PhD students from the College of Humanities, Mrs Leigh Adams Tucker (right) and Mr Hloniphani Ndebele who received UKZN Doctoral Research Scholarships. Humanities PhD Students get UKZN Doctoral Research Scholarships
Two PhD students from the College of Humanities, Mrs Leigh Adams Tucker and Mr Hloniphani Ndebele, were awarded UKZN Doctoral Research Scholarships at the annual Scholarships Awards ceremony.
The scholarship - the most prestigious award at the senior postgraduate level – is funded by UKZN.
Each year, a maximum of four of the scholarships are awarded to top PhD candidates.
Tucker, who graduated in 2010 with a Master of Social Science degree (summa cum laude), is a PhD Psychology student whose research focuses on discursive subjectivities of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
‘The scholarship validates the many hours of studying and personal sacrifices I have made over the years,’ said Tucker. ‘My family and supervisor, Dr Kaymarlin Govender, have supported and encouraged me throughout and expressed how proud they are of the achievement.
‘Thank you to the donors for recognising the needs of students at the doctoral level – many of whom are facing the dilemma of student budgets and real world expenses.’
Asked about how the scholarship will assist her, Tucker said: ‘Funds have already been allocated to research expenditure for data collection – which is the phase I am currently in with my research. Overall, the scholarship will provide greater financial security and ease of mind, enabling a more productive “head space” for engaging with the dissertation content.’
Tucker plans to complete her Doctor of Philosophy degree, while also increasing her profile as an early career academic through relevant publications, conference proceedings and teaching opportunities. ‘As a clinical psychologist, I value applied research. My intention is to translate insights gained regarding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the broader issues of child/youth mental health and education into my therapeutic practice and community intervention strategies.’
Ndebele is in the second year of his PhD at the School of Arts, African Languages Cluster. He graduated with a Master of Arts degree (summa cum laude) last year.
‘I have a strong passion for research, most particularly in the field of African languages, language policy and planning and socio-linguistics. I have an uncompromising belief in language as a basic human right which must be protected and embraced just like other human rights,’ said Ndebele.
‘It is on that a basis that I am conducting my PhD research on the role of information and communication technology in the promotion and intellectualisation of African languages in higher education under the supervision of Professor Nobuhle Hlongwa and Dr Gugulethu Mazibuko.’
He has also presented research papers at several local conferences and co-authored papers with his academic supervisors for publication in accredited journals.
-Melissa Mungroo