Lecturer follows leaders who excelled in adverse conditions

A senior lecturer in the Department of Clothing and Textile Technology, Dr Sweta Patnaik is among the young researchers under 40 years of age who have received a Y2 rating from National Research Foundation (NRF).

This is in recognition by all reviewers as having the potential (demonstrated by research products) to establish herself as a researcher with some of them indicating that she has the potential to become a future leader in her field. Patnaik says the NRF rating system is a benchmarking system whereby individuals who exemplify the highest standards of research, as well as those demonstrating strong potential as researchers​​, are identified by an extensive network of South African and international peer reviewers. She believes the rating is a valuable tool for benchmarking the quality of “my research against the best in the world”.

“For me personally it will enhance career prospects, increase opportunities for funding and collaboration, and provide a measure of credibility and prestige within the research community. Receiving a research rating can hold significant meaning for CPUT. It signifies the institution's research productivity, quality, and impact within the academic and scientific community.” She says the rating system encourages researchers to publish high quality outputs in high impact journals.

“This is what I will be focusing on.”

Reflecting on her achievement, Patnaik says: “There is a sense of happiness and joy. It validates my hard work, dedication, and accomplishments. There is gratitude towards those who supported me. I am motivated and inspired to continue excelling in my work. And lastly, I was surprised and humbled at the same time for being recognised.”

Amongst Patnaik’s job responsibilities are teaching and learning coordinator, curriculum officer and supervisor to her master’s and PhD students. The happy-go-lucky kind of person who takes life as it comes every day, says proper planning is the key to juggling between her busy academic schedule and family. “I try and plan my days in advance. I prioritise and delegate as per job requirements. My family, of course, comes first. At the same time, I am passionate about what I do. Taking care of myself is essential to maintaining a healthy balance between work and family.” The plant lover spends a lot of her spare time in her garden which has now turned into a “mini forest” and at times she browses social media.

Every little highlight of her career has positioned her a bit higher in her world of work so each of them is special. “If asked of highlights – getting placed at a prominent brand like NIKE post my MBA could be one. NRF Outstanding Doctoral Scholarship was another feather in the hat. Being the first at CPUT to acquire the DAAD UNILEAD scholarship 2020 could be another, NMU Alumni Rising Start award 2020 would be a great recognition from my alma mater and winning the Institutional Teaching Excellence Award 2022 as well as the eLearning Excellence Award at the European Conference of eLearning 2022 were confirming my passion and dedication towards my work.

“Last but not the least NRF Y2 rating came to [me] at a point where I least expected it. I was on my way to spend the December holidays with my family and this news couldn’t have come any better.”

Sweta learns from her mistakes on a daily basis and follows a lot of leaders’ footsteps who have excelled in adverse conditions. “If they could then anyone can”. Her family has been a constant source of motivation to her. She acknowledges her parents for a good upbringing to the best of their ability and her husband for always supporting “me inspires me to give my best”.

All that she has achieved so far since she joined CPUT “has been a communal effort”. “Be it my department, my students, or my colleagues who I work very closely with have played a vital role in shaping me the person that I am. They have constantly supported, motivated and at times been critics to mould be well. Fundani, DRD [Directorate Research Development] and CIET [Centre for Innovative Educational Technology] thank you so much to each and everyone who have always supported me in every way possible.”

Her aspiration is to make her students proud of her. “By that I mean the knowledge I have acquired and shared with them or the work that I do brings an impact on their lives. Personally, I aspire myself to reach a managerial position that will allow me to make crucial decisions while applying my leadership skills.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

Email: boyceap@cput.ac.za