As part of Youth Month, the College of Science, Engineering and Technology’s (CSET’s) Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, celebrates its final year doctoral candidate, Simphiwe Zwane. She recently returned from her research visit in Michigan State University (MSU), where she made significant progress.
Zwane is the recipient of the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, which enabled her to conduct part of her research at MSU’s Department of Chemistry between August 2021 and May 2022. The awarding of this prestigious scholarship follows from Zwane’s previous research grants, which include the National Research Foundation (NRF) Postgraduate Student Funding.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a competitive scholarship that provides research grants to master’s and doctoral candidates, as well as to young professionals to conduct research at an accredited tertiary institution in the United States (US). Moreover, the program in partnership with the NRF, awards scholarships to South African doctoral students enrolled at the country’s universities to conduct one year research at a US university, as visiting students, or researchers.
Reflecting on a worthwhile visit
Zwane’s research project focuses on designing nanostructured materials for removal of pharmaceuticals in contaminated water. She is supervised by CSET’s Professor Alex Kuvarega, Dr Derrick Dlamini, and its Executive Dean, Professor Bhekie Mamba.
At the MSU, Zwane performed research on electrochemical degradation and detection of two pharmaceutical agents: diclofenac and carbamazepine. She managed to write three research papers based on this work, which will be published in due course. Besides the research activities, Zwane was able to attend classes, group meetings, and seminars on electrochemistry.
“I got an opportunity to participate in a graduate symposium in Wayne State University, where I was sharing my work with other students and professionals through a poster presentation,” she continues. “I was awarded another grant to attend a Fulbright Enrichment Seminar (from lab to the market), in Boston, Massachusetts.”
Beyond research activities, Zwane participated in the American Red Cross where she was a blood donor ambassador. This gave her an opportunity to learn about the American culture, and to make new friends.
Embracing notable benefits
Zwane says that studying abroad has expanded her academic horizon, and developed her capacity to adapt to various educational settings. “The Fulbright program has given me an opportunity to build valuable relationships with people from all over the world. Through its seminar in Boston, I connected with other students from 57 countries. Such connections and networks can enhance career growth,” states Zwane.
By engaging with another culture, Zwane states that she developed valuable life skills needed for personal growth, including independence and adaptability. For her, such skills have boosted her personal and professional confidence.
Encouraging students to embrace collaborations abroad
Zwane’s host, Professor Greg Swain of MSU, says: “It was a pleasure to host the competent Simphiwe in our lab. She is a dedicated, and hard-working postgraduate student, whose work resulted in three publications.”
According to Zwane, it was an amazing and fruitful opportunity. She encourages students, graduates, and young professionals to apply for this once-in-a-lifetime academic exchange program. Additional to academic improvement, she says that the recipients would have an opportunity to expand their networks and collaborations, meet new friends, and obtain valuable skills for personal growth.
“Building valuable relations with people from all over the world can enhance career opportunities,” she concludes. “I appreciate the high level of support and guidance that I received from Prof Swain. The collaboration was very successful, and we are planning on working together in future.”
*Compiled by Dr Nozipho N Gumbi, Acting Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Science, Engineering and Technology
Publish date: 2022-06-29 00:00:00.0