Chemistry students clinch research scholarship

Talented chemistry students Kudzanai Nyamayaro and Kelly Shunje are flying the CPUT flag high.

The duo who are based in the Department of Chemistry have been awarded the Innovation and Priority Research Areas Masters Scholarship, an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology that is facilitated through the National Research Foundation (NRF).The scholarship aims to increase South Africa’s cohort of masters and doctoral graduates.

Applicants face a competitive selection process, but Nyamayaro and Shunje’s excellent academic record helped them clinch the prestigious scholarship. Of the 821 awardees for 2017 nationwide, only 7 CPUT students made it to the list.

Both are currently working towards their MTech qualifications under the guidance of Dr Nikoletta Báthori. Their work is based on crystallography (determining the arrangement of molecules /ions in crystalline solids), with a focus on the improvement of the properties of pharmaceutical drugs.

Shunje is exploring anti-malaria and anti-tuberculosis drugs focusing on improving their physiochemical properties through formation of multicomponent crystals.

With her sights set on graduation in September, Shunje says she enjoys research and is looking forward to applying her skills in the pharmaceutical industry.

“I ventured into this specific area because I have a strong desire to discover solutions towards the alleviation of suffering and peril in the world. I would never be able to be a doctor and work directly with patients, but by working on pharmaceutical drugs I can still help people.”

Nyamayaro, who has already co-published three papers, is focusing his efforts on aspirin and how to increase its lifespan after it is exposed to water or air.

Also set to graduate this Spring, Nyamayaro, who has won several prizes for his outstanding academic records, says he is grateful for the scholarship and the funding it makes available to facilitate his academic and research activities.

Nyamayaro, who has his sights set on completing a doctorate, is one of the top performing students in the Faculty of Applied Science. He was recently awarded the James Moir Medal by the South African Chemical Institute, which recognizes the top chemistry students at each university and university of technology.

However, Nyamayaro says while a love of science prompted him to follow a career in chemistry, hard work has played a huge role in his success.

“I work and study really hard. I think this is a good combination for success. If you put effort into something it will eventually work out,” he says.

Written by Candes Keating
Email: keatingc@cput.ac.za

Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.