Chemistry Department Celebrates Graduates with Joyous Pre-Graduation Event

10 Sep 2024 | By Laa-iqa Rylands
Pre-Grad Celebrations
10 Sep 2024 | By Laa-iqa Rylands

The Chemistry Department recently held a heart-warming pre-graduation celebration
on Tuesday, 3 September, to honour the outstanding achievements of its MSc and
PhD students, ahead of the official graduation ceremonies. The event, initiated by
Head of Department A/Prof Anwar Jardine, was designed to acknowledge and
celebrate the significant milestones reached by the department's graduating cohort.


The celebration took place in the department's beautifully decorated Tea Room, which
featured a charming rustic theme accentuated by vibrant protea flowers. The
atmosphere was festive and reflective of the pride and joy shared by all in attendance.
A/Prof Anwar Jardine opened the event with a welcoming address, setting a tone of
appreciation and celebration. Following his remarks, Prof. Susan Bourne, the
Research Chair, also spoke to extend her congratulations to the graduating students
and noted that that she was impressed by how they have pushed the frontiers of
knowledge. She highlighted their work in creating novel molecules, improving catalysts
for bioavailability, developing new materials, and contributing to projects related to
COVID-19. Her remarks underscored the remarkable growth of the students and the
significant impact of their research.


One of the event’s highlights was the segment where each supervisor introduced their
student and shared insights into their research projects. This not only provided a
deeper understanding of the graduates' academic journeys but also allowed attendees
to appreciate the diverse and impactful research undertaken within the department.
Dr. Siyabonga Ngubane delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to everyone
who contributed to the event's success. The afternoon was complemented by a
selection of delightful drinks and a light lunch, fostering a relaxed and celebratory
atmosphere.


The meticulous planning and decor of the event were led by the departmental
manager, Deirdre Brookes, with assistance from Ms Joanne Polzin and Ms. Laa-iqa
Rylands, who also captured memorable photographs of the graduates with their
supervisors and families. The Chemistry Department extends its heartfelt
congratulations to the graduating MSc students and PhD candidates, and thanks all
who made the celebration a memorable occasion. As they step into their future
endeavors, the department is proud to have been a part of their academic journey and
looks forward to their continued contributions to the field of chemistry.

MSc Graduates

Surname Name Supervisor 1 Supervisor 2 Supervisor 3
Bambiso Lungelo Tervin Oliver, Cliver Mogodi, Wilson  
A Cambridge Structural Database Search for Entangled MOFs and the Synthesis and Analysis of the Non-Entangled Counterpars of a Set of Entangled MOFs
Coetzee Carla Jardine, Anwar    
Mechanisms and Measurements of Sialidase in Pneumonia
Collins Sean Michael Blane Hunter, Roger Barth, Stefan (IBMS)  
Synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel immunotoxin-linker-scFv Recombinant Immunotoxin (rIT)
Davids Mymoena Nassimbeni, Luigi Bourne, Susan  
Investigating Bile acids as resolving agents of racemic phenylethylamine
Davids Tara Smith, Greg    
Iridium(III) Photosensitisers for Photoredox Catalysed Carboxylation Reactions of Ketimines
Frosler Hannah Maggie Caira, Mino    
Synthesis and characterisation of new multicomponent compounds containing the nonsteroidal anti-flammatory drugs fenbufen and S(+)-ibuprofen.
Mfana Siwaphiwe Ravenscroft, Neil Edmonds-Smith, Cesarina  
Structural analysis of capsular polysaccharides produced by some emerging Klebsiella pneumoniae serotypes.
Spath Josef Carter Petersen, Wade Hunter, Roger  
Chiral Acyl Radicals Generated by Visible Light Enable Stereoselective Access to 3,3-Disubstituted Oxindoles: Application Toward the Synthesis of (-)- and (+)-Physovenine.
Tsewu Sandile Hunter, Roger Venter, Gerhard Petersen, Wade
Computational Modelling, Synthesis, and Biological Studies Towards Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Protease 3CLpro (Mpro)
Tshaka Liso Hunter, Roger Venter, Gerhard Petersen, Wade
Computational Modelling, Synthesis and Biological Studies Towards a Flavonoid-based Inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein.

 

PhD Graduates

Surname Name Supervisor 1 Supervisor 2
Cloete Cleavon Njoroge, Mathew (H3D) Chibale, Kelly
In vitro metabolism studies to inform the physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modelling of Mefloquine, Ritonavir and Proguanil.
De Doncker Stephen Ngubane, Siyabonga Smith, Greg
Heteroleptic Dirhodium(II,II) Complexes: Synthesis, Spectroscopy and Applications in Hydroformylation and Hydroaminomethylation Catalytic Reactions.
Dobah Farhaan Petersen, Wade  
Methodology investigations for the synthesis of biologically important Nitrogen-containing heterocycles.
Medupe Thato Ngubane, Siyabonga Prince, Sharon (Hum Bio)
Synthesis, Characterization, and Anti-Cancer Activity of Heteroleptic Mixed-valent Diruthenium Complexes.
Nashed Abdullateef Naidoo, Kevin  
Development of coupled enzyme assay an in vitro synthetic Biology approach for glycosylation pathway characterization
Oddy Meghan Petersen, Wade  
New Explorations in Visible-Light Mediated Energy and Single Electron Transfer for Nitrogen Heterocycle Synthesis.
Welsh Athi Smith, Greg Prince, Sharon (Hum Bio)
The Development of Group VIII Trinuclear Transition Metal Complexes as Chemotherapeutic and Photodynamic Therapy Agents.