Foundation-rated scientist and AACS licensed clinical sociologist. She studied at York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and at the former University of Natal. She has worked at the former University of Port Elizabeth, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Johannesburg. Her field of expertise is neuro-bio-diverse intrinsic and extrinsic learning.
Seedat-Khan is the creator and founding member of SMART, Simply Managing Academic Related Tasks (www.simplysmart.co.za). She is a visiting professor at Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, in Malaysia, and an executive member of the International Sociological Association RC46, Clinical Sociology. She has published extensively in scientific journals and books and received numerous local, national and international professional awards.
Words: Melissa Mungroo