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24 August 2018 Photo Igno van Niekerk
Chemistry changing the world to create a better future
These practical applications of Chemistry are part of the relevant and practically applicable research Prof André Roodt (far left) and his research group are involved in. With him are Dr Ebrahiem Botha, Post-doctoral fellow; Pheelo Nkoe, PhD student; Shaun Redgard, MSc student; and Dr Orbett Alexander, Post-doctoral fellow

Some people have a gift for explaining the most complex concepts in a way anyone could understand. Combine this gift with passion, energy, and enthusiasm, and you are close to describing a meeting with Prof André Roodt

Prof Roodt not only teaches Chemistry, he lives it. He has published more than 320 papers, lectured internationally more than 100 times, and has guided 35 PhD and 48 MSc students to complete their degrees. These figures are likely to conjure up visions of a dusty academic working on pie-in-the-sky theories. 

Adding value

Within minutes you are made aware of the fact that Chemistry is not only a subject confined to classrooms and labs. It is a means of changing the world through research to create a better future. In academic terms, Prof Roodt and his team are involved in ‘Homegeneous Catalysis’, ‘Radiopharmacy: Theranostics’, ‘Metal Benefication’, and ‘Conversion of carbon dioxide and water’. And just when you start to remember how terrifying high-school Chemistry was, Prof Roodt explains the practical nature of what they are doing.

Few of us are aware of the exact processes that produce fuel for our cars, although we probably know that these processes have side effects which are usually detrimental to the environment; but what if the by-products of these processes can be turned into speciality chemicals which could add value in different ways?

Ever wondered how medication know where to go in your body? Well – just imagine highly specialised (clever) pharmaceutical agents giving off their own ‘light’, knowing exactly where to go, showing you where they are going, and knowing what to do in order to provide information and interact with specific cells in your body to assist in healing cells and fighting disease. Exciting.

Passionate people

But, as they say in the ads, that is not all; imagine better ways to generate power, using the natural processes in plants to increase natural oxygen where needed, and to be able to change oxygen levels in the environment.

These practical applications of Chemistry are part of the relevant and practically applicable research Prof Roodt and his research group are involved in.

When you leave Prof Roodt’s office, you realise that this is what the UFS is all about: Global impact. World-class research. Passionate people. And seizing the opportunity to create the future.

News Archive

TV star calls for dialogue on gender empowerment
2014-04-01


Jo-Anne Reyneke giving students and staff a talk from the heart.

TV star Jo-Anne Reyneke – previously known as 'Pearl' in Muvhango (SABC 2) and now 'Prudence' in Rhythm City (etv) – warned Qwaqwa Campus students to be careful of the things they say. She was speaking during the recent launch of the Qwaqwa Campus Gender Forum.

“As young people, you must learn to always truly listen and understand what your friends say. You must also be careful of the things you say, as you might prevent or be the cause of your friend's suicide, if you are not careful. What might seem like a small thing might have far-reaching results for you and your friend.

“Respect those who are different from you, as all of us would like to be accepted as we are. Carry yourself in a manner that shows you love yourself – and this starts with you respecting yourself and those who are different from you,” said Reyneke.

Reyneke also acknowledged that growing up was not easy for her, since she was labelled 'a Zulu-speaking white' due to her light complexion.

“I am glad that this campus has this kind of forum which will enable all – victims and perpetrators – to come together and share their experiences. This will further promote healing, reconciliation and unity.”

The Gender Forum is tasked with encouraging dialogue on matters that concern gender sensitivity and equality. It encourages both staff and students to break their silence and to create an environment of tolerance based on respect for human dignity and inclusiveness. The forum is constituted by various stakeholders with special skills in counselling, facilitation and empowerment in general.

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