PhD Students:

Kedibone Muguru

PhD Student

Supervisor: Assoc Prof. Clive Oliver

Kedibone was born and raised in Thohoyandou in the Limpopo Province of South Africa and matriculated from Thohoyandou Secondary School in 2014. She completed her B. Sc. degree majoring in Chemistry and Environmental and Geographical Science at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 2018. In 2019, she started her M.Sc. degree in Chemistry at UCT, which was later upgraded to PhD in 2020, furthering the research she began in her Honours level. Her research involves the degin, synthesis, analysis and application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which through supramolecular interactions adsobs energy and environmentally relevant molecules into their matrics. Outside the lab, she is an introvert and enjoy eating and watching movies. She also enjoys being active.

Tristan Theunissen

PhD Student

Email: THNTRI002@myuct.ac.za

Supervisor: Prof. Susan Bourne

Tristan is a PhD candidate at the University of Cape Town, where his research focuses on studying prominent non-covalent interactions (NCIs) in perhalogenated corroles using both crystallographic and computational methods. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of the Free State, where his passion for chemistry led him to specialize in non-covalent interactions within mixed ligand metal systems during his master's studies at UCT. As a recipient of the prestigious Harry Crossley Fellowship for both his MSc and PhD, Tristan has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing his field. His research contributes to a deeper understanding of NCIs, which has implications for various applications in chemistry. Tristan aspires to become a lecturer, combining his love for teaching and research in the future. Outside of his academic pursuits, he enjoys drawing, reflecting his artistic side and creative thinking.

Andisiwe Mafika

PhD Student

Email: MFKAND004@myuct.ac.za

Supervisor: Assoc Prof. Clive Oliver

Andisiwe is a PhD candidate in the research group of Dr. Clive Oliver. He received his BSc degree in Chemistry and Pure Mathematics, as well as his BSc(Hons) degree in Chemistry from the University of Fort Hare in 2017 and 2018, respectively. In 2021 he completed his MSc degree in Chemistry (with distinction) at the University of Johannesburg, working on the synthesis, and characterization of mixed-matrix membranes. He is currently working on the design and synthesis of mixed-ligand metal-organic frameworks for sorption of energy- and environmentally-relevant molecules.

Nonhlanhla Baloyi

PhD Student

Email: BIYNON004@myuct.

Supervisor: Assoc Prof. Clive Oliver

Nonhlanhla completed her undergraduate studies specializing in Biochemistry and Chemistry, and her honours degree in Chemistry at the University of Johannesburg. She completed her postgraduate studies with distinction from University of Cape Town in 2023. She joined Dr Oliver’s research group to pursue her PhD degree, which involves the design, synthesis and analysis of mixed-ligand Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and study their sorption properties and the effect of different functional groups on these properties. Outside the lab, she enjoys playing tennis and swimming.

Nguepmeni Eloundou Valoise Brenda

PhD Student

Email: NGPVAL001@myuct.ac.za

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=THkuiSEAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

Supervisor: Prof. Susan Bourne

NGUEPMENI ELOUNDOU Valoise Brenda is a committed Cameroonian researcher who embarked on her higher education journey at the University of Dschang in 2014. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Inorganic Chemistry in 2017, followed by a Master's degree in the same field in 2019. It was during her Master's studies that she developed a deep interest in scientific research, leading her to pursue a PhD at the University of Dschang. In 2022, she was awarded the prestigious OWSD (Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World) fellowship, which enabled her to join Professor Susan Bourne's Supramolecular Chemistry group at the University of Cape Town in May 2023. Her current research focuses on synthesizing new porous materials for carbon dioxide (CO₂) adsorption. Additionally, she received the ARTEMIS fellowship, which provided her with the opportunity to work with a mentor and undertake a short research stay in Germany in November 2023. Upon completing this stay, she returned to Cape Town to continue her PhD research under the guidance of Professor Susan Bourne. Despite the challenges posed by limited resources at her home institution, her work is dedicated to developing innovative porous materials for selective CO₂ adsorption. Outside the lab, she enjoys reading, traveling, appreciating nature, and cooking.

Lungelo Bambiso

PhD Student

Email: BMBLUN002@myuct.ac.za

Supervisor: Dr. Wilson Mogodi

Hana Ihmaid Abdussalam Bawa

PhD Student

Email: BWXHAN001@myuct.ac.za

Supervisor: Prof. Luigi R. Nassimbeni

Sihle Thabethe

PhD Student

Email: THBSIH001@myuct.ac.za

Supervisor: Dr. Wilson Mogodi

Mr Sihle Thabethe is a PhD candidate who joined the group in 2024. He is working on characterization of API co-crystals and inclusion complexes using powder x-ray and complementary computational techniques, under the supervision of Dr Wilson Mogodi and Prof Caira. His master’s project was based on virtual screening of haemitin inhibitors through parasite specific lipocalin. The project utilized both computational and lab based techniques, and was supervised by Dr K. Wicht, Dr C. Barnett and the late Prof Egan. Outside academic activities he volunteers to the Rising Star tutoring project, enjoys drawing and creative writing.

MSc Students:

Rendani Mashavhanduna

MSc Student

Email: MSHREN013@myuct.ac.za

Supervisor: Prof. Mino R. Caira

Ms. Rendani Mashavhanduna is an MSC candidate in the centre for supramolecular Chemistry research group supervised by Emeritus Professor M.R Caira. She received her BSc degree in Chemistry & Biochemistry as well as her BSc Honours in Chemistry from the University of Venda in 2022 and 2023, respectively. In 2023 she accomplished having to complete her Honours degree project in Chemistry (with distinction) at the University of Venda, working on the Synthesis of Chromone-2-Thiazolidine-2,4-diones as potential anti-diabetic agents. She is currently working on beneficiation of medicinal agents and other bioactive compounds via co-crystallization and cyclodextrin inclusion complexation. Outside the lab, she is a very adventurous soul, she enjoys exploring different attraction sites as well as cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

Olwethu Mpetshwa

MSc Student

Email:

Supervisor: