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12 March 2018 Photo Leonie Bolleurs
Second triumph for young pollution and pharmaceutical researcher
Emmie Chiyindiko, winner of Famelab.

“I am grateful to be reaping the benefits of stepping out of my comfort zone. By facing the unfamiliar, that challenge will allow me to see what great things I am capable of,” said Emmie Chiyindiko, winner of Famelab 2018.

With FameLab, the world’s leading science communication competition, participants have just three minutes to win over the judges and crowd with a scientific talk that excels in content, clarity and charisma. Contestants from around the world participate, armed only with their wits and a few props.

Emmie won the Postgraduate School’s Three-Minute-Thesis competition for master’s level in 2017.

She said: “My research is based on the synthesis and characterisation of a series of unique metal complexes.” These complexes are used both as active pharmaceutical ingredients and cosmetic additives to reduce the detrimental effects of UV radiation on the skin. They are incorporated into anti-ulcer, gastro protective drugs, anti-asthmatic, lung disease drugs, with anti-cancer and anti-diabetic agents,” she said.

With her research she can also monitor air pollution. Formaldehyde is a known toxin to human health. “Using metal complexes, I am able to monitor the production of formaldehyde and consequently come up with exposure prevention methods,” said Emmie.

She believes that it is okay to not ”fit in“. “Mannerisms such as your quirks make you different and distinctive. Live your life intentionally, imprint your personal mark on this universe and always choose faith over fear.”

News Archive

Armentum decision taken out of context
2009-05-15

STATEMENT BY PROF. EZEKIEL MORAKA, VICE-RECTOR: STUDENT AFFAIRS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE IN RESPONSE TO THE MAIN ARTICLE IN VOLKSBLAD OF 15 MAY 2009

It is unfortunate that the University of the Free State’s (UFS) attempts to protect our students and to ensure that an atmosphere conducive to learning in our residences prevails are now taken out of context and equated to the process of increasing diversity in our residences.

We have a responsibility as a university to protect our students and staff – this includes minority groups like first-year students – and we will continue to do so. The Residence Committees and Residence Heads also have a responsibility to ensure that this atmosphere prevails in our residences.

In accordance with the decision on increasing diversity in the university’s Main Campus residences by our Council, the UFS has a responsibility to protect minorities against the dominance of other groups and to ensure that students respect one another.

The incident at House Armentum is clearly an act of the violation of human rights and cannot be left unattended.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
15 May 2009

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