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14 June 2024
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Story Anthony Mthembu
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Photo Suplied
Jeremiah Hlahla, a UFS student completing his PhD in Botany at the University of Debrecen as part of an exchange initiative funded by the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme.
As part of an exchange initiative facilitated by the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme, Jeremiah Hlahla, a student at the University of the Free State (UFS), is nearing the completion of his PhD studies at the University of Debrecen in Hungary. Hlahla’s journey, which began in February 2024 and is set to conclude in July 2024, has been a remarkable learning opportunity. “As a first time-traveller to Europe, I have thoroughly enjoyed engaging with people from different countries and cultures,” he said.
The benefits of international collaboration
Hlahla is currently pursuing a PhD in Botany, focusing on plant stress physiology. “My current PhD project investigates the physiological, biochemical and morphological responses of vegetable-type soybean, or edamame, to combined drought and heat stress,’’ he explained. He considers the University of Debrecen the ideal institution to complete his research due to its extensive expertise and resources in similar projects. He noted that his colleagues at Debrecen conduct significant work on plant protection against biotic and abiotic stresses, including salt and drought stress, as well as proteins and amino acids in barley and other legumes.
Given the vast knowledge available on similar projects, Hlahla has found substantial engagement with his work at the University of Debrecen. “Upon arrival, I delivered an introductory lecture presenting my UFS project on the synergistic effects of combined drought and heat stress on the physiology and biochemistry of edamame. It was an engaging session as everyone could relate to my work and asked many questions,’’ he said.
Insights gained from the exchange
Hlahla has also gained valuable lessons that will assist him in his research career, including biotechnology and physiology tools. “I learned how to prepare samples and use high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) to quantify proteins and amino acids,’’ he said. These techniques are beneficial not only for his current work but will also support future soybean research.
As his experience at the University of Debrecen nears its end, Hlahla reflects on the collaborations and friendships he has formed, which stand out as a significant highlight.
World-renowned researcher and author facilitates at Kovsies
2010-03-08
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| The facilitator with three academics of the Faculty of Education: (from the left) Emmie van Wyk (CHESD), Jean McNiff, Annette Wilkinson (CHESD), and Adri Beylefeld (Office of the Dean). |
Jean McNiff, world-renowned action researcher and author of 19 published books, created a buzz on the University of the Free State Campus last week.
She spent 23 February at the Faculty of Education. The day started off with a panel discussion between six senior staff members of the faculty and of the UFS Planning Unit. Thereafter 24 academic staff members attended a seminar where they were introduced to the methodology and conventions of action research (AR).
The full-day workshop on 24 February was attended by 30 UFS and 30 CUT staff members. The workshop – with the interesting title, Using our educational responsibilities to transform our violent histories into life-affirming futures – was participative and interactive, true to the nature of AR.
In addition to the 84 staff members who have already benefitted from these sessions, 12 staff members from the QwaQwa Campus will have the opportunity to watch the video-taped version of the workshop.
Jean McNiff's book Action research for professional development is available as a free download on her webpage www.jeanmcniff.com . |