23 May 2022
Volume: 10
Issue: 23
The late Dr Lucky Marufu graduated posthumously with a PhD in Biochemistry.

Posthumous PhD for Popular Biochemistry Student

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The untimely passing of Dr Lucky Marufu weeks before he was due to graduate with a PhD in Biochemistry has led to an outpouring of tributes for the dedicated scientist from his discipline and beyond.

Summa cum laude graduate, Ms Thembekile Mthimunye.

Summa Cum Laude Honours Graduate Aims to Safeguard Biodiversity

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Ms Thembekile Mthimunye achieved a summa cum laude result for her honours studies in Ecological Sciences at UKZN, which involved becoming familiar with ecosystem indicators in timber plantations and which has taken her to master’s studies in her quest to contribute to conserving South Africa’s natural environment.

Mr Asekho Mantintsilili graduated with an MSc in Ecological Sciences cum laude.

Insights into Reptile Trade Earns Cum Laude MSc

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Mr Asekho Mantintsilili is thrilled to have been awarded his MSc in Ecological Sciences cum laude.

Summa cum laude graduate, Ms Shavani Naicker.

Tackling the Mysteries of the Universe

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Ms Shavani Naicker was awarded her Master’s in Science specialising in Applied Mathematics summa cum laude. Naicker attended a Science Career event at UKZN when she was in Grade 11 where she was introduced to the Astrophysics Research Centre’s (ARC) programme and the various opportunities in Astronomy in South Africa. This set her on her path toward a career in Astrophysics.

Mr Musa Buthelezi is congratulated by his supervisor, Professor Naven Chetty.

Biochemical-Physical Mechanisms of Light-Tissue Interactions Investigated in MSc

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Mr Musawenkosi Doctor Buthelezi is one step closer to achieving his dream of becoming an academic doctor - having successfully completed his MSc degree in Physics.

PhD in Physics graduate, Dr Adam Kheralla.

PhD Study Shines Light on Solar Cells

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Dr Adam Kheralla earned his PhD in Physics after conducting a computational study of the structure and optical properties of perovskite solar cells materials. 

Dr Ovre Agushaka graduated with a PhD in Computer Science.

PhD Study Proposes Algorithms to Solve Real-Life Problems

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Dr Ovre Agushaka’s investigation of the influence of several initialisation methods on the performance of population-based metaheuristic optimisers earned him a PhD in Computer Science. He completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria.

Ecological Sciences graduate, Dr Mbalenhle Sosibo.

Love of Natural Forests and their Creatures Leads to PhD

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Forest mammalian community dynamics and human-wildlife interactions in the southern mistbelt forests of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and the Eastern Cape was the focus of newly-capped Dr Mbalenhle Sosibo’s PhD dissertation.

Mr Almahi Idris with his supervisor Professor Shahidul Islam (left) and Dean and Head of the School of Life Sciences Professor Ade Olaniran (right).

Master’s Degree for Research into Medicinal Plant Compounds to Treat Diabetes

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Mr Almahi Mohamed Idris was awarded his Master’s in Biochemistry cum laude for research that explored the potential of traditional Sudanese medicinal plants to treat diabetes and hyperglycaemia.

Ms Chiara Rajcoomar with her parents, Jenny and Sunil.

Fascination with Big Data and AI Pays Dividends

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Ms Chiara Rajcoomar was awarded her Bachelor of Science Honours degree summa cum laude, with merits for six of her seven modules.
Mr Stuart Beaumont at his Graduation ceremony and in the grasslands with his dogs.

Passion for Pointer Dogs Ignites MSc Research

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‘My story is less than conventional, but I really enjoyed the journey!’ said graduate Mr Stuart Beaumont who was awarded his MSc in Ecological Sciences cum laude.

Mr Shimon Corcos at Graduation and with a diagram summarising his honours project.

Mathematician in the Making

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Mr Shimon Corcos graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematics summa cum laude, achieving a weighted average of 98.75%!

BSc Augmented graduate Mr Siphiwe Maphalala with his proud parents, Thandi and Bethwell Maphalala.

BSc Augmented Programme Lays Foundation for Success

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BSc Augmented student Mr Siphiwe Maphalala has graduated, majoring in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science.

Dr Sifiso Gumbi who plans to pursue a career in academia.

PhD for Work on Microalgae for Wastewater Treatment and Biofuel Production

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Dr Sifiso Gumbi was awarded his doctorate in Microbiology after conducting innovative research that involved examining the potential of indigenous microalgae to produce biofuel as well as treat wastewater; work that he hopes will pave the way for cheap and sustainable methods of wastewater reclamation and biofuel production.

Applied Chemistry cum laude graduate, Mr Kylen Moodley.

Applied Chemistry Degree Equips Graduate for the Working World

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‘There were two reasons why I chose to do my BSc at UKZN,’ said cum laude Applied Chemistry graduate, Mr Kylen Moodley.

MSc Chemistry cum laude graduate, Ms Talia Chetty.

The Chemistry Works for Cum Laude Graduate

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It was all smiles when Ms Talia Chetty heard that her MSc degree in Chemistry had been awarded cum laude.  Chetty, who was supervised by A-rated scientist Professor Fernando Albericio and Professor B Garcia De-La-Torrre, submitted a dissertation focused on the design, synthesis and evaluation of antibacterial peptides.

Mr Siyabonga Dubazana who is currently registered for a PhD.

A Passion for Pure Mathematics

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Mr Siyabonga Dubazana received his Master’s in Science specialising in Pure Mathematics cum laude.

Mr Jason Botha graduated summa cum laude.

Computer Boffin Awarded BSc Honours Summa Cum Laude

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Mr Jason Botha graduated with a BSc Honours in Computer Science summa cum laude. His honours research focused on the automated detection of spam and poor quality content on the web.

From left: Ms Anita Dube, Mr Vernon Kok and Ms Maria Kok Dube celebrate his cum laude graduation.

MSc Focuses on “Training” Robots

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After excelling in his previous degrees at Sol Plaatje University, Mr Vernon Kok graduated with his MSc in Computer Science cum laude from UKZN.

UKZN staff member and PhD Statistics graduate, Dr Danielle Roberts.

PhD for Powerhouse Statistician

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Statistics lecturer, Dr Danielle Roberts is celebrating graduating with her PhD after the home-grown applied statistician completed her research on the relationship between anaemia and malaria in young children that could contribute to improved public health strategies in sub-Saharan Africa.