• Human health risk assessment
• Phytoremediation and bioenergy production
• Sustainability and circular economy
• Climate change
• Environmental impact assessment
• Safety, health, environment and communities

• Mlalazi, N, Chimuka, L & Simatele, MD. Synergistic effect of compost and moringa leaf extract biostimulants on the remediation of gold mine tailings using Chrysopogon zizanioides. Scientific African e02358: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02358

Professional positions:

• Postdoctoral Fellow – Department of Mechanical, Bioresources, and Biomedical Engineering, University of South Africa (UNISA) (2025 – present)
• Environmental Consultant - Phuka tsa Nong (Pty) Ltd - 2024
• PhD (Part-time) and Researcher – Department of Geography, Environmental Studies and Archaeology, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa (2019–2023)
• Environmental Engineering Junior Specialist - Agreenco Environmental (2018)
• Social Ecology Researcher - Centre of Applied Legal Studies (CALS), Wits University (2017)
• Environmental Impact Assessment Practitioner- Nzumbululo Heritage Solution (2016)

Scholarships, Bursaries & Fellowships:

• PMA – University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa (2015–2022)
• DSTI Seed Fund – Wits Enterprise, South Africa (2022–2023)

Short biography

Dr Nkanyiso Mlalazi is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Mechanical, Bioresources and Biomedical Engineering at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Her research expertise lies in bioenergy production from phytoremediation plants, with a specific focus on vetiver grass. Dr Mlalazi's work is centred on the concept of a circular economy and sustainability, where mine tailings are remediated using bioenergy plants. Her research aligns with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy); SDG 13 (Climate Action); and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Through her work, Dr Mlalazi drives innovation, sustainability and circularity in environmental engineering and applications. With a background in environmental studies, Dr Mlalazi has contributed to social labour plans, environmental management and research on risk assessments, and bioengineering of mine-impacted environments using plants.

ORCID Profile:

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0514-804X