Dr Brian Beseni examined traditional medicinal plants for their potential treatment of type 2 diabetes. He is congratulated by his proud parents, Mrs Barbara and Mr Clever Beseni.
Ms Maxine Manickum was awarded a Master’s in Biological Sciences.
Dr Denver Naidoo juggled lecturing and research demands to earn his PhD in Food Security. From left: Dr Lelethu Mdoda, Naidoo, and Dr Nthabeleng Tamako.Achieving his PhD is a step towards the goal of creating meaningful and impactful change in climate security, the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) nexus, and food security for Dr Denver Naidoo, a lecturer at the African Centre for Food Security (ACFS) at UKZN.
Dr Vimbai Siziba earned a PhD in Genetics.
Dr Sharon Migeri and her plant trial.Dr Sharon Migeri’s crop science PhD research concerned the implications of using various urine-based fertilisers on edible plants, particularly the effects on the soil and on crops’ uptake of antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs that affect human health.
Dr Aveshin Reddy earned his PhD in Environmental Science.Dr Aveshin Reddy earned his PhD from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where he focused on the barriers affecting Green Logistics in South Africa’s pharmaceutical industry, specifically within Cipla Medpro Manufacturing.
Ms Muneiwa Rumani.Ms Muneiwa Rumani’s Master of Science in Agriculture (Horticultural Science) sought to assess bush tea’s water use and nutritional water productivity, addressing critical challenges such as water scarcity, poverty and nutritional insecurity in South Africa.
Mr Asande Ngidi’s research aimed to improve the yield of sorghum.Mr Asande Ngidi’s master’s research through UKZN’s African Centre for Crop Improvement (ACCI) focused on the differences in growth, crop yield, biomass distribution and carbon storage in different sorghum varieties to combat the threat of climate change and food insecurity.
Master of Horticultural Science graduate, Ms Ayanda Luthuli with her proud family, from left, Mrs Nothando Mngoma (sister), Mrs ZG Luthuli (mother), and Ms Nonjabulo Luthuli (sister).Ms Ayanda Luthuli’s horticultural science master’s research concerned the integration of animal manure extract as a source of nutrients into a hydroponic system for growing vegetables and inspired her to consider a career in academia.
Dr Lehlohonolo Donald Adams in the field and at his Graduation ceremony.
Ms Mageshree Pillay who graduated cum laude with an MSc degree in Genetics.Ms Mageshree Pillay received a cum laude result for her Master’s in Genetics, which she completed in under a year, after identifying therapeutic target genes and biomarkers that could prevent breast cancer from metastasising to the brain.
Dr Melanie Streicher with her parents, Mr Stephen and Mrs Karin Burke, and her husband, Dr Jarryd Streicher.Through her PhD research, Dr Melanie Streicher sought to understand the complex ecological interactions between plants and their pollinators to inform effective conservation and contribute to knowledge of the “biodiversity canvas” these organisms form a part of.
Dr Senzo Mkhize has earned a PhD in Biochemistry.