2020 Stories
Master’s Graduate Focuses on Accent Recognition Using Deep Learning
Ms Yuvika Singh has graduated with a cum laude MSc degree in Computer Science, specialising
High Achiever Aims for Career as Data Scientist
Mr Leenane Makurumure graduated with a BSc in Computer Science and Information Technology (IT) summa
Doctoral Graduate Attracted to UKZN by its Excellent Engineering Programme
UKZN’s highly rated Engineering programme attracted Dr Inbanathan Govender to study at the Institution and
Heightening Awareness about Diabetes at the Core of MSc Research
Research aimed at raising awareness about diabetes so that more testing can be done and
MSc Research into Statistical Model for Crude Oil Market
Crude oil, the price of which is currently at an all-time low, was the focus
Green Chemistry PhD Focuses on New Sustainable Protocols
Dr Sandeep VHS Bhaskaruni earned his PhD in Chemistry for his design of new eco-friendly
PhD for Hard Working Lecturer and Doting Mom!
Lecturer in the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science Dr Hloniphile Sithole-Mthethwa graduated with
PhD Graduate Investigates Chemical Compounds with Antibacterial Promise
Drug molecules which could contribute to combatting drug-resistant bacteria in an era of increasing antibiotic
Quantum Computing Master’s Graduate Reaching New Heights in a “New World”!
Qualified actuarial scientist, Ms Amira Mahomed Abbas graduated cum laude with an MSc in Physics,
Bursary from Construction Company Helps Civil Engineering Student Graduate
A bursary from a South African construction company enabled a young woman to complete her
Summa Cum Laude Degree for Promising Astrophysicist
Mr Lushen Moodley has graduated with an MSc degree summa cum laude in Applied Mathematics.
Master’s Research Paves Way for IsiZulu Language Processing
Research into isiZulu language processing has earned Mr Sibonelo Dlamini a Master of Science degree
2019 Stories
Adversity Builds Determination – MSc Graduate
‘An expert in anything was once a beginner.’ These words by American actress Helen Hayes
Dream Comes True for Cum Laude Honours Degree Graduate
Ms Nomzamo Msomi always wanted to be a student and earn a degree from UKZN,
Skincare and Beauty Researched for Doctoral Thesis
Dr Vuyisile Thibane graduated with a PhD in Ethnobotany after conducting an ethnopharmacological study on
Snakes are Hissss Passion
Mr Warren Schmidt, author of Reptiles & Amphibians of Southern Africa, has enjoyed a lifelong interest
Mammals in Durban Forests Subject of PhD
Investigating the presence and persistence of mammals in urban forest fragments in the eThekwini Municipality
Fern Study Harvests Cum Laude Degree
Mr Kwanele Mkhize’s friends and colleagues describe him as an ambitious, goal-driven person – qualities
Chemistry Honours Cum Laude Graduate Hoping for Career in Pharmaceutical Research
‘Hard work is always rewarded and doesn’t go unnoticed,’ says cum laude Chemistry Honours graduate, Mr Shabaaz
Antidiabetic and Toxicological Properties of Medicinal Plants Focus of Biochemist’s PhD
Dr Ochuko Erukainure has earned a PhD in Biochemistry for research conducted on the antidiabetic
Woolly-Necked Storks – To Feed or Not to Feed, That is the Question!
Dr Vuyisile Thabethe graduated with a PhD from the School of Life Sciences following her research on
Doctoral Thesis Examines Effects of Eco-Estates on the Eco-System
Dr Jarryd Alexander graduated with a PhD in the School of Life Sciences – with the support
Mathematician’s Inspirational Story
PhD graduate, Dr Sicelo Goqo hopes his story will inspire young school-leavers to study Mathematics
Tick-Borne Diseases Under the Mathematical Microscope
Research, using stochastic epidemic models, into the role of wildlife in the distribution of tick-borne
2018 Stories
MSc Focuses on Genetics of Southern African Jackal Buzzard
For Ms Sophia Bam, the importance of education has always been the key to her
El Niño Inspired MSc Graduate to Breed Maize for Drought Tolerance
Ms Lucia Ndlala has graduated with her Master’s through the Improved Master’s in Cultivar Development in
Passion for Solving Scientific Puzzles Earns Mdluli a Master’s Degree
‘Do what you have to do in order to do what you want to do’.
Master’s Graduate Helping Meet Soybean Demand Through Breeding
Ms Mwila Chibanda graduated with her Master’s through the Improved Master’s in Cultivar Development in Africa
PhD Graduate’s Doctoral Studies Dedicated to Late Son
hough faced with personal challenges throughout her postgraduate studies, Dr Patricia Govender still managed to
PhD Graduate Improving Ugandan Rice Production
Dr Mary Teddy Asio has graduated with her PhD through the African Centre for Crop Improvement (ACCI),
Graduate Achieves PhD in Record Time with Acclaimed Results
Dr Oluwabamise Adeleye graduated with a PhD in Physics after investigating radiation dose and cancer risk estimates from
Breeding Groundnuts for Prosperity in Malawi
Mr Masoud Sultan graduated with his Master’s in Plant Breeding through the Improved Master’s in Cultivar
Wamisho: First NASSP Master’s Graduate
Since he was a young boy growing up in the streets of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,
Cutting Edge Atmospheric Research Earns Ncipha a PhD
Dr Gerald Xolile Ncipha from the School of Chemistry and Physics (SCP), graduated with his
Excellent Reputation Attracts Master’s Graduate to UKZN
Mr Shaheen Thakur, a student from the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences (SAEES),
Passion for Agriculture Earns Mchunu Master’s Degree
Mr Lindani Mchunu graduated with his Master of Science in Agriculture degree after investigating the