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29 March 2022 | Story Lunga Luthuli | Photo Supplied
Dr Mikateko Mathebula
Dr Mikateko Mathebula, Senior Researcher within the SARCHI Chair for Higher Education and Human Development Research Programme, speaking about the importance of finishing what you have started.
The Centre for Graduate Support (previously known as the Postgraduate School) welcomed postgraduate students enrolled for 2022 to the University of the Free State (UFS) during an event hosted on Thursday, 24 March 2022. As part of its ‘You belong’ ceremony, the centre focused on making postgraduate studies, programmes, and funding accessible to a new cohort of students. 

Over the years, the UFS has committed itself to excellence in postgraduate education, with a focus on the output of work by postgraduate students as a measure of institutional productivity and research skills.

Embarking on solutions-based research

Speaking to postgraduate students during the welcoming ceremony held at the Centenary Complex on the Bloemfontein Campus, Dr Yong Sebastian Nyam said: “The aim should not just be to be called doctor or professor; you need to go beyond studies and build communities.”

Dr Nyam, an alumnus of the UFS who was recently appointed as an African fellow at the World Bank, said: “As a postgraduate student, do not do research to just fill a gap. Strive to make positive contributions and solve societal problems. Be a tool and show how useful you can be. Your network should be your net worth.” 

Navigating studies for academic excellence 

Noting the “importance of finishing what you have started”, Dr Mikateko Mathebula, Senior Researcher within the SARCHI Chair for Higher Education and Human Development Research Programme, said, “Postgraduate studies expose an individual to new ways of approaching research, connecting ideas, and developing presentation skills.” 

She said: “If you are convinced about pursuing your studies, speak to people who have been there, do not doubt yourself, and if wondering whether it is the right path, seek advice.”

Postgraduate studies can be a challenging journey; during the welcoming event, the importance of students taking care of their mental health and making use of the free Student Counselling and Development services, was also covered. 

To make life easier and to ensure success, the centre and the UFS also support postgraduate students by accessing funding options, developing academic writing, complying with research ethics, and applying for ethical clearance.

The UFS strives for academic excellence, and Dr Cornelius Hagenmeier, Director of the Office for International Affairs, said the institution and his office are “involved in international processes for postgraduate students interested in engaging with other countries”. 

He said: “When conducting research, do not limit yourself and consider global literature. I hope you will leave the institution with a global outlook.”  

The centre will host two welcoming ceremonies this year. The second ceremony will be in the Senate Hall on the Qwaqwa Campus on 30 March 2022.

News Archive

UFS student makes breakthrough in the application of nanorobots
2005-04-21

A student from the University of the Free State (UFS) has made a ground-breaking discovery in the field of microbiology by uncovering a series of new compounds that may in future be used to lubricate man-made nanorobots.

Mr Olihile Sebolai, a full-time student at the UFS’s Department of Microbial- Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, made this discovery while working on his M Sc-study on yeast.

With this discovery Mr Sebolai will also be awarded six prestigious prizes during this week’s autumn graduation ceremony at the UFS.  This university has recognised this exceptional achievement as a build-up to the celebration of national Science and Technology week next month.     

Mr Sebolai’s dissertation on the yeast genus Saccharomycopsis Schionning has been published in an accredited international journal of repute. 

“Words cannot describe how excited I am. I never expected to receive such recognition for my studies.  I am humbled by all of this,” said Mr Sebolai.

The Lipid Biotechnology Group at the UFS recently discovered that some yeasts produce their own water-propelled capsules in which they are transported.  These capsules have different shapes and resemble among others miniature flying saucers, hats with razor sharp brims etc.  “In order to function properly, parts of the capsules are oiled with prehistoric lubricants – lubricants that are produced by yeasts and that probably existed for many millions of years as yeasts developed,” said Mr Sebolai.  

According to Mr Sebolai these capsules are so small that approximately 300 can be fitted into the full-stop at the end of a sentence and are therefore invisible to the naked eye.

“With my studies I discovered many new compounds that resemble these prehistoric lubricants.  These lubricants may in future be used to lubricate man-made nanorobots and are similar in size compared to yeast capsules,” said Mr Sebolai.  The nanorobots are used to perform tasks in places that are invisible to the naked eye and could one day be used, among others, to clean up human arteries.

Mr Sebolai has been interested in the subject of Micro technology since he was at RT Mokgopa High School in Thaba ‘Nchu.  “I was specifically interested in the many possible applications the subject has – in the industry, as well as in medicine,” said Mr Sebolai. 

His next goal is to successfully complete his Ph D-degree.

The prizes that will be awarded to Mr Sebolai this week include:

Best Magister student at the UFS (Senate medal and prize);

Best Magister student in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science and Dean’s medal at the same faculty;

The Andries Brink – Sasol-prize for the best M Sc dissertation in Microbiology;

The JP van der Walt prize for best M Sc dissertation in yeast science;

The Chris Small prize for an outstanding Master’s dissertation; and

Honorary colours awarded by the UFS Student Representative Council

Media release

Issued by:                     Lacea Loader

                                    Media Representative

                                    Tel:  (051) 401-2584

                                    Cell:  083 645 2454

                                    E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za

20 April 2005

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