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14 June 2024 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo Suplied
Jeremiah Hlahla
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.

News Archive

One from UFS elected as Vice-President of ASAQS
2015-04-20

Stephen Ramabodu and Dr Marléne Campbell, Stephen’s promotor during his studies.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

The university is very proud of the election of Dr Stephan Ramabodu, from the Department of Quantity Surveying and Construction Management, as Vice-President and the chairman of the fees committee of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS).

ASAQS aims to advance and promote the science and practice of quantity surveying, uphold the dignity of the quantity surveying profession, and promote the high standards of professional competence and integrity, among other things. Members of the ASAQS receive guidance and resources to succeed in quantity surveying, and to stay abreast of developments in the built environment today and in the future.

The ASAQS also provides an environment in which professionals may learn, grow, and work together to advance the techniques and science of quantity surveying. The ASAQS include quantity surveying professionals from every area of the construction industry, from private practice, government and quasi-government organisations to construction companies.

Stephan completed his quantity surveying (QS) degree as well as a master’s degree in Land and Property Management at the University of the Free State. In 2014, he completed his PhD, making him the first black South African PhD holder in the Department and one of the few QS PhD holders nationwide. 

In 2002, Stephen was appointed as a lecturer in the Department of Quantity Surveying and Construction Management under a programme called Grow Your Own Timber. He went to gain some commercial experience in Cape Town, where he worked for Davis Langdon. In 2008, he came back to the Free State, where he established Ramabodu & Associates Later that year, he returned to the university as a lecturer to complete all the remaining milestones of the Grow Your Own Timber programme.

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