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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.
Spotlight on Excellence in Teaching and Learning
2012-10-30
30 October 2012
The Centre for Teaching and Learning is hosting the first Excellence in Teaching and Learning Week from 29 October to 1 November 2012 in the Centenary Complex. Some of the top academics at the university will exhibit and present their scholarly contributions in the form of presentations, short videos and electronic posters. These will form part of the academics’ entries for the Innovation awards.
Lunch-hour presentations will be held daily and speakers include Dr Liezel Nel, 2011 winner of the Vice Chancellor Teaching and Learning award, Prof. Driekie Hay, Vice Rector: Academics, Dr Francois Strydom and the UFS101 team.
On Thursday 1 November 2012, five academics will present their Scholarship of Teaching and Learning approach along with their teaching philosophies. This is done in the quest for the Vice Chancellor's Teaching and Learning award.
Personnel are encouraged to visit the Centenary complex to view the quality work of their colleagues. They can also vote for the best video or electronic poster by visiting the CTL portal at https://intranet.ufs.ac.za/sites/ctl
See programme for more details about the presentations throughout the week.