The University of the Free State is the home of many young bright stars, definitely destined to be great researchers, innovators and leaders of industry in the near future. The university is proud that they choose the UFS as their educational home.
This is a list of several of our brainiest young students:
Fana Gerbresenbet Erda – PhD candidate in Global and European Studies
Fana Gebresenbet Erda is the winner of the first University of the Free State/Africa Spectrum Young African Scholar Award for his research on political economy.
Erda is a PhD candidate in a Global and European Studies programme offered jointly by the University of Leipzig (Germany) and Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia). He will receive a three-year affiliation as a Research Fellow to the University of the Free State Centre for Africa Studies.
Nilene van Niekerk – Masters Graduate from department of Architecture
Nilene van Niekerk is a master’s graduate of the University of the Free State (UFS) Department of Architecture – features as one of the regional winners in Corobrik’s celebration of the most outstanding architectural talent in South Africa.
Nilene’s dissertation topic was Freedom of Expression Forum. This architectural concept envisions a building in the vicinity of Constitutional Hill to symbolise protest against the Secrecy Bill. The building will provide “protection to journalists, and become a pivotal point where classified information can be sent and archived. It will also establish a public space that encourages communication, all in the name of fostering the right of freedom of expression within this human rights precinct,” Nilene says.
Now, Nilene will compete for the national title at the Corobrik Student Architect of the Year Awards in Johannesburg in May 2016.
Dr Lehlohonolo Koao – Prestige Scholar from the Department of Physics
Dr Lehlohonolo Koao, from the Department of Physics at the UFS, is one of the five members of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestige Scholars Programme (PSP) on the Qwaqwa Campus.
Dr Koao’s study will focus on producing batteries that last longer, store more energy, are cheaper to manufacture, and are environmentally friendly when being thrown away. These are key factors in solar energy.
Belinda Meyer – Postgraduate Occupational Therapy student
Belinda Meyer was born in Potchefstroom, where she also completed her school career, matriculating at Potchefstroom Gimnasium in 2011 with 8 distinctions. During her school career, she obtained provincial colours in "air rifle shooting". She also received the President Verkenner award from the Voortrekkers in 2011.
In 2015, Belinda obtained her Bachelors of Occupational Therapy degree with distinction, and she was also recognised as the top achiever of her year group. In the same year, Belinda formed part of the A-Step tutor programme as an anatomy tutor for first-year Occupational Therapy students, and also served on the Occupational Therapy Students Association, occupying the post of Academics.
At present, Belinda is completing her Community Service year in F.H. Odendaal Hospital in Modimolle (previously known as Nylstroom). She plans to further her studies in Occupational Therapy.
Kyla Hayter – BSc Genetics Honours student
Kyla Hayter (BSc Genetics Honours) receiving the Dean’s medal for postgraduate studies. She also received the Senate Medal, awarded to the best Honours student at the UFS. Kyla received her Honours Degree in Genetics. Her dream is to teach science and mathematics, and to lecture in this field later. At present, she is working on her Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
Jhon Thatcher – Quantity Surveying Honours student
Jhon Thatcher received his degree in Quantity Surveying. Currently, he is doing his Honours Degree in Quantity Surveying, and would like to work abroad after completing his studies. Hard work pays off, he said, about this exceptional achievement. Jhon received the Dean’s medal for being one of the best undergraduate students in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
Madri Brink – BSc Agricultural Animal Sciences Graduate
Madri Brink (BSc Agric Animal Sciences) is the graduate, who received the Senate Medal for the best four-year Baccalaureus degree at the university at this year’s Autumn Graduation Ceremony. She also received the Dean’s Medal as the best undergraduate student in the faculty.
Natural and Agricultural Sciences raking in the accolades
Once again, the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural sciences had the biggest number of graduates at the Autumn Graduation ceremony.
This is an exceptional accomplishment for the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, which received both these Senate Medals in 2015 as well.
A record number of seventeen research assistants in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Department of Agricultural Economics received their degrees at this year’s Autumn graduation ceremony.
The assistants are all part of the department’s bursary programme which was implemented in 2007. This initiative was established by the former Head of Department, Prof Johan Willemse. Assistants are appointed for a period of one year, working on projects in the department. During this period, they receive fifty percent discount on their studies.