Poster Kings and Queens for Chemistry Science Idols Mini-Symposium

Students in the Chemistry Department exhibited their research in the form of a poster showcase attended by students, departmental staff members and an industry representative from Eskom.

The showcase was part of the Chemistry Department’s annual Science Idols Mini-Symposium held recently for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) students who are placed both in industry and those who performed their projects in the Chemistry laboratories. 

During the mini-symposium, Head of Chemistry Department, Prof Merrill Wicht, said that during the Covid-19 pandemic there was a need for the Department to develop innovative assessment methods for WIL to encourage reflection and integration of theory and practice. “With placement numbers that increased exponentially for 2021, the Chemistry Department adopted a method of poster presentations as a means of formal assessment. This replaced the conventional Science Idols presentations from previous years that were held over two days with students presenting their research through an oral presentation,” Wicht added.

The students were assessed by a panel of judges comprising of Chemistry Department academic and technical staff members, a retired staff member and the Head of Analytical Chemistry at Eskom, Pale Sesinyi. The assessment included a poster evaluation as well as the student’s flash presentation of their research while working as an in-service trainee.

Wicht said the event allowed the students to engage effectively with their audience and demonstrate reflection in learning and was an excellent demonstration of work-integrated learning and authentic assessment. Of the 80 students who participated, the kings and queens of the morning were Ashleigh Alkana, Songezwa Mvula and Obakeng Hlungwani and in the afternoon it was Clarise Theron, Ntokoza Badli and Aurelie Enkonzaa. The research the students conducted included spectrophotometric studies on horseradish enzymes, extraction of essential oils from lavender and rose geranium as well as the influence of yeast and SO₂ in beer, as well as many other exciting and interesting topics.

Sesinyi, a CPUT graduate, presented the prizes to the morning group of students. Wicht acknowledged the contribution made by staff members, Dr Meredith Kujawa and Portia Jaynarayan, “on a well-organised day and a lively symposium for the students”. “Sponsor of the prizes, the research leader of the Natural Product in Chemistry Unit, Prof [Ahmed] Mohammed allowed the students to leave with a wonderful selection of awards,” added Wicht.

Written by Kwanele Butana
Email: ButanaK@cput.ac.za