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19 May 2023 | Story Dalene Meintjes | Photo Supplied
Teaching and Learning Fellows
The second cohort of the UFS Learning and Teaching Fellowship: Back (left to right): Dr Joseph Kunnuji, Christa Faber, Dr Anke van der Merwe, Dr Lisa Rothmann, Dr Msebenzi Rabaza, Dr Albertus Barkhuizen. Front (left to right): Maryna Hattingh, Anna-Marie Welman, Dr Ntombizandile Gcelu, Thakaso Masabata, Oyinlola Adebola, Charles Mothelesi, Dr Mamokhosi Choane.

The University of the Free State (UFS) has welcomed the second cohort of fellows taking part in its Learning and Teaching Fellowship.

“The UFS merit-based fellowship programme in Learning and Teaching provides recognition to our university teachers who have excelled in different domains of teaching, which can range from curriculum design and development, student-centred teaching techniques, to technology enhancement infused into pedagogical and teaching approaches,” Dr Engela van Staden, UFS Vice Rector: Academics, told the fellows, at their welcoming event in October 2022. She also emphasised the importance of acknowledging the skills, competencies, and experiences that lead to successful teaching portfolios.

The two-year fellowship, launched in 2021, provides the chosen UFS academic staff members with further training in the scholarship of teaching and learning, and allows them to work on a project within the field. It also aims to advance scholarly teaching and the scholarship of teaching and learning at an institutional level, empowering academics for 21st-century education, as specified in the UFS learning and teaching strategy.

The programme also allows fellows to produce evidence of innovation in learning and teaching as specified in the Academic Performance Framework; aims to increase research outputs in disciplinary learning and teaching; and aims to create a pipeline of academics eligible for national fellowship programmes such as the Teaching Advancement at University (TAU) Fellowship Programme.

Expectations of the programme

The fellowship programme which commenced with a workshop, followed by a writing retreat where fellows had the opportunity to conceptualise and reflect on their learning and teaching projects.

Thakaso Masabata, a Junior Lecturer at the School of Computer Science and Informatics, said she expects the programme to broaden her understanding of creative teaching methods applicable in today's digital age and establish her position as a reputable researcher in the field. “This programme will aid me in my ongoing master's studies and contribute to achieving my long-term goal of pursuing a PhD,” she said. “Through acquiring hands-on experience and collaborating with seasoned professionals, I aspire to improve my aptitude for designing productive learning environments for students and making significant contributions to the teaching and learning community.”

Overall, the UFS Learning and Teaching Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for academics to enhance their skills and competencies in teaching, research, and mentorship, while creating a pipeline of successful scholars who can contribute significantly to learning and teaching. 

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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