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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.
Varsity Hockey semi-finals in Kovsies’ grasp
2014-05-14
Photo: Johan Roux
Despite suffering their first loss of the Varsity Hockey tournament against Tuks on Sunday, Kovsies managed a dominating 4-1 comeback against Rhodes University at the UFS Astro on Monday.
Kovsies’ Jaco Fourie struck the first goal of the match on Monday on a rebound from a short corner. Shortly into the second chukka, Fourie rounded the goalkeeper for his second goal. The visitors did attempt to fight back, but shortly after scoring their one and only goal of the match, Kovsies scored a third time.
The final chukka saw our Kovsie team put pressure on the Rhodes goal box until, eventually, Ruan Kleinhans shot at goal for the home side’s fourth point.
Kovsies are currently ranked among the top half of the log and will next be facing UCT on Saturday at 11:45 at UJ for round seven of the tournament. It is likely that Kovsies should also make it into the semi-finals on Sunday and if the UFS hockey boys could secure a win there, the final awaits them on Monday 19 May.