Stellenbosch University
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Faculty’s top master’s student is passionate about Statistics
Author: Pia Nänny
Published: 17/01/2018

​When Monika du Toit (26) enrolled for a BCom degree at Stellenbosch University (SU) in 2011 – shortly after moving to South Africa from Slovakia – she had no idea that Statistics would become her passion.

She also could not have imagined that she would receive two Rector's Awards for Excellent Achievement, one for her undergraduate studies and one – a few years later – as the best master's student in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. The latter was awarded in October last year.

Born Monika Stupalova, this Slovakian moved to South Africa to be with her now-husband, Theunis, who is South African.

She completed her undergraduate BCom degree, her honours degree in Statistics and her master's degree in Mathematical Statistics at SU.

“I was fortunate to have had great mentors/lecturers during my studies. Thanks to Mrs Ivona Contardo-Berning, my first-year lecturer, I got to see the beauty of Statistics. I also have to give credit to my postgraduate supervisor and lecturer, Prof Sarel Steel, who was a great educator and mentor and who introduced me to the world of Statistical Learning Theory or Data Science."

She remembers attending her first Rector's Awards ceremony and admiring the recipient of the award for best master's student in the faculty, not knowing that she would receive that same award a few years later. When she did, she invited her supervisor, Prof Steel, to join her at the awards ceremony.

“It was really special to celebrate this achievement together, since it was thanks to him that I received it in the first place," she says.

Monika maintained an excellent academic record throughout her studies, but it wasn't always easy.

“I am a perfectionist and very thorough with my work. There were times when staying on top of my workload was exhausting, but I always wanted to make sure that I gave my studies my best.

“My dad always told me that I don't have to be the best, I should just work to my best ability. I had a very good high school education in Slovakia, where I was taught hard work and independence. I value having a good work ethic. My husband also supported me throughout my studies and I cannot thank him enough."

During her studies, Monika also mentored first-year students.

“It was really rewarding to share my passion for Statistics with other students, and I would like to think they eventually learnt to share my enthusiasm," she jokes.

As a data scientist at Capitec, Monika works with data every day.

“I love how working with data encompasses so many things. I find Statistics to be a great tool that can be used to solve problems in many different industries."

Stellenbosch has become her home away from home and she really enjoys its surroundings and people. She also understands and speaks Afrikaans.

“I think it is a beautiful language. I will, however, always be Slovak at heart and speak my mother language (Slovak) when possible."

Photo: Monika du Toit and Prof Sarel Steel